One thing, would they know that you know?  If not, call them and see what they're plans are, and when they tell you they listed their home, ask them about finding them their new home.  See what they say.  If they are not using you, feel free to ask why - it's the only way you will find out.  And then track their listing and call them when it expires...

Win a few, loose a few. Not an issue with me because I truly feel I will have all the business I am meant to have. This doesn't mean I don't feel that quick pang of jealousy when I see another sign in the yard but I figure I was kept from something horrible. Possibly a seller who expects way too much, like bringing a contract the first day, lots of scenarious we are not even aware of.  I recently listed a house that another agent had before me. He had it listed for 6 months and then he tried to get the listing again. She called me because she was so tired of working with him for various reasons. I had her house sold the first people that looked. She has been able to see the difference between a good agent and a bad agent. Hopefully, this client will learn from her choice.

Yes, it hurts.  At least the first few times.  Time to ask...

"As a point of learning, What could I have done differently?"

Betya they say... "We did not know you SOLD houses.  We thought you were a buyer agent..."

Or maybe they will say something like - "You were so nice - we thought we needed a more aggressive agent to sell".

ASK... without soliciting (that would be unethical)

It is also real possible that the other agent had a serious line of rap OR just happened to be in the right place at the right time, OR is somehow related to the seller, OR made a wild promise (included in the rap), OR (like an agent recently did to me) promised he would buy their house if he could not sell it OR the list goes on....

I would certainly want to know and agree with Lonn. Finding out that kind of information only helps to make us better at our profession.

I agree with Lonn...Although this has only happened to me twice, I'd always ask the why question if someone I'd worked with went with another agent, or without an agent, either to list or to buy.  

In both cases my "clients" went to a relative - after I did all the work.  Procuring cause...I think I'd win but it's not worth it.

Well, if it will make you feel any better I have a client you can come and take from me - PLEASE! LOL The person is driving me absolutely nizuts and I'm considering doing something I have never done before and "dump the client". I will give someone ten dollars to take this client from. I'd offer more but I'm in Florida and you have all heard about how awful this market is! LOL

What I was saying above is...if you have the opportunity to ask why (for self growth purposes only) do so. Then go out and find yourself another client and feel proud to wear the REALTOR® symbol again.

Anna,

Sometime I think it all comes down to personality types... We can't please everyone and thank GOD for that. Those who don't want to do business with me are not the people I want to do business with. For myself, I am develop really personal relationship with my client and if there is a parting of way... truth be told... I know what it is.. maybe not enough personal follow up. Search with in yourself and you will know what the true answer is.

Wishing you all the best...

Kindest regards,

Michelle

www.MichelleLaDuke.com

I resently also lost a client and it all came down to the promises of another agent offered them. The sad part is the other agent gave them the line that I will sell your home for 3% sellers fee. Didn't bother to tell her that the actually listing was for 6% if another agent sold it. Our fees would have been the same if he would have been honest. She even told me she liked me better, but it was just the percentage difference. It was such a shame that she didn't realize that she will end up paying him the exact same as she would have me.

Todd

Anna, I truly feel for you.  I listed a house last year for a dear "friend."  I suggested a listing price, but she wanted to list quite a bit higher.  Since the house was unique, I agreed to try the higher price for a month.  Long story short, she agreed to several small reductions, but never brought the price down to where it needed to be.  The listing finally expired, and I was glad to see it go (along with my "friend").  The very next day, it showed up on the MLS report with another listing agent, at the listing price I suggested.  Go figure!

Did you have a buyer agency contract signed for them to look at homes?

This happened to me twice.  Both times it was because my suggested list price was significantly lower than the other agent.  Guess what?  It took three years and four different agents to sell the first one, at the price I had originally given them.  The second seller is now on his second agent, almost eight months later and the price continues to drop.  I'm glad I didn't list either of them.  As my mentor with 25 years experience has always said when this happens:  "Next!"

Anna,

That's the spirit.  There will be others like that too.  You just have to accept it and move on.  People are funny!

Let us know what they tell you.

Carol