The Worst Client I've Ever Worked With...

by Bridget Blonde, Real Estate Agent, Nest Realty Inc.

December 30, 20205

The Worst Client I've Ever Worked With...

(Make sure you read to the end to find the surprise twist!)

The worst client I've ever worked with? And easily my most chaotic experience in real estate?

No contest.

They were looking for an actual needle in a haystack home! They had so many very specific criteria.

They asked their agent for a discount even though he found THE house and sold their house in a week.

They had way too much stuff to fit into their new place and didn't give themselves enough time to pack up their old house.

They started renovations the day they moved in.

One of them cried dramatically when she left their old house.

I'll tell you, there were moments I genuinely questioned whether I could keep working with them.

And just so you know, the worst client I've ever worked with was actually...ME.

When You're the One Moving

This was during our last move. The one where we downsized and created a multi-generational home.

And wow do I carry those lessons into my work today!

Because here's what I learned:

Moving brings out every emotion. Even people who "know what they're doing" can spiral when it's their money, their memories, and their next chapter on the line.

I thought I'd be fine. I'm a real estate agent. I do this for a living. I know how it works.

Turns out, knowing how it works doesn't make you immune to the stress of actually doing it yourself.

The Needle in a Haystack Home

We were looking for something very specific.

We needed a property that could work for two separate households. That's not exactly common.

We had a list. A long list. Location. Layout. Potential for renovation. Parking. All of it.

And you know what? My agent found it. He found the perfect house. And he sold our old place in a week.

Did I gracefully thank him and pay his full commission without blinking? I wish I could say yes.

But I asked for a discount. I actually did that. I cringe thinking about it now.

Too Much Stuff, Not Enough Time

We had way too much stuff. A decade of our family life was in that big house, and we were moving to less space.

Even though we knew we were downsizing. Even though we talked about decluttering. Even though we had months to prepare.

We still didn't give ourselves enough time to pack properly.

I remember standing in our old house the week before we moved, looking at rooms that were still full, thinking "how is this going to happen?"

It happened. Barely. But it was not pretty.

Starting Renovations Immediately

And then, because we're apparently gluttons for punishment, we started renovations the day we moved in.

Not smart. I know that now. I knew it then, too, but we didn't have a choice. The work had to get done to make the two living spaces functional.

So we lived in construction. Boxes everywhere. Dust everywhere. Workers coming and going. Trying to figure out where anything was.

It was a lot.

What I Learned

Here's what that experience taught me:

• Even when you know a move is the right decision, it's still hard.

• Even when you're excited about where you're going, leaving can be emotional.

• Even when you understand the process, doing it yourself is different.

And it's all okay.

It's normal to feel overwhelmed by the amount of stuff you have to deal with. It's normal to run out of time even when you think you planned well. It's normal to second guess yourself. It's normal to cry.

Moving is one of the most stressful things people do. It just is.

This is Why I Lead With Empathy

When a client calls me stressed out about something that seems small, I get it.

When someone changes their mind for the third time about what they're looking for, I understand.

When people need to talk through the same concern again, I'm there for it.

Because I've been that person.

I've been the client who was difficult. Who had too many questions. Who needed reassurance. Who didn't have it all together even though I thought I would.

Your stress never scares me. I've lived it.

This is Why I Built Structure Into My Process

I also learned why structure matters so much.

When you're in the middle of a move, emotions are high. Decision fatigue (and physical fatigue) is real. You can't think straight half the time.

That's when you need someone who can hold the process steady. Someone who knows what needs to happen when. Someone who can remind you of the plan when you've forgotten there is one.

I build structure into everything I do now.

Timelines. Checklists. Regular check ins. Clear next steps.

Not because I think my clients can't handle it. But because I know how much easier it is when someone else is holding that structure for you.

You Don't Have to Be Perfect

If you're thinking about moving and you're worried about being "that client," let me tell you something:

• You don't have to be perfect.

• You don't have to have it all figured out.

• You don't have to keep it together all the time.

• You're allowed to be stressed.

• You're allowed to change your mind.

• You're allowed to need help.

That's literally what I'm here for.

I've been the worst client. I know what it feels like. And I can help you through it anyway.

Actually, I can help you through it because of it.

So if you're thinking about making a move and you're feeling overwhelmed before you've even started?

That's normal. You're not behind. You're not doing it wrong.

You're just human.

And that's exactly who I work with.