How To Deliver Bad Real Estate News Like a Pro in 3 Easy Steps

By David Brough

From a young age, real estate captured David's interest, and that passion has remained throughout his life. Over the past 15 years as a Realtor.

Delivering bad news is an unavoidable part of any profession, even in real estate. However, the way it is communicated can make all the difference. In high-stakes situations, a structured approach helps ensure clarity, professionalism, and trust. One effective method is the Rule of Three—a simple yet powerful technique for handling difficult conversations with confidence and control. Here are the three steps you can take to deliver bad news with care:

1. Deliver the news directly. After gathering the necessary facts, contact the individual without delay. Avoid unnecessary buildup and get straight to the point to prevent confusion or false hope. For example, if a home sale falls through because a buyer loses their job, the information should be shared promptly and without ambiguity.

2. Explain the current situation and next steps. Clients should be informed about any immediate actions being taken to address the situation. This could include reaching out to the other party’s agent to explore alternative financing options or seeking solutions to keep the deal on track. Transparency at this stage reassures clients that every effort is being made on their behalf.

3. Set clear expectations for follow-up. Specify when the next update will be given, even if there are no new developments. Following through on this commitment builds trust and reassures the recipient that they are not left in the dark.

By following this structured approach, difficult conversations become more manageable, ensuring that professionalism and reliability remain intact even in challenging moments. If you have questions about real estate or need guidance, I’m here to help you out. You can call me at 260-750-2818 or send an email to david@anthonyrealtors.com. I look forward to hearing from you.