F
riendship and real‑estate often collide, turning personal bonds into business transactions that can be hard to navigate. The question remains: do the benefits outweigh the drawbacks? In this Ask an Agent feature, Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate’s Kevin Clark, broker and owner of Dream Partners in Janesville, WI, weighs in on hiring a friend as your agent.

    Clark cautions that the emotional stakes are high. If you’re dissatisfied with the agent’s performance, you may find yourself unable to sever the friendship without damage. He advises buyers to assess their tolerance for risk before proceeding. “I don’t universally recommend using a friend,” he says, “because the fallout can be personal.”

    If you decide to go ahead, Clark stresses the importance of a solid foundation of trust and clear communication. A friendship that can’t be dismissed easily means you must be prepared to handle any conflict constructively. Legally, there’s no prohibition on this arrangement. Some states require disclosure only when the agent is a relative; a simple friendship need not be reported.

    Ultimately, the choice hinges on how comfortable you are with intertwining personal and professional relationships. Clark’s insights aim to help you make an informed decision while preserving both your home‑buying goals and your friendship.