Being a realtor has its perks.

You get to meet HNWIs (high net-worth individuals), influential people, and well-rounded citizens.

You have the opportunity to build relationships with clients that could last beyond the buying or selling transaction.

And of course, you have people who say all great things about you and happily send new business your way.

But as they say, nothing comes easy.

Before you reach that pinnacle of a realtor’s job, first you want to make sure that you cover the basics.

That is, winning people’s trust so they can let you handle their business.

How exactly?

Well, it’s all about how you present yourself.

Granted, you have the looks, the marketing tools, and the knowledge of real estate.

But you must also remember to polish on your interpersonal skills and be aware of business etiquette.

6 Things Real Estate Agents Should Never Discuss with Clients

Learn how to build rapport by first knowing the topics that you should never discuss with clients.

1. Religion

People don’t always know how to interact with others of different ethnic or religious backgrounds. Especially since there’s an extensive list of religious populations and they’re spread all throughout the world.

Some people, because of their strong religious beliefs, might be offended by your slightest remark. Even if it wasn’t your intention, you risk getting off to a bad start by touching on this subject.

Also, some people don’t want to associate with their religious preferences (or lack thereof) with their professional lives. Even without them saying, they have fear of being judged or typecast which might then affect their business transactions.

So unless you believe it’s your duty to lead others, it’s best to avoid this topic. A client would rather be preached as to why A or B is the better investment in the long term, rather than explore a topic that would make them feel guilty or uncomfortable.

2. Politics

Similar to religion, talking about politics can either earn you a high-five in agreement or irate someone in disagreement.

Even if you share similar views with a client, discussing politics can still create tension for those around you. That’s just the nature of this highly divisive topic.

Can you imagine yourself getting into a heated political talk with one of your prospects? You may not come out of it a winner and it may cost you the deal of a lifetime.

So do what most refined people do. Stay neutral. Or better yet, never be the first to discuss politics with clients and if they do, suggest talking about something else.

3. Gossip

Gossiping, by definition, is the act of spreading false information that can damage another person’s reputation.

By gossiping about other people, people could then assume that you talk about them too when they’re not around. It can also get you in trouble, as it may cause you legal issues.

This is why classy people choose not to engage in gossip. They know that information told to them in confidence must be kept only within themselves and not passed around.

4. Regrets

To build your client’s trust in you, they need to believe that you love your job. They must get the impression that you’re willing to do whatever it takes to succeed as an agent.

So before you start sharing about career decisions that you regret, you might want to pause for a minute and reconsider. Talking about unpleasant things you resent in your job might kill your chances of ever gaining client confidence in you.

Yes, sometimes it’s okay to share the reality of your work, especially if you have grown closer to clients. But remember to reiterate your commitment to serving their needs so they’d never have to doubt your ability to get the job done.

5. Sex

In a business setting, it’s never a good idea to discuss matters of the home in the first place. But all the more so when it comes to matters of the bedroom. Sex is a piece of private information that only the people involved in it should know about.

Your client has no business knowing about your sexual practices. And you should never ever feel entitled to ask a client about theirs, too, even as a joke.

6. Health

In part, agents should be aware that clients are in their sound minds, bodies, and spirits when selling or purchasing properties. But beyond the usual small talk, however, certain medical issues shouldn’t be divulged by either party out of respect.

Clients don’t need to hear about your doctor’s appointments in detail. By the same token, you’re not to be inquisitive of the health status of a client or his family members. Discussing health can make the other person uncomfortable and many won’t even know how to respond if you bring it up.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of how close you are to a client, remember that your relationship with them is professional before personal. If you want clients to respect some of your boundaries, then you must also never discuss some topics whenever they can be avoided.

You can build long-term business relationships when you’re aware of how to do things right. And at the same time, when you’re able to do a much better job than the rest of your peers.

In short, success in building client rapport lies when your prospects are impressed with you.

The more impressed they are, the more likely they are to do business with you.

READ MORE: Realtor Closing Gift Ideas Your Clients Will Love