How can you handle conflicts with other real estate agents?

When conflict occurs, go back to the beginning. Both the listing agent and the buyer's agent want the same thing - to make their clients happy and close this transaction. Identify what is keeping that from happening. It may not be that the seller won't give concessions but that the buyer just wants the house professionally cleaned before moving in. Peel back the layers and get to the root of the conflict before you try to fix it because what you THINK is the cause may not be the reason at all!

See the other agent as a partner in the process from the beginning. Not as opposition, this should help to avoid conflict before it happens.

First, listen to the other agent and get all of the details. They may be correct or they may not understand. Have a phone conversation so that the words are clear as far as intent. Be kind and understanding. Be clear about what you're saying. Suggest that the two of you put your heads together and come up with a solution.

Conflicts happens, how you handle them can greatly impact your reputation and the satisfaction of the clients. 1. Maintain professionalism throughout the process 2. Open communication or consider involving a neutral third party to facilitate a resolution 3. Work it out, focus on long term business

When conflicts arise, so much time is spent pointing the finger at who may be responsible rather than taking initiative to resolve it. Everyone wants the transaction to close so get to the root of the delay and work together. Every deal is different and you learn as you go. Best wishes

Have you heard the sayings "make a mountain out of an ant hill" and "choose your battles"? How you respond to conflict is key as to whether this conflict escalates or whether you let it go. This is where your training as a real estate agent comes into play. As an outsider, you can see things without an emotional connection. You can see issues and conflicts in a different light and can help explain that to your client as a way to defuse the issue. However, if you do suspect that the other agent's actions may be an ethical violation to you, your clients, or their clients, you need to reach out to your broker to determine the next steps.

One of the more important things I have learned is to not take another agent's communication personally. I try to put myself in that person's shoes and even if I am tempted to be critical, I need to recognize that most likely in some fashion or another I have been guilty of the same transgression. Looking back on my experience with a contractor on my garage, I have learned that overreacting was the worst response. It could have been resolved more quickly if I tried to come up with a solution that would benefit both parties and allow each one to feel heard and acknowledged. The most important thing is not to respond in kind to a frustrating relationship or situation. Staying calm and seeking a solution helps tremendously.

Keep your head and don't allow yourself to get angry or take things personally. Don't lose sight that everything is about the client so, calmly, ask questions without accusing and find out the "why". If all else fails and you're dealing with someone who's hurtful or yelling at you, move forward with both Broker's involvement.

Handling conflicts isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing. Some conflicts are big deals, some aren’t. I start by looking at the severity of the conflict. I like to sort them out based on how much they actually matter. Some you ignore, some you address. I try to gather all the facts to decide how to handle them. From my experience building, I can say that when conflicts aren’t handled well, it’s bad for everyone involved. Dealing with conflicts isn’t just about stopping the arguing; it’s about being smart and thinking ahead. Creating a safe environment where people can express themselves respectfully, creates a good work culture.

Absolutely! Last year, I disagreed with another agent about a listing's details. Rather than escalate it, I reached out directly, and we discussed our viewpoints. It turns out, it was a simple miscommunication. By addressing it directly, we quickly resolved the issue and even collaborated on another property later. Sometimes, a direct conversation is all it takes to turn conflict into collaboration. 🤝🏠

Communication is one of the most important aspects when dealing with public in a professional manner. As a real estate agent for many years, sometimes I found myself having to repeat over and over again the same thing to clients and/or other agents. I still repeat as many times as necessary, always with respect and a positive attitude, however, I decided to also make it in writing so that there is no confusion or misinterpretation. In case of any doubt, you can go back to your message either by text or email and corroborate what was said.

Early and clear communication is key to avoiding conflict altogether. The main driver in conflict is miscommunication and ultimately a misunderstanding. Make sure both parties are well-informed about all relative information. I find that sometimes a quick phone call can resolve a potential issue instead of an email or text message. Other parties might misunderstand your email and portray it with a different tone than you intended. Always follow up phone conversations with an email to ensure everything is well documented.

With my degree in communication and rhetoric, I’ve found listening and being ethical to be key. If you can listen, you can diagnose the problem. If you can be ethical, you can make a fair decision when communicating. Try your best to do these two things and you will build great and meaningful relationships with people.

Very true! Choosing the right response is key in conflict management. I once experienced a minor disagreement with another agent over a listing. This can happen when 2 agents from the same brokerage are competing for a listing. Given its nature, we both decided to let it go, maintaining our focus on our clients and overall goals, ensuring our professional relationship stayed intact and collaborative.

Make an honest effort to stick to the facts and address the root of the frustrations and how the root problem may be solved to the satisfaction of the principals in the transaction. We must remember, we are the professionals, not the principals.

In a real estate transaction, the ultimate goal is to transfer ownership of a house. While you have to keep your clients' interests in mind and fight for them, you also have to understand where the other agent's clients are coming from. Finding a compromise to achieve a win-win solution is always best and completely achievable.

