If you want to continue to use this neighbor, then maybe he needs to know that you're son is qualified. Call me at 714-264-5890, I can have the numbers of what he can buy, then I will call your Realtor adn let him know that your son is ready to buy, and then he may take him seriously, if this doesnt work find another Realtor.

I want to thank everyone who has weighed in on this question. Honesty will be the best policy, I know. Our son has given the realtor tons of info about his credit score (excellent) and his down payment (also excellent), but I think the realtor may not take him seriously because our son is still young. Frankly, I have never seen this realtor "burning rubber" in ANY of his transactions with others, so maybe he's just kinda "lazy". The real estate market is tough now, to say the least, but I don't think he's out there drumming up business. On the other hand, he's a nice guy, so we only wish him well. As they say, "timing is everything", and I know the right time will come along for our son to make the break in a decent manner. He's a great young man and I know he does NOT want to hurt the realtor. I will keep checking in here and when all is said and done, will let you know how it worked out. Again, many thanks!

Maria -

There's always two sides to every situation. The Agent "friend" may not be putting a lot of effort into this transaction because he feels he's been placed into an "arranged" business realationship as a friend of the neighbor - and, your son may feel compelled to use the agent for the same reason. The neighbors are probably just living their lives and not even thinking about it as they shouldn't because they are not part of the deal!

Your son should meet with the agent, have a straight-forward one-on-one conversation about whether they want to conitinue their business relationship or not. Neither you nor the neighbor needs to be involved in that conversation - it's between the client (your son) and the agent ------ period.

They might both find they do or don't want to work together. The agent may just need some clarity from your son or your son may want something different in an agent.

The agent does have responsibility to your son if he has been engaged to work for your son. It sounds like no one has signed anything and they are just sort of "looking" together.

Clarity and candid conversation between the actual parties of the business relationship are always a good thing ...... no one will be hurt by good business decisions.

Best,

Thom Colby
Broker & Realtor
Orange County, CA

Ouch.... that's really tough, but in the end your son needs an agent who is going to work for him. You could always make up some white lie to your neighbor by saying something like your son has an associate with his/her license and decided to work with that person instead. Or, your son could be blunt with the agent and tell him that he wants more service. If agent doesn't step up, then son can tell agent that he is going with another one who will. It is actually between them.

Working with a personal friend is always great, until things go south. Would you choose an attorney or a doctor because they are friends or neighbors’? In this challenging market you need a professional, full time realtor, who knows the local market and has access to great new listings as well as knowledge of past market history.
It was nice of you to give him a try but at this stage I would contact a few local known professionals and interview them. Once you find a realtor that you think will serve your needs call or email the realtor/neighbor and explain that although you would love to help him start his career you have found someone that you are just "more comfortable" with. You can't argue with chemistry.
Buyers can afford to be choosey-but for the best outcome find a realtor you like, trust, and get's you. Then be loyal and you'll have a good chance of finding a good home at the right price.

Good Luck
Dolores Person
Realtor
Newburyport, MA

Maria, How seriously has your son taken buying a home? Did he get approved for a loan amount, did he discuss with the agent just exactly what he was interested in, has he put his heart into it. Does the agent have any reason to take any of this seriously?
Agents get lots of lookers but few people who are actually prepared to buy or qualified to buy. The agent gets no income from spending a year waiting for your son to decide if he really wants to buy.
I may not win any friends saying this but,...If your son gets serious in this market the only question you'll have to ask is "Where did all the agents come from?"

Not thinking this is all about the agent, Dunes

Maria,

Unfortunately, this is a painful reminder of why people should avoid doing business with friends and relatives. This is a most unfortunate situation.

A possible way out is to change you target location to one that he is not familiar. The key here is to not give him the opportunity to say, "Oh, I can show you property there." It's important to be up front and make him aware of your new direction. Make sure it is one that will remove him from th picture.

Good luck

Hi there Maria, It looks like your son is not getting the level of sevice that he needs. I had a client who was in the exact same position and I helped and advised them to delicately make the break.
Drop me a call and I will help you and your son amke this decision without hurting anyones feelings.

Kind Regards
Michael Barron
Realtor/MBA
First Team Real Estate
(714) 552-6817

Hi Maria!

Ouch... not a pleasant situation! I think I would advise you to confront the situation, head-on. The first step would be for you and/or your son to have a heart-to-heart discussion with the Realtor, explain how you're feeling, and let him know you're unhappy. Ask if he has any suggestions on how you guys might improve your Realtor/client relationship. If he has nothing to offer, or there seems to be no improvement, then "fire" him.

Then there are the neighbors... I would suggest the same approach. It's a sticky situation, with no easy way 'around' it. Tell them how you feel, and suggest that your son and the Realtor might simply be a "bad fit." And at the same time, you can reassure them that it's not personal, that you value their friendship, and that you just wanted to honor them by telling them the truth.

Either way, will you let me know how it works out?

Good luck!

...randy

State YOUR SON made decision work with another realtor, since you son is over age of 21 he makes his own decision TRUST me if we had any buyer qualified with $$$$$$ they would be closed living in their home months ago. Agent does not care