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Ambassador
3,383,334
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

I had to fire an administrative assistant and hated it.  I told him that I had good news and bad news.  The good news was he wasn't meant to stuff envelopes in life.  The bad news was that because he was destined to do other things, I had to let him go.

Mar 29, 2016 03:48 AM
Rainmaker
556,536
Greg Cremia
Shore Realty of the Outer Banks - Nags Head, NC

The worst part about firing a client is thinking about all the time spent with them knowing that the nezt agent is going to walk into a more cooperative situation.

Mar 29, 2016 02:36 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Richie,

I hate doing it, so Ron is the one to do it. It is something that needs to be done on occasion.  We are always careful to accent the positive, and tell whoever, we are not a match.  A

Mar 29, 2016 02:04 AM
Ambassador
1,453,069
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

I've had to fire many a person and they were usually people I hadn't personally hired.  Some people are just not a good fit and I prefer placing them somewhere else where they can excel.  If they can't be shifted elsewhere, they have to go and I wish them the best. 

Mar 29, 2016 03:19 AM
Ambassador
5,049,477
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Several times in the corporate world, and I often worked with managers who had to. It was always very difficult even when you knew it was the right thing to do.

I fired a seller last year because there was no way I could help him in the way he demanded. It was the right decision for both of us!

Mar 29, 2016 02:22 AM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

I have fired customers and it felt good because they were not easy to deal with and I didn't need the drama!

Mar 29, 2016 02:07 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I've fired people many times in my corporate life. The first firing was tough... but I found out that it got easier with time and experience even though it's never pleasant to do. And I couldn't avoid it as I was a start-up/turn-around specialist in corporate finance for Fortune 500 Companies... that kind of work needs to assume firings will happen as I was expected to come in and quickly fix the "sick puppies."

In real estate, I've fired my share of clients... and again, after the first one, it got easier and my life was easier for not having them in it.

Mar 29, 2016 10:08 PM
Rainmaker
1,771,867
Noah Seidenberg
Coldwell Banker - Evanston, IL
Chicagoland and Suburbs (800) 858-7917

Yes Richie and I felt good. They were wasting my time and going nowhere fast.

Mar 29, 2016 01:54 PM
Rainmaker
846,475
Marco Giancola
Beachfront Realty - Miami Beach, FL
Realtor (305)608-1922, Miami Beach Florida

Ok Richie it is never fun (well, never that fun) to fire somebody. I do not enjoy watching their face crumple up and then the water works. After they have left my presence I feel great relief.

Mar 29, 2016 09:01 AM
Rainmaker
556,890
DEANNA C. SMITH CERTIFIED MOBILE NOTARY
Certified Mobile Notary Signing Agent - Smith Mountain Lake, VA
Highest Ranked Certified Mobile Notary in Virginia

I've dismissed employees and a few clients in my day.   Though it is NEVER easy and usually came after days or weeks of pondering the decision, it was something that had to be done.

It didn't feel good and often gave me heartaches afterward but it was business, not personal.   We all moved on.

Mar 29, 2016 07:20 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Yes,  Relieved.

Mar 29, 2016 04:38 AM
Ambassador
2,178,703
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Twice.  I felt bad but focused on why it was in their best interest to move on.  

Mar 29, 2016 02:13 AM
Rainmaker
1,052,221
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

You mean like an agent? When we had our property management branch, which was unprofitable and full of drama, I gave the property manager 90 days to get herself set up solo, take all the accounts bc we are phasing the branch out. She was mad, but people who use you always are when you turn off the well pump.

Mar 29, 2016 01:56 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Yes. Unemotional.  It was a business decision, based on good grounds, in every case.  See Jeff Dowler CRS and Nina Hollander responses - good info.

Mar 30, 2016 12:02 AM
Rainmaker
5,217,353
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

If you are a managing broker and never had to fire someone, you should be fired!

Mar 29, 2016 09:02 PM
Rainmaker
2,538,633
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Good morning Richie. I don't ever like to fire a client, but I don't hesitate to do it when necessary.

Mar 29, 2016 06:40 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Richie Alan Naggar - oh yes, I had to - and it seems I felt really very bad about it. Surprisingly, the person who was fired was perfectly okay...(said - I expected it....)

Mar 29, 2016 01:44 PM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

 Incorporate America I managed five profit centers and 275 employees and firing people was not my favorite thing to do but it had to be done ...

Mar 29, 2016 12:41 PM
Ambassador
6,393,609
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

More than once, and it was generally overddue by the time it happened.

My son is much better at firing quickly.

Mar 29, 2016 11:16 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Yes and I didn't particularly like it but it needed to be done. It was better for them and for me.

Mar 29, 2016 10:08 AM
Rainmaker
4,161,130
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Richie Alan Naggar In a few occasions I fired or disassociate with the person. Good question!

Mar 29, 2016 09:03 AM
Rainmaker
1,231,853
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

Ditto under Chris Ann Cleland and Susan Emo comments.

