Are referral partners like sports fans?

Jeff: For me, a partnership takes at least two. When I find myself holding up all ends of a partnership, it is no longer a partnership … it’s one person doing all the work … and more than one benefiting. I do not expect perfection … I do however expect performance from my partners.

Jeff: We live in an imperfect world. Since our business doesn't have residual income, I think it's important to always be building relationships. I am working with realtors now who used to work with someone else. As my business continues to grow, I expect to work with even more realtors, etc. as I'm becoming known as the one who gets deals done which means people get paid. The interesting thing about my business are the other referral partners who have surfaced. My best partners this year have been financial advisors. The world is our oyster if we build our database through professional contacts. Thanks for the post. I believe a healthy, realistic attitude about relationships is key. As much as we'd like to work with someone for life, it doesn't always work out that way. Take care.

Jeff - You and I have spoken about this. I work hard with and for my referral partners, and when they make mistakes, I do my best to work through it with them. the majority learn form their mistakes and don't do it again, some who are valorous apologize - those are my favorites because they are the most honest. And then there are some that keep repeating the same mistake - that is when we will part ways. But most often I work THROUGH situations, even very difficult ones, as I feel it will make us both stronger for the future.

when i refer clients to a mortgage broker I ask only two things

1- get the deal done

2- if there is a problem of any kind let me know before the fact so I can help and not look like I don't know whats going on to my client

Jeff,

I have the one where we were going to be close on the appraisal so I wanted to wait a few weeks for a comp to drop off and the client (a repeat) went elsewhere and closed the deal. No e-mail or phone call.

Jeff - First for the blog... you are absolutely correct. No file is a piece of cake anymore, even the ones that should be a slam dunk. There are even times when a file that should be difficult ISNT... those are far and few. Anyway, you just don't know. If you have a good working relationship with someone, neither of you should give up over a snag in the process. If that individual trusts you, then they know that this snag would happen to anyone (what ever that snag is). They can be rest assured that you have handled it in the best of your ability, and leave it at that. Too many people are only doing one or two deals, so they tend to keep that ONE transaction a little too personal.

As for a sports fan and your video clips.. well, that was an awesome clip. My two favorites (if you remember the clip... or else go back to it) is the one where the college football quarterback jumped up like he was playing basketball and lobbed the ball to the receiver in the end zone. The second one was when the hockey shot (toward the beginning of the video) that was laying on his back sliding and somehow still took a shot on goal and it went in. Great clips.

The last video looked a little painful. LOL If I tried something like that, I am pretty sure I would break something.

When looking for referral partners, I don't expect perfection.  I look for experience, a sound knowledge base and follow through.  I also realize that I have to provide the same.  I have found that it is important to remind our contacts what we can do for them and if possible to give them something that they will see every day.

Good words, backed by good stories.  However....."for giggles?"  I had to look at the author again to make sure that I was on the right page? 

Your stories are true evidence of case and point.  And way to go on the FHA deal.  This is all so good.  I do like your idea of making this a sport though.  Good stuff. 

None of us should be hung or judged by the results of the last transaction, you know?  A relationship goes way beyond "the last transaction." 

Jeff, a referral partnership between a Realtor and a Mortgage Broker is a strong bond that is built on trust and confidence.  This works both ways.  We have been fortunate thus far to have built a great relationship with a local gentleman who I know I can call at anytime and he will get our clients the services they need.  As a Realtor, it is important for me to have a Mortgage Broker who is going to be straight with me (as all should) and also with our clients.