Friends, Family, and For Sale Signs: Should You Mix Them?

We all have that one friend or cousin who says, “Hey, I’m a Realtor now! When you’re ready to buy or sell, call me!” And let’s be honest — it’s tempting. You already know them, you trust them, and maybe you figure the family discount comes baked in (spoiler: probably not). In many cases, hiring someone you know can be a fantastic decision — but it’s worth taking a closer look before you jump in with both feet.

Let’s talk about the perks, the pitfalls, and the potential for slightly awkward Thanksgiving dinners.

The Big Advantages

1. Built-In Trust

One of the hardest parts of choosing a Realtor is finding someone you can trust. With a friend or family member, that box is already checked. You know their character, you’ve seen how they handle themselves, and you’re not taking a gamble on a stranger from the internet who says they’re great at negotiating.

2. Extra Dedication

When your Realtor knows you personally, the stakes feel higher. They’re not just trying to close a deal — they’re trying to make you happy and avoid dirty looks at Christmas dinner. That often means quicker texts back, more availability, and a little extra hustle.

3. Comfort and Support

Real estate is stressful. You’ll have questions, doubts, and possibly minor meltdowns. Having someone you’re already comfortable with makes it easier to say things like, “I have no idea what that clause means” or “I hate every house we’ve seen, and I need ice cream.” Friends and family can double as a Realtor and emotional support buddy.

The Things to Watch Out For

4. Experience Still Matters

Yes, your cousin just got their license, and yes, they’re excited — but enthusiasm doesn’t always cut it when a bidding war breaks out or an inspection reveals a roof that looks like Swiss cheese. Ask yourself: Would I hire this person if I didn’t know them? If the answer is no, it might be smarter to cheer them on from the sidelines and hire someone else.

5. Professionalism Counts

Boundaries can blur when your Realtor is also your brunch buddy. Will they deliver tough advice if they think your listing price is unrealistic? Will they treat your deal with the same urgency as their other clients? The best friend/family Realtors know how to switch into professional mode and treat you like a client first.  They also know how to be supportive, and  brutally honest (with love).

6. The Relationship Risk

Even smooth deals have tense moments. If something goes sideways, will your relationship survive? If your deal falls through, you don’t want to spend the rest of your life referring to them as “the cousin who lost us that house.” If your relationship is strong and your Realtor relative is professional, you’ll be fine — but it’s something to keep in mind.

7. Finances Are Personal

There’s no sugarcoating this one: you’ll need to be transparent about your financials. If you’re okay with your friend knowing about that one ill-advised shopping spree or your still-lingering student loan, great. If not? You might prefer a Realtor who won’t also be sitting across from you at Easter brunch.

The Bottom Line

Using a friend or family member as your Realtor can be a great move. You get built-in trust, extra dedication, and someone who knows you well enough to keep you calm when things get chaotic.

But it only works if they also bring the experience, professionalism, and objectivity needed to handle the serious side of real estate. If they check all those boxes — congratulations, you may have found yourself the perfect Realtor and avoided the stress of starting from scratch with a stranger.

And if they don’t? Don’t panic. You can still be their friend, attend family barbecues, and politely say, “We decided to go another direction.” A true friend or family member will want what’s best for you, even if they’re not the one holding the “For Sale” sign in your yard.

Let’s Keep It in the Family (or Friend Zone)!

For over 20 years, I’ve been helping friends, family, and clients buy and sell homes in Winnipeg — without ruining Christmas dinner or losing friendships along the way. Turns out, you can mix business with people you care about… as long as you bring a little professionalism (and maybe some coffee).

So whether you’re ready to list your home, start house hunting, or just want to know if that avocado-green bathroom really adds “vintage charm,” I’m here to help.

📞 Call, text, or send a carrier pigeon — let’s talk about your next move.