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Testimonials - Why?

By Karen Kruschka

Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Executives

September 04, 2007 05:31 AM

Practically everyone has client testimonials on their website - myself included. Why? Is there someone out there in "Real Estate Land" dumb enough to put negative testimonials on their site? Do we really believe Harry and Harriet Buyer or Seller place any stock in them?

My testimonials tell you that I'm trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, etc., but so are Boy Scouts. Would anybody list with a Boy Scout? I'm not picking on the BSA - my son is an Eagle and my husband is a former Scoutmaster.

I suspect the real motivitation is it gives us a "warm fuzzy"

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Eric Kodner

Wayzata Lakes Realty: Eric Kodner Sells Twin Cities Homes - Minnetonka, MN

Wayzata Lakes Realty: Twin Cities, Madeline Island

I think the content of a testimonial is what gives it value. For example, does the testimonial say you were a good listener? That you helped a buyer to obtain financing? Or does the client thank you for keeping him/her informed of transaction deadlines and details? These and other comments can really give your business a boost if website visitors take the time to read them.

Sep 04, 2007 05:43 AM

Al Maxwell

Keller Williams - Marietta, GA

Real Estate Agent

I think agents post testimonials because we are insecure. As new agents, we yearn for that first deal and feel very happy once we get it closed. THEN, when we get our first HAPPY CLIENT, we ask for some feedback and are thrilled with having a satisfied customer.

Most of the really top agents don't seem to post testimonials. Maybe 'cause they don't have time or just don't need it at that point...

Sep 04, 2007 06:08 AM

Sean Allen

International Financing Solutions - Fort Myers, FL

International Financing Solutions

I belive the true value of a testamonial is to give the future client copies of the letters about their quality of service and have the phone number of the previous client at the bottom under their signature. That way the future client can call and verify verbally about your service.....Provided this has been "OKed" by the previous clients". Unfortunately an unethical person can write their own testamonials and put a fake name on them. I'm sure this doesn't happen often, at least I hope it doesn't happen often.

Sean Allen

Sep 04, 2007 06:12 AM

Kay Steele Faulk

InHouse Writer - Lake Village, AR

The Real Estate Copywriter

Today's consumers are skeptical. They've heard every marketing message there is. Testimonials having a full name and city offer prospects powerful social proof. Testimonials without first and last names offer no proof at all and might as well be omitted from a Web site. If an agent is not comfortable publishing identifying information on the Web, a statement that testimonials are available by request is helpful for prospects needing this proof.

Another method is to provide the first line or two of a testimonial with an email link saying "Request this testimonial." To help prospects know which testimonials would be helpful to them, group testimonials by categories such as buyers, sellers, relocaters, investors, etc.

The more detailed a testimonial is, the more powerful its proof.

Sep 04, 2007 06:17 AM

Dionne Morgan

Realty World Solano Realty - Vallejo, CA

Broker REALTOR ,GRI, e-PRO

I have wasted time and I am sure opportunity by not listing my testamonials. I better get on it.

Sep 04, 2007 06:21 AM

Suzanne Sands

Pavao Real Estate - Somerset, MA

Somerset MA Real Estate

Hi Karen,

Good point, you made me laugh because you are so right! