Any thoughts on how to decline a potential listing agent gently? (seller, buyers)

[Delron]

We interviewed a particular listing agent that was thorough in their research and presentation. Unfortunately, we've decided to go with another listing agent instead, and wanted to notify the other listing agent and let him down as gently as possible, because we don't want hard feelings and in fact would definitely consider using him in the future.

Any thoughts on what to say would be greatly appreciated.

[chet everett]

This is easy. You simply send a note: "Thanks for your time. We appreciated the efforts you demonstrated into potentially marketing our property but have decided to list our property with Suzy Seller at XYZ Houses. Should a need for your services come up in the future we would be happy to again interview you. Much thanks."

Sure beats the heck out of sitting in front of your computer scrolling through new listing and finding out the place that you we talking up to potential buyers is now XYZ's featured listing...

[TexasHorseLady]

How considerate of you! I agree with Chet - simply informing them that you've decided to go with someone else but that you would consider them in future is MUCH better than we usually get!

[Delron]

Thanks guys, especially Chet. This agent was great, no doubt about it...but the one we chose, just had a little bit more particularly in terms of marketing and selling these specific types of properties and asked the right questions. No way would I want to blow off the agent who isn't getting the listing, though. You never know when or where you might need him in the future.

[Tish Thompson]

Aww, how considerate of you, I enjoyed reading your post. Rejection is part of the business....it sucks, but we can take it! I think you should call the agent, thank him for his time and awesome presentation, but let him know that after much thought you decided to go with someone else. You don't have to explain why you went someone else. I wouldn't say anything about using him in the future either...he'll find that out when you call him. And I seriously doubt that if you call him in the future, he'll turn you down because you didn't use him. It actually makes me feel 'kinda special when someone who rejected me in the past calls me later on down the road to hire me

Originally Posted by Delron

We interviewed a particular listing agent that was thorough in their research and presentation. Unfortunately, we've decided to go with another listing agent instead, and wanted to notify the other listing agent and let him down as gently as possible, because we don't want hard feelings and in fact would definitely consider using him in the future.

Any thoughts on what to say would be greatly appreciated.

[KonaKat]

Very considerate and thoughtful of you. What goes around comes around, and in your case, I think lots of nice things probably come your way. Good luck.