Navigating Relationships in Real Estate: 10 Years of Family, Frustrations, and Friendships
When it comes to working with family, especially in real estate, it’s a mixed bag of rewards and challenges. For the past 10 years, I’ve worked alongside my mom, which has given me a front-row seat to both the perks and the inevitable struggles. It’s like we’ve been co-starring in our very own reality show where the drama is real, but so are the benefits. Cue the behind-the-scenes clip where I dish out all the details of how my mom and I have had to learn the art of patience, balancing workloads, and giving each other grace (sometimes more than once a day!) and all the deep breaths and eye rolls that I admittedly share throughout that clip.
Here’s the thing, my mom is a kick-a** negotiator. Honestly, she’s one tough cookie. When we’re in the negotiation phase, I sometimes feel like the “silent partner,” standing by and watching her work her magic. But, just like any good reality show, there are plot twists. There are times when the “silent partner” has had to transform into the *bulldog* because let’s be real, no one gets to roll their eyes or give my mom attitude except me! We’re a team, and that means standing up for each other when the stakes are high.
If you’ve ever thought about going into business with family, let me give you the inside scoop, especially in a field as *relationship-driven* as real estate.
The Perks of the Mother-Daughter Real Estate Team
Let’s start with the good stuff. Working with my mom in real estate has a lot of benefits. We complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and over time, we’ve filled in the gaps of our expertise. When it comes to marketing strategies, I’ve got that covered! Call me the Canva Queen at this point… Little did I know that being a realtor also means being the marketing director, project manager, master negotiator, and if we’re being honest, I’ve probably racked up enough hours to have my PhD in psychology. Call me Doc Britt from here on out. I kid (mostly), but seriously, the many roles this field demands make me think some days I need to ask for a raise.
Meanwhile, my mom brings decades of life experience and a deep understanding of building long-term relationships. Together, we cover a broader demographic, reaching everyone from first-time homebuyers to those looking to downsize or invest
Another great thing about working with family is the trust. When you’re dealing with something as high-stakes as buying or selling a home, knowing we have each other’s backs is priceless. Plus, having that built-in communication (even if it’s non-verbal… and let’s be honest, my face has subtitles) really helps when navigating the ups and downs of the real estate market.
But Then, There Are the Struggles…
While there are perks, there are definitely challenges. One of the toughest parts about working with family, especially my mom, is separating personal life from business. It’s way too easy for work talk to become *the only* talk. Next thing you know, we’re discussing clients over dinner (which, to be fair, saves me from the dreaded “why aren’t you married with kids” conversation, silver lining, right?) or brainstorming marketing strategies at weekend family gatherings. Finding that boundary and keeping work at work is a constant struggle, and let’s just say, some days are smoother than others.
Another challenge is the patience it requires. What seems second nature to me, especially when it comes to *technology* or certain modern real estate practices, may take her longer to grasp. And I’m sure there are plenty of things I do that drive her crazy, too. It’s a continual practice of empathy and understanding, and we both have to remind ourselves that just because something is easy for one of us, doesn’t mean it’s the same for the other.
Why Real Estate is All About Relationships
Here’s the thing about real estate: it’s a *relationship-driven* business through and through. Yes, the technical skills, market knowledge, and negotiation tactics are crucial, but if you don’t understand people, you won’t succeed. Buying or selling a home is one of the most emotional and stressful times in a person’s life, and as real estate agents, we’re often in the eye of the storm.
People want to feel heard, understood, and supported during these pivotal moments. And let’s be real, when stress levels are high, not everyone is going to be at their best. The key is to remember that it’s not personal. As real estate professionals, we need to check our egos at the door, empathize with our *clients* (aka friends, we’ll get to that in a moment), and make sure we’re offering the guidance and support they need.
Why I Call Them Friends, Not Clients
I’ll admit it that every time I use the word “client,” it makes me cringe. It sounds so transactional, and that’s not what real estate is about. Over the years, I’ve found that the people we work with become more than just clients, they become friends. We get to know their stories, their families, their dreams. We’re with them every step of the way, from the moment they start their home search to the day they sign on the dotted line. And let’s be honest, when someone trusts you with a decision as big as buying or selling a home, that’s not just business… it’s personal.
These relationships we build go far beyond the sale. Many of the people I’ve worked with stay connected with me for years, and I’ve been fortunate enough to see them build their lives in the homes we’ve helped them buy. That’s why I choose to think of them as friends rather than clients, it’s just more accurate for what we do.
The Bottom Line
Working in real estate, especially with family, has taught me so much about relationships—both personal and professional. It’s about balancing strengths, having grace for one another’s weaknesses, and above all, recognizing that at the heart of it all, this business is about people. Whether it’s navigating the challenges of working with my mom or building lasting friendships with the people we help, relationships are the core of everything we do in real estate.
And that’s why, despite the occasional frustrations, I wouldn’t change a thing.
