Who Ya Gonna Call? A Look at Making a Referral

When referring someone out I like to know something about the other agent and Active Rain can certainly give me some perspective on that. Just by reading a few of their posts and a few of their comments you can usually see some personality traits. You you really know the person moving to that agents area you should be able to tell if it will be a good match.

I guess I need to get my CRS - I work in such a distressed market right now I did get my CDPE and after living here for over 20 years, I know the area well.  I am currently working with a great referral that came from Active Rain so perhaps I will get even more referrals if I obtain more designations.  Thanks for the post!

HI Jeff,

     Well you already know that answer from me, right?  I found you on AR for my son and that turned out great.  I do know that I'd probably turn to AR before using relocation services through my office.  And the reason is this:  Here, I have a much better idea of someones style, tone and real estate savvy.  Through a re-lot deparment, I'd just get names assigned by location and although I could do phone interviews, I don't know that I'd get the same depth of understanding of them that I could here.  While CRS is an awesome program, the absence of that wouldn't be a deal-breaker for me.

Jeff,

Pick Me!  Pick Me!  Pick Me!

Did that work?

Lucky :)

I generally go to remax mainstreet and check the agent network in the area I need an agent in. I look at their experience and background, then call and chat with them. If that all goes well they will get the referral. I was just looking for an agent that could help my sister in Lilburn, GA the other day.

That is also where I get most incoming referrals.

AR first and then a phonecall.  If I can't get a response or don't get a good feeling from them on the phone, I doubt my client will either. 

I think AR comments can be more revealing than posts. Too bad there's not an easy way we can see all the comments an agent has made.

Great recap on how you handle your referrals Jeff.  I'm pretty much on the same track.  CRS has been a wonderful network to use AND you are so right ~  the perfect match is a CRS here in the rain. 

I also use our Prudential Network ~ we are in the Chairman's Circle (Legend) so I will look for others that way too.

HOWEVER, no matter how many alphabets, or which company I ALWAYS CALL AND CHAT with an agent before I will make that referral.  I've been surprised at some of the info I garner in just a short conversation...  it's well worth the time.

Ghost Busters?

NO, AR!

Keep up the good work!, Tom

Jeff,

I've referring a LOT of business to folks in my former county, so I know the agents. They are aware the leads result from AR - where none of them have a presence!  I'm not entirely thrilled with this but for the moment, the referrals are buyers. Frankly, a potential seller coming through my blog will want a listing agent that blogs....

I agree that using both a CRS and an AR member is great for today's real estate referral base.  The experience that comes from being a CRS coupled with online presence of AR should help cinch the deal and get you paid for the referral in the end.

I recently found an agent on ActiveRain in California for a dear friend of mine transferring there.  While I could have just sent her name to our relocation department for them to find an agent, I felt like I should be involved in the process.  I want her to have a good experience moving someplace where she won't have any friends or support network.  I first looked for an agent in her area then I looked at their activity on ActiveRain.  The ones that were active, I looked at their websites and picked the one I was most impressed with.  Then, I sent an email and asked how she would handle my friend as a client.  How was she prepared to help her from 2,000 miles away?  It feels like a good fit and we both win. 

Especially in todays real estate market.  If I am giving a "Good" referral I want to know I am sending it to an agent that will send me a check, not someone that will loose the business to another agent.  Active Rain is a must to look into first for me.

I do not have my CRS yet.  I did look at it and thought about giving it shot next.

You definitley need both!

Jeff, I also interview agents that I want to send referrals to. If they don't do a good job, then I look bad!

Thank you for sharing.

Since I am pretty new to AR I still don't know to many people in the field.

I hope to make the right connection down the road.

And next stop for me will be to get the CRS designations!

A key point to remember is that your referee may be seen as a representative of or reflection on you. Choose wisely!

Great post, Jeff.  I use a very similar process to select a referral partner.  I tend to start with the CRS directory, mostly because there is a referral culture among CRS designees that is well-established and often ingrained.  I have sent referrals to quite a few AR people as well.  And of course, when there's overlap, that's a plus.