Q: How do you let down a real estate agent after you have decided to purchase a house that’s for sale by owner (FSBO)?

A: I’d do it nicely, because you never know when you’ll need that agent’s help in the future.

A small bouquet of flowers or a gift card is a thoughtful expression of thanks for all of the time the agent spent. Real estate agents understand that you win some and lose some.

But thanking your agent for the time she spent with you marks you as a gracious buyer. If this deal falls through, you may very well be back working with that agent again.