Not Every Assignment is Mine —Even in Family
Last week, one of my realtor partners and I had a really honest conversation about some of the things we witness in this industry — the moments that challenge us, humble us, and sometimes break our hearts.
We reflected on what it means to truly serve people well and how easy it is to miss the mark when pressure, pride, or burnout creep in.
We shared stories that stuck with us…
A client who was told to miss work to view homes because their agent was too busy to accommodate them
A buyer who felt more like a task than a person, because their agent was rushing them through one of the biggest decisions of their life
And one that hit close to home: agents who were deeply hurt when a family member chose to work with someone else
— not just disappointed, but truly offended
— even letting it affect their relationships
And I get it. I really do. When you genuinely love what you do, and you know you’d serve someone with excellence and care, it can be tough when the people closest to you choose someone else.
But that conversation reminded me of something I believe deeply:
Not every assignment is mine — even if it’s family.
Even when I love them deeply.
Even when I’d give them my absolute best.
Even when I want to be the one to walk them through it.
But here’s the truth…
Just because I’m your family doesn’t automatically mean I’m the right fit to be your Realtor. And honestly? That’s okay. We always assume family should automatically work with family — but when you’re making one of the biggest financial and emotional investments of your life, it’s deeper than blood. It’s about trust. Safety. Privacy. Comfort. And sometimes, those things don’t naturally exist just because we share a last name or grew up eating at the same table.
Family Doesn’t Mean You Want Me in Your Business
It can be so easy to get offended and make it about us, right? The truth is, sometimes it’s not about us at all. I had to learn how to lean into understanding to get it. Because honestly? Some family members just don’t want you in their business. And I respect that. Wholeheartedly.
Buying or selling a home means sharing:
Your credit situation
Your finances
Your family plans
Your relationship dynamics
Your stress, your excitement, and sometimes…your mess
Not everybody wants their cousin or sister-in-law involved in all that — even if they love you. It’s so important to not feel slighted by that.
My Promise: Confidentiality Over Closeness
I’ve worked with family a few times. And from the very first meeting, I make one thing crystal clear:
“I take confidentiality very seriously. No matter who asks — mom, sister, uncle, whoever — I won’t share any details unless you’ve told me directly what’s okay to share.”
One of my very first clients was family. You wouldn’t have known unless they told you. That’s how it should be. Because trust, not titles, is the foundation I build on.
Who You Work With Matters
This isn’t just about contracts and closings — this is about comfort.
You deserve to work with someone who:
Makes you feel safe
Doesn’t judge your situation
Listens with care
Respects your privacy
Honors your trust
So whether that person is me or not, I hope you choose someone who makes you feel seen and covered, not exposed.
Final Thoughts
If you’re my family and ever choose to work with someone else, please know that I’m not offended by that. I’ll be proud of you for doing what’s best for you. And if you ever decide that I am the right one to walk with you, know this:
I will show up with full professionalism, full confidentiality, and a heart to serve you — not just as my family, but as my client.
And here’s the thing — even if I’m not the one, I can still help you find someone who is. I’ve partnered with agents across the globe who I’d trust with my own transactions. They will serve you with all of their heart. Feel free to contact me for my preferred list. You deserve all the best!
Because in this business, true service means putting people before profit. Always.
