Any time two or more people interact, there are bound to be personality clashes. This is true in business as well as private life. While you might be blessed to have found your soul mate as a partner in life or to work with colleagues who are like-minded and as motivated as you, chances are you’ve also encountered people you didn’t get along with so well.  As a real estate agent, you might face challenges if you have a difficult client.

The best way to avoid this, of course, is to pre-screen your clients to determine if you’re a good fit for each other. In other words, you can avoid difficult clients by not taking them on. Assuming a few will slip through the cracks on occasion, it’s best to have a plan of action in mind to maximize professionalism and resolve any problems that may arise.

Add these tips to your real estate agent skill set

Difficult clients can become loud, argumentative or aggressive. They might be rude, indecisive or overly demanding. Difficult clients often consider even a most minor issue an urgent matter, which means your phone will blow up with text messages or calls, often late at night. By making the following skills part of your regular real estate regimen, you may be able to diffuse problematic situations:

• Always be professional in your disposition and actions, responding respectfully and politely, even if the client is not doing the same.
• Conduct a thorough interview at the start to ensure the client understands what services you’re offering, what fees you will charge and other information about your business to determine compatibility, avoid confusion, and manage expectations.
• Document all communication and correspondence, even text messages.
• Develop excellent listening skills and be empathetic to the client’s needs.
• Be prepared to end the client/agent relationship if it becomes apparent that continuing is not mutually beneficial.

The best real estate agents are skilled negotiators. They also educate their clients on the real estate process from start to finish.

Clients need to feel that they can trust you with their goals

When clients feel informed and cared about, they’re more likely to trust you as a real estate agent. You don’t have to become best friends with every client you have, although the home sale or purchase process will run more smoothly if you get along well with your sellers and buyers. If a difficult client comes your way, don’t panic.

Determine if you want to give working together a try, then keep the helpful tips mentioned in the blog in mind if trouble arises. Most issues can be peacefully resolved if all parties are willing to cooperate and compromise, as needed. However, don’t be afraid to tell a client that another agency may better serve his or her needs if a situation feels like it’s getting out of hand.