Yes, I do... but I also stay away from discussing religion and similar subjects with my clients. We are all entitled to our opinions but during a house search or listing process is not the time to focus on those issues. I don't discuss these on social media either. I can't tell you how tired I am of seeing friends go on and on and on pushing their agendas. I just don't care enough about their agendas.  My atttorney, my CPA, my doctor don't discuss such issues with me either... 

We can talk about whatever they want to talk about, within reason; I can be very open-minded and diplomatic. 😉

Yes, I talk politics..."I don't care if you're a left leaning liberal or an extreme right winger...my job is to protect and increase your wealth!" That's my political talk, no disagreements or backlashes involved (I'm in the investment and insurance field).

Everyone is so marginalized on politics nowadays. Unless both sides know that they agree on which side they are on it really ought to be avoided. If I disagree & am forced to listen to their opinion I'll just smile & nod my head a lot. No debating the clients.

Absolutely. The only discussion would be is how it might affect housing.

I just flat out tell people that I don't discuss politics or religion with anyone.

These days? You bet I do.

I have absolutely no desire to discuss politics. It's fairly rare that buyers or sellers will even bring up the subject with me, but if they do, I change the subject immediately.

They rarely do, we’re too busy talking real estate. 🏡 But no, I segway out of politics.

If they bring it up, I will talk with them but I try to avoid any heated subjects or sharing too much of my opinion. I will never bring up politics.

    We can talk politics, religion, sports, physics, art, cats, classical music, whatever you like.   But let's stay on topic, and buy/sell your house!

It depends... First on if we have a signed contract? then depending what they are saying. Some just state a comment, others state facts, some agree with how i fail and some speak way out there. Most often i bite my tongue and keep it business. 

Of course not.

This fear is reflective of how truly unskilled as a society we have become.

There are two incredible ways to approach this.

One is understanding you are never required to reveal what you believe. As agents we know how to smile through everything.  Keep them talking about themselves and keep turning the talk back to them.

OR,

Set the rules. The rules are defining how the one losing will self-identify. This will prove indispensable as the holiday gatherings convene.

I prefer not to get into political discussions with anyone these days. It’s an area I prefer not to go to. 

Absolutely. I keep it focused on business at hand.

Yes, I do.  We all have differing opinions, and talking politics or religion for that matter is not the time or place to have those discussions.

Yes, and also the Better Half!

Yes you bet! I change the subject back to real estate right away.

Yes, everyone has their own ideas they think are good ones!

I shy away from clients, family, friends, and even strangers.

Absolutely! I actually walked away from a listing when the seller told me he would refuse to sell to certain populations due to political activities in those countries. Fair Housing.

Yes sir that and religion.  

No, some people need to be educated and I am happy to help.

Only if they disagree with my politics.

Yes, yes, and yes! 

Depends.

I let them talk while I concentrate on real estate subjects at hand.

Thank you Nina Hollander - perfect!

Paul,

I listen and move on.

There's no need to "shy away" I just say I don't publicize my political views. I speak at the voting booth only.

I do not debate with clients but will listen to their views.

Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®,CRS, It's usually a one way conversation. They do all the talking.

Joe Pryor nailed this one!

I don't shy away from it but I certainly do not bring it up.

Avoid.  Honestly, I just want to help people and I don't care what their political views are and I don't need to share mine. Having said that, we have hosted candidates for governor at our home so if they becaome friends with me on my personal facebook (very few)- they already know my leanings.

Yes, I do. I try to keep as far away from that as possible. Some still try to drag me into it, but I've gotten pretty good and resisting without offending them.

Yes, and other topics too. It’s rare that they come up

never, never, never talk politics.... you may think you know how they think, but you may not know the true thoughts they have.... never, never, never...

If someone gets excitable it is a red flag to me and a turn-off making me courteous but not intimate. I will listen until a way-out. If objective and in a Q & A format, I am your huckleberry. People should be able to dialog, converse, exchange & explore and if not they have some personal work to do

I would not call it "shy away" ... I just don't do it. I listen. Then I will say something neutral like ... crazy times ... let's hope for better days ahead.

Avoid ther touchy topics.

Yes, I am not talking about politics...

Yes, because if they bring it up, they are strong on whatever they want to talk about! 

Yes, I do. I'll mention something just to answer and switch the subject~ that is usually quite easy. 

I refrain. I don't talk politics with anyone but those very close to me and they have to share similar feelings.

Yes. Politics has always been an issue to be careful in discussing, but in the current climate, it is even worse. Regardless of the side you are on, you can run the risk of alienating 1/2 your client base.