When it’s time to buy or sell a home, many people consider turning to someone they already know—a friend who’s a real estate agent. On the surface, it seems like a no-brainer. Who wouldn’t want to work with someone they trust? But is mixing business with friendship always a good idea?

Let’s break down the pros and cons of working with a real estate agent who’s a friend so you can make the most informed decision.

Pros of Working with a Friend Who’s a Real Estate Agent

1. Built-In Trust

When you already know your agent, there’s a foundation of trust that can make the process feel smoother. You likely won’t worry about being misled or getting poor advice.

2. Better Communication

Friends may be more willing to go above and beyond, taking your calls at odd hours or providing more frequent updates throughout the buying or selling process.

3. Personalized Service

Because your friend knows you well, they may better understand your preferences, lifestyle, and goals—and use that knowledge to help you find the perfect home or make your listing stand out.

Cons to Consider

1. Potential for Awkward Situations

Real estate transactions involve significant amounts of money and emotion. If things go wrong—like pricing disagreements or unmet expectations—it could strain the friendship.

2. Lack of Professional Boundaries

When you're friends, it might be harder to establish clear roles and expectations. For example, you might hesitate to push back on advice or express concerns.

3. Risk of Less Objectivity

Your friend may make assumptions about what you want or avoid being completely honest if they think it could hurt your feelings.

Tips for Working with a Friend in Real Estate

If you decide to move forward with a friend as your agent, follow these tips to ensure a successful experience:

• Have a candid conversation upfront about expectations, roles, and what happens if the partnership doesn’t work out.

• Treat the process professionally, even if your relationship is personal.

• Sign a standard agent agreement, just like you would with any other real estate professional.

• Be honest about your needs, and make sure your friend can truly deliver the level of service required.

Alternatives to Consider

If you’re unsure about working directly with a friend, you might:

• Ask them to refer you to another agent in their office.

• Use them as a second opinion or sounding board while working with a separate agent.

• Offer to let them help with parts of the process, like recommending a lender or inspector, rather than representing you fully.

Should you work with a real estate agent who’s a friend? The answer depends on your comfort level, the strength of the friendship, and the professionalism of your friend. When handled with transparency and clear boundaries, it can be a win-win for both sides. Just make sure you're choosing them because they're the best person for the job—not just because you feel obligated.

A home is one of the biggest investments you'll make—so make sure your choice serves your best interests, both financially and personally.

Matt Witte strives to be the best realtor in Andover MA.

Any questions about real estate, reach out to Matt Witte Andover Realtor MA