referrals: Let's exchange leads/referrals
- 12/28/08 02:06 AM
This is a comment that I get frequently. Truth is, it's not at all about "let's send each other business". That's like a lender or title company meeting me for the first time and saying, "oh, send me some business and see how wonderful I am". Sorry, No. Referrals are wonderful - whether other agents, vendors, service providers, etc. But it's not based on just meeting someone. We have a duty to our clients. When we refer someone to them, we need to know they're not only good at what they do, but a good match of what our client needs … (32 comments)
referrals: We need to tell our clients what we do
- 12/27/08 10:06 AM
How often have you had a conversation with a client when you tell them the benefits of using a Realtor when buying a new model home or a condo development? when you tell them why they should call you when they know someone moving from Minneapolis to San Diego even though you're in St Petersburg? when you tell they why they should call you when they want a ski condo in Park City or a beachfront home in Costa Rica or a Greek island? Are they surprised to hear about the value of calling you? That's your fault, not theirs. Most … (18 comments)
referrals: Marketing Pieces for Referrals
- 07/27/07 03:33 AM
How often at conventions and in your mailbox do you get postcards saying, Send Your Referrals to Bledsoe City or I pay 40% Referrals Do they motivate you? They don't motivate me. With the latter, I have to wonder why they feel they have to "buy" referral business. Why not use the same marketing materials you send your clients or your farm? When I get a postcard from Gayle Henderson that's talking about her negotiating skills, that has more meaning to me - tells me more about the agent and why I might want to refer business to her - than just asking … (2 comments)
referrals: Attend Classes Outside Your Area
- 02/10/07 01:49 AM
One of the purposes of attending classes is to network, and to exchange ideas with others. You have many chances to talk with people from your own area, and are not too likely to get (or send) referrals to your own area. Take a little more time and spend a little more money to take classes out of your area. There are different customs and ways of doing business in different areas - learn from them. Your market is going to change - whether for better or worse - so talk to some people in markets that have already changed. How … (0 comments)
referrals: The Next Generation
- 02/04/07 05:57 AM
Today I received a letter through ActiveRain from a client that I sold a home to in 1989, and for in 1993. His oldest daughter is now in St. Petersburg, preapproved, and ready to buy her first home, and he would like me to help her. It's always rewarding to work with clients again, and their families. Interesting that he contacted me through ActiveRain rather than directly through my website or e-mail. I'll have to ask him about that when I see him next week. Sharon Simms, Real Estate Agent selling homes in St. Petersburg, Florida, the Gulf Beaches and the Tampa … (3 comments)
referrals: Go Away for Classes
- 01/27/07 09:24 AM
I've heard so many people say that they wait for a class, such as a designation class, until it is given locally. I don't think that's the way to go, even if it does save travel time and hotel expense. First, your mind is more on your class and networking when you aren't conducting your business during every break. Second, you'll probably get more ideas from your classmates when they are doing business in another area. Most important, though - it's not likely that your local colleagues will be sending you referrals, or you sending referrals to them. Go somewhere else for … (3 comments)
referrals: Lead Groups
- 10/16/06 10:44 PM
Lead Groups have been very common over the last few years, and many people have diligently attended these weekly meetings. Though I've been invited to a few, I've chosen not to join. As I understand it, the purpose is to give leads to each other. Well, what if the accountant / plumber /real estate agent / lender / financial consultant isn't the best? Does the group expect you to refer to the good rather than the best, just because they're a member of the lead group? Or worse, refer the less than good? Someone can be a great person, a good … (10 comments)
referrals: Mail Carriers
- 09/06/06 11:21 AM
Never discount the value of a mail carrier. Prospective buyers may stop the carrier and ask about the neighborhood - Any signs of crime? Much turnover? What are the people like? Some time ago out of town owners came to St Pete Florida to put their home on the market. They asked the mail carrier who was the best agent in the area - he replied, "I can't tell you that, because I don't really know. But I can tell you which REALTOR® always has the most SOLD signs in the neighborhood." They called me, listed their home, sold it quickly, and … (3 comments)
referrals: I don't - but I did
- 09/04/06 09:00 AM
I don't do relos. I don't choose to work for 35% less and work harder, i.e. biweekly reporting, extra forms, with the chance that the listing may be taken away as soon as the transferee accept the relo's offer. It's great for some people, just not what I choose to do. But I did. Late Friday I took a call from "Franchise" Relo (not RE/MAX, but it doesn't matter which one) asking if I would list a property, giving them a 35% referral fee. They had my client's name and address almost right. I tried to negotiate the fee, but no dice. … (1 comments)
referrals: Intracompany referrals
- 09/02/06 12:18 PM
Having worked for both, I much prefer a company that handles referrals agent to agent. There is both a print and onlind directory, you check out the agent and their qualifications, and you contact them directly. Years ago I worked for a company where all the referrals had to go through the company's relocation department. That was a disaster: you didn't know if the referral would go to an experienced agent or the agent who was on floor duty. The agent contact to your clients may take a week - when they chose an agent the day after you sent the referral … (4 comments)
referrals: Think referrals for second homes
- 08/30/06 09:51 AM
According to NAR, last year nearly 1/3 of all sales were for second homes and investment properties. When you are talking to your clients about FORD (family-occupation-recreation-dreams) or your friends, if they mention skiing or vacationing at the beach, you have the opportunity to ask them if they've ever thought of buying a condo or home there. If they have, or if your question opens a new option to them, it's a great chance for you to refer them to a REALTOR® in that area. Lots of AR agents are in resort areas, and will be glad to receive your referrals. … (0 comments)
referrals: Unrepresented Seller Suggestion
- 08/30/06 09:36 AM
When talking with an unrepresented seller, in person or by phone, rather than pushing our services on them before they're ready, we might offer to help them. Where are they moving? Would they like to have an agent in that location send them some information? No obligation to them, of course, but could help them get started. We have colleagues around the country (and world) and would be happy to match them with a REALTOR® with experience, match personalities, and add another layer of responsibility. This may lead to getting the listing later, but in the meantime could provide you with … (2 comments)
referrals: Don't wait for a course to come to your area
- 08/26/06 02:35 AM
Many agents wait for a designation course or educational course to come to their area. We advocate just the opposite - go somewhere else for your course. Yes, it adds to the cost for transportation, hotel, etc but you've already decided to invest not only in the price of the course, but the investment of your time. Being away allows you to concentrate on the content, and get better acquainted with the other attendees. It brings ideas and comments from people in other markets, that you can apply to your own. It lets you know what's really going on in other … (1 comments)
referrals: Using the Right Words
- 08/02/06 01:09 AM
Most of us reply to How's the Market? Great! We may discuss high inventory and reduced buyers but we always put a positive spin on it and look for the opportunities. When asked How's Business, I used to reply, Great. I'm working every day and most evenings and there's lots of business. Several years ago in a seminar, I learned that this may cause your friends and good clients NOT to refer to you - because they don't want to overburden you further, and want you to have time to relax. Now, I've modified that reply: It's great, but I always … (0 comments)
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This is a comment that I get frequently.
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