Recently, I had a disagreement with another agent over a listing price. We both recommended different prices based on our own analysis. To resolve it, we focused on our shared goal - getting the sellers top dollar. Through open communication and understanding each other's perspectives, we found a compromise price that worked for the sellers. I learned to listen actively, seek common ground and maintain respect. This minimized conflict and produced a good outcome for our clients.

In conflict resolution within the real estate sphere, the ultimate aim isn't to establish right or wrong; it's about crafting a solution that leaves both parties content while preserving the relationship. Achieving this requires a focus on common ground, shared interests, and mutual values with the other agent. Engage in collaborative brainstorming, weighing the merits and drawbacks of potential solutions, and engaging in negotiations that lead to a fair and reasonable agreement. While maintaining your principles and your clients' best interests, remain open to flexibility and creativity in your pursuit of a win-win resolution.

It is of utmost importance to ensure that while navigating through the conflict, one does not compromise on fundamental principles, rights, or the best interests of the clients we serve. The integrity of our professional practice and the trust of our clients are sacrosanct and must be preserved at all costs. Being flexible and creative in problem-solving does not signify a compromise of our principles but reflects our commitment to finding innovative solutions that safeguard our professional relationships and ensure the satisfaction of our clients. It is about striking a delicate balance between standing firm on our principles and being adaptable in our approach to finding solutions.

Finding common ground can turn potential conflict into collaboration! I once faced a difference of opinion with another agent, in my team over a property listing’s marketing approach. Focusing on our shared goal—maximizing the property’s value—led us to merge our strategies, blend our strengths, and ultimately forge a stronger, more unified path forward!

Be careful who you work with in the first place. If you think that working with anyone on any basis will help you make more fees, you will be sadly disappointed. Choose who you work with and have any agreement in writing. Remember your reputation is on the line, if problems arise with a poor agent they will say that it was your fault. Be open, honest, and up front with your dealings with anyone. Then you will tend not to have problems. If you get listings/buyers because of your high reputations why spoil it by letting others feed off you. Remember it is your listing and a good listing is worth gold. Why share a well priced listing with others who don't have the skills. Work only with people who you know and trust.

I fully agree that reflecting and following up are crucial in resolving disputes. I disagreed with an agent about a listing, and after we resolved it, maintaining contact ensured we both stuck to our commitments and rebuilt trust. It was a valuable lesson in the importance of clear communication, respect, and learning to foster better professional relationships.

Post-resolution, diligent follow-up is crucial to ensure both parties uphold their commitments and boundaries, fostering accountability and trust. Expressing appreciation for the other party's cooperation is vital in maintaining a positive rapport. Furthermore, reflect on the experience to extract valuable lessons. Assess what worked effectively, pinpoint areas for improvement, and identify pitfalls to avoid. This introspection empowers you to implement strategies that proactively prevent or mitigate future conflicts in the dynamic world of real estate transactions.

Don't complain about other agents to your colleagues or clients. Even if you have a legitimate cause for complaint, speaking poorly of another agent can drag down the reputation of the industry as a whole. And it can also reflect poorly on you, potentially coming across as petty, even if everything you say is 100% correct.

Practice EMPATHY in Real Estate. We’ve all had moments, when reflected upon, we were jerks concerned only with our clients interests, and requested actions or adjustments that were burdensome or inconsiderate. That is where animosity develops and festers if not dealt with. What works for me, when I have the bandwidth, is to acknowledge the difficulty instead of gaslighting the other realtor. They know your request was a grenade and you know it too. Quit badgering and patronizing them because “it is no big deal so chop-chop!”; just cop to it, and acknowledge the extra effort on their part. And if you do behave poorly, give them a gift and thank you note at settlement. Realtors have feelings too! And remember, you will see them again.

Emotions can run high in most real estate transactions. Buyers & sellers are often so stressed they can easily become irrational & ready to cut off their nose to spite their face. I recently closed for a buyer who demanded $5000 escrow for 4 patio pillows "missing" at the walk thru & quite innocently packed away by the sellers. Buyer told me "I'm not closing!". Sellers felt insulted by the buyer's lack of trust & reason. The amount was ridiculous yes, but I sympathized w buyer & knowing the pillows could be produced a few days later I asked sellers to weigh the choices. Close with a temporary holdback or fight indefinitely. We must keep a professional and logical - yet empathetic - approach & always remember not to feed a fire.

Rarely do aggression, bad behavior, and negativity smooth the road to a deal closing for our clients. Remember, it is not personal for you… but the house deal sure is for your client! Plaster a smile on your face when speaking with the other agent, take the high road. Do not run from conflict, but protect the interest of your client. Professionalism will never be something you regret. Be able to walk away no matter the outcome knowing you did your best and acted in a manner that represents your client, your brokerage, and your own character well.

As real estate agents, it’s imperative that we uphold the highest standards of professional integrity within our community. Regardless of the circumstances, we must strive to resolve conflicts internally and refrain from discussing colleagues in a negative light in the presence of clients. By preserving a united front, we not only maintain our professional reputation but also bolster the confidence and trust of our clients.