I listen and nod. My job is to find them the right house, if a salacious story accompanies, I listen.

• I have had cheaters for clients...a house for wife and kids and condo for the mistress.  
• Husband and wife relocating and buying house.  Husband staying with girlfriend, while wife back home asking me where he is...I know but my lips are sealed.
• Wife and husband divorcing...I am working with wife to buy new home.  I am also working with husband to find new home.  Wife knows husband is buying new house...husband does not know wife is buying new home.

Lots more stories...keeps this job exciting.

Eve

"I am so sorry to hear this, marriage is an important part of life, I hope that you can find a way to work this out.  Will you be able to focus on this project or would it be better to take a break and reschedule?"

Change the subject and look for a way out of the room, even if it means crawling through the bathroom window or look at my watch and politely announce an appointment...that is a hard one Debbie!

I listen, but don't necessarily engage with advice.  Sometimes, all someone wants is an ear.

With the majority of my business coming from Death and/or Divorce, I'm well used to listening and not taking sides.  It does keep it interesting though as reality is better than fiction most of the time!

I believe our job is to be good listeners and so I am open to listening, and if I feel it is appropriate I will make a comment and/or say I'll pray for them.

I try to listen and be empathetic.  Listening is a big part of our job.

Debbie - I will listen and try not to say anything so as to remain neutral. My job is to either help them sell, or buy a home, and I try to keep them focused on that as much as possible. At the same time, I do want them to know that I care about them as people.

Agree with Mike & Eve Alexander and Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041 Listen, listen, 

Like others have said try and change the subject; however, if a divorce is a possibility I would want to know as much and as soon as possible.

As graciously as possible.

I listen and empathize.  People open up to me all the time but I tread lightly when it comes to getting too involved.  

i looked for the hear no evil , speak no evil, see no evil

  If it is just you and a client of the opposite sex, be very careful.  Many affairs begin when a person starts sympathizing with someone of the opposite sex.

I listen, and might ask some questions that could affect the process. Like; is your x still on title or motgage? etc.

With all my heart is how I respond

Turn up your listening skills.  It is important to work on those skills.  Alot depends upon the relationship with that client.  It must be close for them to want to share.  

Debbie,

I just listen and I don't comment, ever, except to acknowledge that I heard what they said.  A

I don't hear alot of personal problems, though do listen, and sometimes that is all that is required.  I've never been asked my opinion nor for help, and have not offered anything, except 'an ear' Debbie Reynolds.  I will read replies below! 

I am not someone's Goodwrench.  

The psychiatrist I know is very good. $200 a visit.  A realtor will charge more.

I do the Peewee Herman with my fingers in my ears going LaLaLaLaLa......

I try to stay out of any conversation like this as best as I can.

Like this Debbie Reynolds :

I listen and keep focus on the task at hand

I let them vent a little and direct our focus back to business.

I listen and do not comment. After we are done, I do not judge and never mention it again unless they bring up again. Since I'm a listener, people usually open up to me.

Try to bring the subject back to real estate.  "I appreciate your issues, however I am not qualified to give advice on that topic."

I listen ..

Listen in a "non-committant" way until the opportunity to change the subject arises.

Not a comfortable situation! In one ear and out the other!

Listen. 

Doesn't happen. We don't drive around with our clients in our car, and try to avoid stopping for food breaks...

Debbie Reynolds - working by referral has taught me to learn more about clients. However, not to interfere with their life. So when things go negative, I switch the  topic - indirectly showing that I am not interested in it.

Or simply would say - it's life, things happen. Next?

That's when it time to get back on track about houses and their goals.

Oh boy this just came up today. Although I know this person outside of the real estate world, so I listened. 

I listen.

I tell them that is out of my realm of work. I am a Real Estate Councelor, not a marriage counselor, and I laugh, so do they...

If they want to talk I will listen but I never ask any questions around clients. 

Remain neutral, let them talk and get them back on track.

I just listen.  That's all I can do. It's truly amazing what I know about clients. It's confidential of course.  I will often pray for them ... yet this is done privately. 

I'd end the topic with I'm sure it will all work out for the best....and leave....

Hope something comes up to get you off the topic lol.

I'm with Wanda, head for the bathroom window & don't look back.

I just make the appropriate non committal noises...you sound frustrated or whatever the appropriate comment is.  Let them talk, within reason, make another non committal comment and then look at your watch.  Oh, my goodness, I have another appointment. 

I would try to change the subject and say as little as possible. That would be tough. Problem is that stuff could complicate the transaction

I listen.

Don't take sides.

Reveal their challenge is not unique. Marriage ending speed bumps occur at 2 years, 5 years 12 years, 18 years and 25 years. Seriously, by knowing where they are on the time-line you can know what their problem is. What is unknown is their willingness to save it.

Ask what the 'greater purpose' of the marriage is. That 'Greater Purpose' that bond them together in matrimony. It is the greater purpose that strengthens the couple to overcome the absolutely predictable challenges.

Teach them what 'judgement' words and statements are and instruct to banish them from their conversation.

From there they can figure it out.

Professionally

Generally with understanding and sympathy

In one ear and out the other, or shake my head.

I just listen usually and act I understand.

I listen while making sure our conversation remains about their goals in real estate.

Just tell them "I feel their pain" and try to keep them focused on the red bouncing ball.

Lend a kind ear but do not take sides.