If the client found me and sought me out because of our shared political beliefs, you betcha! People want to do business with those they know, like, and trust.  But if the political beliefs of the clients are unknown, then, no.

It's not something I bring up, but I have on a rare occasion flipped it to my advantage and solidified a few business relationships (non real estate). 

Interestingly my situations had more to do with international politics.

In general, it's not a topic I'll ever initiate, and will deflect conversation attempts on the topic back to real estate related.  Our immediate market area is heavy red, that shifts as you get closer to Cincinnati.  If it's critical for a client to know the political makeup of their new area, a quick check of bumper stickers at the local grocer, restaurants, etc. will usually provide a good test of the local politics.

MOST of my clients' political leanings are also my own. So sure, if they want to!
The RARE occasion where a client's views differ greatly than my own, I will remain quiet and we will change the subject. 
I don't attract folks without common sense, as a general rule.

I hate politics and don't talk politics with anyone so I doubt I would talk politics with customers or clients, haha.  Sadly, I see people's political opinions causing a huge divide these days.  People that were close to each other are no longer even friends because of differing political views.

Only if you want to filter and eliminate potential clients by political idealogy.

Not only should it not be discussed, but it shouldn't even be brought up!  

Though politics play a part in our industry, it is not wise to discuss politics with buyers and sellers in a business environment.

It depends on if there is a niche market that will support the income you desire. ie I marketed to those of the same Christian faith as I and I did very well. Obviously they were not my only clients as many people could care less what my faith was, they just wanted a home. That being said Charles Ross - (785)-819-6944  my clients were Builders, Developers, and Contractors. I usually did my selling from model homes. It was my faith that drew my clientele to me and it was the model homes that brought the Buyers to me.

Also to be said, here in ND if you wanted to bill yourself as "The Conservative" Realtor of choice you would have plenty of clients to support your lifestyle.

Nor religion!

    Hi, Charles

      Is it politics, or is it Economics?

       If they ask me why Florida home prices are so high, that is a question of Economics.  Florida home prices are going through the roof because of people fleeing high tax states up north.  Demand for housing is exceeding supply, especially in south and central Florida.

    And, the underlying costs of building more homes is an Economic question.   Construction costs have skyrocketed, thanks to the inflation that started after the Biden Administration came into power.

   But Politics?  Nope, let's not talk about that.

You lost me at "should" however I understand the basis of the question. 

My personal and professional policies are that I do not bring up politics or religion.  

If it comes up I will LISTEN. 

Depending on the direction of what I am hearing, I may join the conversation or I may redirect or change the topic. 

Not politics and not religion! My opinions are none of their business. If they bring up the subjects I listen politely, make no comments, and bring the conversation back to the issues at hand... buying or selling their home.

I do not discuss politics with clients and if they bring it up, I usually segue back to whatever else we were discussing - or on to the next topic.

not something I bring up, but at times the conversation drifts there...

NOPE, not politics or religion.

I avoid it and certainly don't initiate it.  As others have commented, I stick to the facts regarding real estate and meeting their needs, as that is what I'm there for.  Getting into politics can cause unnecessary distractions and potentially may alienate you from your clients. 

I have heard of one agent that builds their business on being political.  I suppose that works if you're in a location that is predominantly one end of the political spectrum.

In my opinion make the conversation about information, solutions to the questions your real estate buyer and seller are asking. Let the buyer, seller talk to learn how you can help them. If you want to turn someone off that does not share the same personal convictions, instead of real estate helpful and  professional... just do a 180 degree. Shoot the breeze, rant about your opinions on politics, religion, whether COVID shots needed or not, did the US really land man on the moon, etc @CharlesRoss . Snarky and highly opinionated is the best way to whittle down and narrow your audience.

No

I do not talk politics when a client has hired me to assist them with a business decision.  

It is not done up here at all.  I wouldn't know family or friends affiliation.

I don't go down that road with close friends so why with clients?  

