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Kathryn Messina, Real estate agent in the greater New England area (Real Estate 360 Now)

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Rainmaker
4,572,645
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Know your craft thoroughly. 

Listen carefully. 

Honesty matters.

Treat people fairly. 

Parameters?  There are expectations that are established.  Rules are important. 

Oct 29, 2018 01:11 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

I've always had a separation of personal and business....the two never overlapped....just my rule....and it worked well for me.... I've witnessed others having issues doing business with folks after that line is crossed....

Oct 29, 2018 01:10 PM
Rainmaker
7,836,848
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Simply meet the needs of the client and give them the best professional advice.

Oct 29, 2018 01:09 PM
Rainmaker
2,390,787
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Just as every piece of Real Estate is unique so is every relationship Kathryn Messina .

Oct 29, 2018 04:53 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I don't step over professional boundaries, which are essentially spelled out in the Buyer Agency Agreement.  Not sure how you would define personal.

Oct 29, 2018 01:43 PM
Rainmaker
2,781,313
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Proceed with caution here as the "fine" line can turn on you. Focus on how and why and what brought you together first, protect that using fiduciary and then we'll see from there. There are those that can jump right in too

Oct 29, 2018 01:51 PM
Rainmaker
809,258
Kasey & John Boles
Jon Gosche Real Estate, LLC - BoiseMeridianRealEstate.com - Boise, ID
Boise & Meridian, ID Ada/Canyon/Gem/Boise Counties

What Roy Kelley said. We are in a professional, yet personable business. I become friends with a lot of my clients. It just happens. But always remain professional, knowledgeable, and customer/client oriented. Are you thinking of a certain example of lines being crossed? -Kasey

Oct 29, 2018 01:24 PM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Kathryn,

We never had to set parameters.  And it is exactly as Roy Kelley said.

Oct 29, 2018 01:15 PM
Ambassador
3,164,405
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

My best friend started as a client.  I end up being friends with most of my buyers and some of my sellers.

Oct 29, 2018 01:00 PM
Ambassador
6,393,709
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

In 30 years of business this has never been a problem, we stay professional during the process and it generally remains that way afterward, and a while later they call us to start a new project.

Oct 29, 2018 05:04 PM
Rainmaker
4,936,827
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Boy that is hard to answer.  I tell all my clients they are with me for life.  I deliver Xmas cookies for them in Dec. and peach cobblers in Sept.

Oct 29, 2018 04:28 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Business is business, i try to not make it personal. Most buyers i have are referred to me. I go over my expectations from them, ask what they are expecting, what they want and need and then outline the service i can prvide and plan to tackle those needs. 

Oct 29, 2018 01:49 PM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

Satisfy their needs. I do draw a line I only handle RE related issues. Not their gopher, Uber, limo service, match maker.

Oct 29, 2018 01:29 PM
Rainer
187,002
Raj Taj
RE/MAX - Lake Bluff, IL
Drive By Blessings!

No means No & Don't ask, don't tell, are the rules I follow.

 

Oct 29, 2018 01:25 PM
Ambassador
2,684,209
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

    Familiarity breeds contempt.  Be careful.  

Oct 29, 2018 01:19 PM
Ambassador
5,230,164
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

It is personal, indeed, Kathryn! Most are referrals from my sphere so, we already have a 'friendly' connection.

Although during the transaction, it's totally professional, they nearly always wind up becoming friends...and some become extended family! 

Oct 29, 2018 07:00 PM
Rainmaker
2,220,654
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

What Roy Kelley said.

Oct 29, 2018 06:00 PM
Ambassador
3,345,257
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Parameters?  

I do what needs to be done to meet the needs of my client and truly be of service. 

I have become friends with many clients. 

Oct 29, 2018 05:07 PM
Rainmaker
644,165
Greg Large
ERA Real Solutions - Grove City, OH
A Tradition of Trust

The only clients that are personal are those in my SOI that were personal before the business transaction.   I have many past clients that I now consider friends. I am personable and relational but not personal.

Oct 29, 2018 03:43 PM
Rainmaker
5,217,433
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Roy Kelley covered this one well. Have empathy and do your job!

Oct 29, 2018 03:29 PM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

I believe in business bonding to achieve maximum results.

Oct 29, 2018 03:26 PM
Rainmaker
758,185
Peter Testa
Nationwide Homes - Danbury, CT
PETER TESTA

You may feel a personal attachment to buyers you are working with; I've really liked some clients but I offer them my services as a professional which means I give them my time, my advice based on my knowledge & experience and I do a good job negotiating on their behalf. That's all anyone could/should need. 

Oct 29, 2018 02:32 PM
Rainmaker
2,182,552
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

I keep it all business until after Closing

Oct 29, 2018 03:12 PM
Ambassador
3,855,369
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

I work with people that I like and respect.

