How many solicitors have your number??? Interesting call just yesterday.

I have recently been bombarded with real estate solicitations.  Different parties trying to sell me on this and that.  I had the funniest call yesterday.  A guy from agenttoagentreferal.com, I believe (he never was clear on the URL name) called and said he wanted me to check his site out.  He would send me 10 free referrals.  I naturally asked what my part in the referral system was???  How much are you asking me to pay these referrals???  I never pay for leads.  I create them.  I was told it was free.  They were just hosting this service and giving away free leads because, well he really did not know.  I was intrigued by his lack of knowledge about his service so I asked if he could explain EXACTLY what he does.  The explanation went like this and I quote the conversation.  "Well you know you are in Texas right."  We actually have people in New York who may want to move to Texas. What we do it help you find the person paying the highest fee.  I think that is how it works"  I left out the stutters and lose for words that kept plaguing this poor salesman.  I did feel sorry for him. I explained that the best way for him to promote his service would be to read up on it.  I offered to read an email if he wanted to send one via our website.  Not surprisingly I never heard from his website with any follow up correspondence.  I assume the purpose of this site is to obtain paid sponsorship. He was unable to explain why they wanted to facilitate referrals. In my experience people do not provide a service for free.  Also I never understood how he was giving me 10 instant relos for just trying their site.  That was his lead off statement when I answered.  I am blonde but usually can follow the meat and bones of a sales conversation.

If I was going to look for a referral source I would either use Activerain or my network with Point 2 Agent.  I am not always looking for the highest relo fee.  I am looking for a quality agent who knows how to work a referral.  I sent out two through Cendant last year.  They were both lost b/c the agents refused to work with a lender other then their in house.  Their in house had very high standards so after being told they could not buy a house, well they went out and bought a house.  Both without a variable rate mortgage might I add. So much for sending those referrals.  I changed brokerages shortly thereafter.  I only sent out 20 referrals that year.  How many closed.  NONE.  I look for quality agents that will correspond with both the client and me.  The client is paying at least 2 agents so I fully intend to stay involved.  I am not one of those, her you go, they are yours now, type of agents.  I am 100% there until the deal closes.  That is what a referral agent is for.  Not just to collect that 35%.

Real estate clients should expect their referring agent to stay involved. We get a commission for referring you so please ask for our opinions.  Often we can help recommend services that will help your move. Please feel free to ask me my opinion. Even if I am not getting paid to offer it.