Recently, I received a phone call from one of our followers on social media who was looking for a bit of guidance about selling his home.
He had asked a friend in real estate to help list the property. At the time, it felt like the natural choice. When someone you know works in the industry, it’s common to want to support them, and there’s already a level of trust.
The home was on the market for a while without selling, so they decided together to take it off the MLS and wait for the Spring market, when buyer activity usually picks up.
Now that Spring is approaching, the home hasn’t been relisted yet, and he simply wanted some advice on how to move forward. He also shared that he didn’t want to put pressure on his friend or create any awkwardness in the relationship, but at the same time he knew he needed a clear plan to get his home sold.
Situations like this happen more often than people realize.
Selling a home is one of the largest financial decisions most homeowners will make. It requires the right pricing strategy, effective marketing, professional negotiation, and consistent communication throughout the process.
When the person representing you is also a friend or family member, it can sometimes make honest conversations more difficult. Homeowners may hesitate to ask important questions such as:
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Should we adjust the price?
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What marketing strategy are we using?
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What feedback are we getting from buyers?
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What is the plan moving forward?
These discussions are necessary during any home sale, but they can feel uncomfortable when personal relationships are involved.
This doesn’t mean working with a friend or family member is always a bad idea. In many cases it can work very well - especially if that person is experienced, professional, and able to separate business from personal relationships.
However, if you are unsure about who to hire, there is a simple approach that can help keep things fair and professional.
Some homeowners choose to:
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Interview 2 or 3 real estate agents
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Include their friend or family member in the interviews
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Choose the best performer objectively
This approach allows you to support your friend while still making a decision based on experience, marketing strategy, and proven results. It also removes pressure from the relationship because the decision becomes a professional one rather than a personal obligation.
At The Fisher Group, we often speak with homeowners who simply want clarity about their options and the current market. Sometimes a quick conversation can provide the perspective needed to move forward with confidence.
Your home is one of your most valuable assets. Making sure you have the right strategy—and the right team—can make all the difference when it comes time to sell.