Oct 29, 2018 03:09 PM
Rainer
378,517
Don Baker
Lane Realty - Eatonton, GA
Lake Sinclair Specialist

my circle of friends includes many past clients of my wife (who has been in the business much longer than me and is my broker)

Oct 29, 2018 03:03 PM
Rainmaker
1,196,798
Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

Not very far into the personal. When things get too personal I've found the expectation curve changes

Oct 30, 2018 08:46 AM
Rainer
417,221
Caroline Gerardo
Licensed in 20 states - Newport Beach, CA
C. G. Barbeau the Loan Lady nmls 324982

We both are honest. We listen. I care deeply about their future. 

Oct 29, 2018 05:39 PM
Rainmaker
1,503,048
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

It's rare that things get "personal."  I've worked with clients who I've known personally before hand, so that doesn't really count.  Very rarely do you form a tight bond that you become friends.  I've seen it a few times, but not that often.

 

Now if you're talking about don't call me after X time, that usually flows naturally.  I'm aware of if the sellers have kids and a set routine and will avoid phone calls and use texts instead after certain hours.

Oct 29, 2018 05:05 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Same as Barbara.

Oct 29, 2018 01:49 PM
Rainmaker
851,242
Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

As much as I think about establishing a list of rules/parameters, as many have said, each transaction/relationship is different.  I have started to train myself to not respond to text messages after 9:00 pm.  

Oct 30, 2018 06:55 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Zero, don't do it. Keep boundaries as the leader. 

Do not take responsibility for things that are not yours. 

Oct 30, 2018 06:40 AM
Rainmaker
577,750
Gloria Valvasori, Accredited Senior Agent
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE SIGNATURE SERVICE - Mississauga, ON
REAL Experience | REAL Commitment | REAL Results!

Every real estate transaction is different and can often transfrom into a friendship...

Oct 30, 2018 06:30 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

The 'line' is directly related to the need of the client.

There is the FSBO, Evil Empire, HGTV consumer who sits in judgment therefor a 'line' is very close to their toes.

But, very often, there is the homeowner who has been visited by calamity. Disorientation, grief, betrayal, cloud their vision and distress their thinking. For these the line envelopes them.

Then there is the fragile person. When they are confronted with a 'line' they easily go off-the-rail and the ensuing meltdown leads predictably to an outcome not beneficial to them.

In most of these cases a real estate agent will say, "Not my job!"

But there are those agents who are the unsung hero's of the profession.

Oct 30, 2018 05:33 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I find it pretty easy to keep the two separated.  It seems pretty self-evident to me.

Oct 30, 2018 05:05 AM
Rainmaker
4,883,260
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

In the simplest terms being a fiduciary and putting your clinet's interest above your own.

Oct 30, 2018 03:45 AM
Rainmaker
699,974
The Villages Realty
The Villages Realty - San Jose, CA
"Our Performance Will Move You!"

Phone calls only during business hours.  If I don't answer, I'm busy but will get back to you within the hour.

Oct 30, 2018 07:51 AM
Rainmaker
716,049
Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix Scottsdale. Sellers, Buyers & Relocations

A client is a client, period. It's business. Never, never, never cross the line during a transaction. Never. Thus your judgment does not get clouded. Resist all temptations. Do not get emotional, minimize the personal stuff.

When all said and over, use your best judgment. Many of my clients have become great friends.

Oct 30, 2018 07:23 AM
Rainmaker
1,045,440
Dave Martin (703) 585-4687
Fairfax Realty - Fairfax, VA
Making Realty Dreams a Reality #WeWillGetYouHome

There is always a bit of personal involved in any transaction and it makes the process smoother for all concerned Kathryn Messina 

Nov 05, 2018 08:06 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,699
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I prefer to keep business and personal separate until after a transaction, better that way.

Nov 01, 2018 02:44 PM
Rainmaker
900,278
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Legal and common sense.

Oct 31, 2018 06:08 AM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Yes, we usually become quite friendly, why not? Creating strong relationship for years is important for repeat business and referrals. 

Oct 30, 2018 10:17 PM
Rainmaker
547,327
Steven Nickens
Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers - Wailea, HI
R(S)GRI ABR, Maui Real Estate Hawaii

One rule I have is if my client is buying breakfast I will always show up, also a Hamburger on Tuesday works.

Oct 30, 2018 07:12 PM
Rainer
182,915
Harjeet Bhatti
FITH THIRD BANK - Chicago, IL
Home Mortgage Consultant 25 States

I keep it professional. 

Oct 30, 2018 10:51 AM
Rainmaker
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Valeria Mola
SIB Realty - Miami, Sunny Isles Beach - Sunny Isles Beach, FL
305-607-0709 SIB Realty Condos for Sale and Rent

Yes, what great answers you got, Kathryn. 

Good luck. 

Oct 30, 2018 10:39 AM
Rainmaker
2,071,025
Evelina Tsigelnitskaya
SIB Realty - Sunny Isles Beach, FL

All answers will cover your question.

Oct 30, 2018 10:36 AM
Rainmaker
1,311,772
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

I strive to meet the needs of my clients in a professional manner. A friendship may grow from the relationship.

Oct 30, 2018 09:01 AM