Best to steer away; might get ugly; never initiate. If client starts the conversation, feel out first where they stand and if their views align with your position, cautiously respond, if you choose; if not, change the subject tactfully. It's safer to remain neutral with clients. 

Depends on the client and their opinion.

I don't bring up the topic of politics with a new client, but as time goes on the subject seems to rear its ugly head sometimes and I will not stand back and say nothing.  If my client and I are of the same opinions the conversation can go on and on and on.  Otherwise, not so much.  IMHO

Sex, religion and politics are three topics that I refuse to discuss with clients. I have only had one discussion about religion as a realtor and it was with a real estate broker friend.

We went to lunch one day shortly after we met and he suddenly said to me "You do know that I'm Jewish" and I shrugged and responded, "That's nice, I'm not, what's your point?". We had a good laugh and have been friends ever since but the topic has never come up again.

P.S. I do NOT recommend using that response with clients!

No, No. No.  You may not know which party they are or even about one person in a party that they do not like.

In some cities and counties, political discrimination is illegal under local laws.
So, if you talk politics, or treat people differently based on politics, or political affiliation, it opens the door to accusations of political discrimination.  Know your state and local laws and court cases.

Sometimes.

Somefolks agree with me, some folks are open, some are best to leave in their own bubble.

For the most part it is best to spend time discussing what it takes to arrive at a successful outcome on their project.

Sorry I discuss it with anyone that wants to and I'm very persuasive.

I do not & try to distract them with things in the home as quick as possible. Sometimes you just have to come out & tell them to stop talking about it.

It's just not good business. We're here to help people buy and sell Real Estate. I try to keep my opinions to myself. We do have discussions amongst our kids but they're free to think and express themselves differently. 

Politics is in such a state o confusion and deception that it is a subject to be avoided. Too many have relied on false facts to form opinions.

In my opinion, you should not discuss politics with clients or customers as a real estate agent - most definitely not. 

My area is 90%+ leaning in the same direction as me- but even if you tend to largely agree- it can still have landmines. A good example- while there is a huge shortage of affordable housing in NYC - we are having a local standoff with a developer upped the stakes to 50% of this massive new development with affordable housing in Harlem- and that still isn't good enough for the socialist community board member to allow a rezoning for the building to move forward. The developer was frustrated- and pulled the plug on the project- meaning over 450 proposed affordable units disappeared in a day. The developer then decided to take another (likely temporary) path- and built a truck stop in the location- making headlines "Truck You!". I agree the community needs more affordable housing and it's worth fighting for- but there is a point where the socialist politician needs to be realistic as it's not her land, nor her risk, nor her money. This went from 25% affordable housing to 50% affordable- and I think the developer is ultimately being reasonable and the politician is being unreasonable (wanting 100% affordable). 

FYI- The Reverend Al Sharpton's offices are located on this property, and while he was originally planning a civil rights museum in the proposed new building, he backed out- but has been relatively quiet since.

At the end of the day, the community is better served with 50% affordable building - for over 450 affordable units- than a truck stop- or 100% market rate apartments, likely luxury condos, that don't require a rezoning since it wouldn't be a tall tower. Since this is part of my coverage area, and I don't work rentals- it would be better for me to have luxury condos in this location...but still given the community needs - I would love to see the 450 affordable units.

The politics are filled with landmines...and it's often not as clear as Republican vs. Democrat- so it's often best to steer clear.   

I always stay diplomatic and polite, and only discuss anything like that when asked or prompted.  Basically, it's my policy to not broach non-business related topics, but I also don't hide any of my beliefs or opinions when asked about them.

The "opportunities" for these topics to come up are, thankfully, few and far between.

I am able to discuss any subject either by listening & nodding or by commenting & sharing. I know NOT to argue but share, explore, dialog & communicate. Intimacy is born when you know someone or something past superficial levels. Works well every time. 

I don't avoid any discussion with my clients unless it impacts my real estate license.