Mar 29, 2016 06:18 AM
Ambassador
5,829,549
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

The first time I fired someone, I had Larry counsel me on it and was  all night with a knot in my stomach.

Mar 29, 2016 05:53 AM
Rainmaker
4,936,716
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

I fired lots of people if they were not doing there job it was their problem

Mar 29, 2016 05:35 AM
Rainmaker
953,717
Pete Xavier
Investments to Luxury - Pacific Palisades, CA
Outstanding Agent Referrals-Nationwide

Outside of real estate I have. It felt good as it was justified and done properly.

Mar 29, 2016 05:07 AM
Rainmaker
2,390,630
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Yes, I always have two office assistants. I've had some bad ones in the past. I hate firing anyone.

Mar 29, 2016 04:14 AM
Rainmaker
613,494
Eve Alexander
Buyers Broker of Florida - Tampa, FL
Exclusively Representing ONLY Tampa Home Buyers

I have fired more agents than any other broker that I know.   I ran a specialty niche, a tight ship and only wanted the best. I even fired my "top producer" at a time when I needed the money.

Some I hated to fire, firing others was "therapy".

Eve

 

 

Mar 29, 2016 03:04 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,439
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Before real estate, I was in positions where I had to fire people -- it's not a good feeling.

In real estate, I have "let" buyers/sellers "go".   One door closes, a new one opens.   

Mar 29, 2016 02:38 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Not related to real estate

Mar 29, 2016 02:01 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,565
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I fired a buyer years ago after they could not make a decision and saw nearly 100 homes.    Missed them, but felt good not to be wasting time and gas.

Mar 31, 2016 12:00 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Most oftenit is in my service business of landscaping, REO preservation or contractors. Most often for not showing up to work (multiple times). 

Mar 29, 2016 10:49 PM
Rainmaker
4,883,260
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

I had to last Friday.  It was not fun and I felt bad, but knew it had to be done.

Mar 29, 2016 10:17 PM
Rainmaker
7,836,431
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Yes. It is never fun.

Mar 29, 2016 10:15 PM
Rainmaker
2,363,313
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

How can anyone feel good about it?

Mar 29, 2016 07:17 PM
Rainmaker
634,482
Kathleen Luiten
Resort and Second-Home Specialist - Princeville, HI
Kauai Luxury Ocean Home Sales

Not in my real estate business. I did fire someone in another business and had no problem firing him. There was a problem with his behavior at work and i told him if he did it again he would be fired on the spot. He did it again within a few days and I told him bye-bye!

Mar 29, 2016 07:00 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Of course, many times. Now, I take time to do so, sometimes longer than necessary,  making sure it is not an emotional reaction, but as soon as I made my final decision, I never look back. I always focus on finding a solution, and if someone proved that they are not the right fit, we respectfully part apart.

Mar 29, 2016 04:06 PM
Ambassador
3,164,294
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

I have fired many people. The first time I was just 22 years old and he was older and had a pregnant wife.  But he wasn't doing the job he was hired to do.  I felt horrible.  I still don't like it.  But I do what I have to do.

Mar 29, 2016 01:56 PM
Rainmaker
2,707,721
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Yes, I certainly have and you have to believe it is opening opportunities that will be a better fit for all parties.

Mar 29, 2016 12:39 PM
Rainer
43,981
Stephanie & John Webb
Latte Stone Realty LLC - Albuquerque, NM
Stephanie Webb Co-Owner, Latte Stone Realty, LLC

Yes I did and for this particular situation, I felt relieved. It was the best decision for both of us. I wished them the best and referred them to someone else. No hard feelings to either party.

Mar 29, 2016 09:43 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

gardener-often.... Non-performance

tree trimmer-incomplete chore

others I keep them ...

I pay right after completion. That is why they like to work for me.

Mar 29, 2016 06:37 AM
Rainmaker
582,106
Eric Kodner
Madeline Island Realty - La Pointe, WI
CRS, Madeline Island Realty, LaPointe, WI 54850 -

Hate having to fire anyone. But when it becomes necessary, the best thing to do is be classy and frame things with the person you're dismissing in the best and most constructive manner.

Mar 29, 2016 06:35 AM
Rainer
22,242
Sherrie Stone
Xpress Property Resource, Inc - Tampa, FL
Real Estate Redefined

Have fired clients, fired employees, fired agents & I have been fired.....

All were necessary and were not always productivity related.  Me being fired was also necessary as I was about to give notice.  Money is not everything no matter if they are your employee or employ

Mar 29, 2016 06:32 AM
Rainer
216,904
Sharon Altier
Coldwell Banker Realty - Elmhurst, IL
Luxury Property Specialist, CSC, SFR

Many.  Most people knew it was going to happen and it was almost a relief.  If a person leaves your office without a smile or bitter, the firing wasn't done right.  It should be a discussion and then a focus of what is yet to happen (i.e., benefits due, docs to be completed, etc.) and how you will handle future reference requests, etc...helping them plan the next steps. 

Mar 29, 2016 06:26 AM
Rainmaker
1,503,008
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Been close to it.

Mar 29, 2016 04:32 AM