Realtors: You Don’t Have To Work With Everyone (Trust Me, I Tried For 30 Years) - By Wyatt Poindexter
Here’s the secret they don’t teach you in real estate school, broker meetings, masterminds, or those “vision board workshops” where someone with perfect hair tells you to manifest good clients:
You. Don’t. Have. To. Work. With. Everyone.
It took me nearly three decades, multiple stress-induced headaches, a few strange showings, and one buyer who brought an emotional support ferret… but I finally learned:
Some clients are simply not your people.
And that is completely OK.
Some clients bring joy, momentum, referrals, and lifelong friendships.
Others bring chaos, confusion, and a sudden desire to go off-grid and raise goats.
And let me tell you — it didn’t just give me grey hair…
It made me bald.
This career took it all right off the top.
This year alone?
I’ve turned down more than 22 clients.
That’s right — I CHOSE not to work with them.
And I’m not done…
I even had a listing this year where:
• I signed the listing agreement
• Paid for all the marketing
• Launched the property
• Had it active on the market for 14 days
• Realized the seller was “spiritually exhausting”
• And I politely asked to be released
Marketing money lost: $6,800
Commission walked away from: $54,000
Sanity saved: 100%
Worth it? Absolutely.
Peace > Profit.
Every single time.
Because some clients will wear you out faster than a treadmill set at incline 22.
And some? Well…
Some clients give off the energy of a raccoon in a Dollar General at 2am — unpredictable, frantic, and probably dangerous.
Here are a few types every Realtor should release back into the wild:
1. The “We’re Definitely Pre-Approved” People
They’re not.
They’re about as pre-approved as my dog.
But they’ll swear their cousin’s roommate once dated someone who works at a credit union.
2. The Vanish-and-Rage Ninjas
They disappear for 3 weeks.
You assume they’ve been recruited by the CIA.
Then Saturday night at 10:53pm:
“WHY AREN’T YOU ANSWERING???”
Sir… I thought you were in another country.
3. The Zillow Warriors
You give comps.
They give Zillow.
You provide data.
They provide vibes.
It’s exhausting.
4. The Royal Family of Entitlement
Late to everything.
Rude to everyone.
And treat you like you’re auditioning for a full-time job on their staff.
And the ultimate red flag…
If the client starts the conversation with, “I fired my last three Realtors because they didn’t listen,” congratulations — YOU’RE NEXT.
5. The Discount Hunters
Trying to negotiate your commission before they’ve even stepped inside a house.
“I want you to work for me, but I need 1% back.”
Cool. I need a nap.
How To Fire a Client (Politely)
Use the classy version:
“After reviewing your goals, I don’t think I’m the right fit, but I’d be happy to refer you to another agent.”
But we all know the translation:
“My blood pressure can’t afford this relationship.”
Stand firm.
Because in this business:
Your time matters.
Your peace matters.
Your sanity matters.
And “the customer is always right” died with Blockbuster.
In 2025:
The right client is always right.
The wrong client gets released.
And if the relationship threatens your hairline? Run.
As for me?
After 31+ years in Oklahoma luxury real estate, I’ve learned to work with people who appreciate honesty, professionalism, creativity, and a little humor along the way. That’s what makes The Agency the perfect home — incredible culture, incredible people, and no tolerance for chaos clients.
If you want integrity, world-class marketing, luxury branding, and a stress-free experience… I’m your guy.
Wyatt Poindexter - Oklahoma Luxury Realtor
Managing Partner, The Agency Oklahoma
405-417-5466
[email protected]
www.WyattPoindexter.com | www.TheAgencyRE.com
