Team

Often underestimated by Realtors is importance of the relationships you build with other professionals.  Networking is not only something you do to get clients it is something you do to enhance what you do for your clients.

Let me give a couple examples of what I am talking about.

Example #1

During the peak of the market I submitted an offer on a single family home.  I got a call back from the seller's agent, who was broker for a large real estate firm.  She indicated they had multiple offers; a couple a little higher than ours.  They decided to go with us.  She did not know the other agents or their lenders.  She knew me and our loan officer and was confident the transaction would go smooth.  I thought, if the situation were reversed I would probably recommend my client consider taking her offer for the very same reason.

Example #2

In our town several townhouses had been on the market for a long time.  I had a client who was desperate to move his townhouse quick and could not afford to lower the price below market.  I got on the horn and notified all of my Realtor friends in the community about the unit coming available.  It was a nice unit with a convenient location.  The very first day we showed it, we had multiple offers in the first four hours.  We closed early and painless with an agent and loan officer on the other side that I know well.  My client has since sent me a few more referrals.

We all recognize this is a people business.  That does not end with clients.  It also includes the other Realtors we interact with.  Remember it takes two agents to make a contract.  You need to find Realtors just as much as you need to find clients.

The networking and relationship building does not end there.  Venders are just as important.  Without quality loan officers getting the mortgages, there are no sales.  Home inspectors, surveyors, cleaners, contractors, escrow officers and handymen and many others are all critical to your success and your ability to best serve your clients.

When you think about where to spend your time and energy, just remember to not overlook those relationships.

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Randy L. Prothero, REALTOR®, Broker-in-Charge, ABR, AHWD, CRS, e-PRO, GRI, SFR

Keller Williams Realty

 

Randy Prothero is well established as an expert in working with military / VA clients and first time home buyers.  His home seller's (listing) campaign is one of the most aggressive marketing programs in the area.

Based out of Mililani, Hawaii. Randy services the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) Performs mediations and ombudsman services for the Board of Realtors.  To improve overall professionalism in his area Randy also offers classes for real estate agents. 

 

www.HawaiiRandy.com *  Oahu (Honolulu County) Property Search  *  Hawaii Military Relocations

 
This post has been included in Hawaii Real Estate News

30 Comments on Building Professional Relationships

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

JUN
29
2007
322,063 Points 28 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp
I have a huge list of trusted professionals locally and growing my referral data base with reading AR - you can get to know a lot about professionals and create a great database to refer your clients to when they are moving to another area.
9:12pm • #11
597,028 Points 106 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Lucky - BB and TLW are the masters.

Jeff- That would be something I would avoid. They could get in a lot of trouble if they cross the line for anti-trust.

Thesa - I find attending CRS classes is also a great way to meet and interact with area professionals.
9:18pm • #12
JUN
30
2007
131,091 Points 24 Featured Posts

Having good relationships with the local agents is a must.. Knowing the listing or selling agent can, as Randy notes, really make the difference..I know which agents will be terrific and which ones I hope I never have to deal with again..

Oh Randy... the BIG ferry ship is on it's way it came through Manhattan Beach, Hermosa and Huntington Beach on Tuesday.. we had pics in the local paper with some interior views..looks very cool
1:45am • #13
155,783 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Meeting peers is very important in this business.  If you dont meet others face to face, they are likely to discard you when it comes time to multiple offers if they dont know who you are.  Making an impression and letting others know that you are serious about this profession is critical.  I like Jeff Geoghans comment though and I beleive it happens here too in Hawaii but I say screw them because there are plenty of other homes available!
3:16am • #14
416,892 Points 63 Featured Posts Outside Blog
I attend alot of networking events in the local real estate circles.  I also am kind and fair to deal with.  I have a lot of repeat realtors that know showing my listings isn't a gauntlet.
5:10am • #15
597,028 Points 106 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Kaye - The Super Ferry arrives this afternoon in Honolulu Harbor.

David - I do not believe there is anything quite like what Jeff described in Hawaii.  if there is I was not invited.  I do see some companies who try to discourage cooperating brokers and try to keep their transactions in-house.  A terrible business practive that is not in their customers best interest.  It is also crazy to try and be a dual agent on most of their transactions.

Chris - Your good reputation helps your clients.

 

 
1:06pm • #16

I believe that networking with other agents is key to a business plan.

Vicki
5:50pm • #17
592,224 Points 22 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp
I have a list of MANY different service providers, that I hand out to friends, customers, etc. It improves my relationship with the people who receive the list, and the people on the list. It's a win-win situation. I even hand out the list to people in my neighborhood. When they're ready to sell, they remember who helped them, with no strings attached.
7:09pm • #18
JUL
01
2007
321,805 Points 13 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
One of the rewarding aspects of my practice is building relationships with other agents in the same phase of career - fun to hang out at Association events and swap stories.  Whenever one of those folks shows a listing of mine I hope they're the ones who can bring the offer - helping each other grow. 
12:01am • #19
597,028 Points 106 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Vicki - I should be a part of your plan for sure.

Lisa - I also have a services directory that I give out.  It is very helpful to friends and clients.

Jeff - I too have a group of agents who I took classes with and we have become good friends and support each other.
1:12am • #20
JUL
02
2007
5 Featured Posts
Great post. What's the old saying, "It's who you know."  I belong to several groups (sometimes I think too many) but lately I've been getting more business from their referrals than other places.  Again, "It's Who you know."
6:57am • #21
597,028 Points 106 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router
Tammy - It makes a big difference that is for sure.
5:05pm • #22
321,805 Points 13 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
That's one side bene of continuing ed for licensure - allows you to spend time getting to know other agents in a common (non-adversarial) setting.
11:01pm • #23
JUL
03
2007
597,028 Points 106 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router
Jeff - I found the CRS and brokers classes were really good for that because you spend more hours and you have more interaction with each other.
4:15am • #24
560,626 Points 12 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Called Shot Master
I am a firm believer that the energy you put out will come back to you.  Good reminder.
4:26am • #25
597,028 Points 106 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router
Rosemary  - Thank you
1:54pm • #26
JUL
11
2007

Couldn't agree more Randy. In a profession where there are new people coming in and out of the business all the time, part timers, etc. that may know little about what they are doing; It is very helpful to work with someone you know if knowledgeable in their field and will work a smooth transaction.
6:01pm • #27
597,028 Points 106 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Joe - Venders can make or break you.  Those relationships can make a big difference for you and your clients.
8:57pm • #28
Localism Sponsor
The other day I met a new client that ended our showing by sayng to me "I want a pit bull for an agent" I looked at him and said "i am NOT a pit bull,and I never want to turn into one. My job is to make your purchase go smoothly." When someone tries to bully me I feel they have no substance, if you know your job you don't need to make your dealings with the other agent a battle.Be fair,do your job and treat others with respect...they deserve it. 
9:09pm • #29
JUL
12
2007
597,028 Points 106 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router
Cait - The only time I become a pit bull is when someone is doing something improper and I need to protect me clients interest.
3:14am • #30

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

Login or register to leave a comment
 
Randy_prothero_2008 Rainmaker_large

Randy L. Prothero - Hawaii REALTOR® (808) 384-5645

Island Style Realty Inc. - "The Prothero Group"

Mililani, HI

More about me…

Island Style Realty Inc.

Address: 94-539 Puahi St., #B, Waipahu, HI, 96797

Office Phone: (808) 671-2225

Cell Phone: (808) 384-5645

Email Me



Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog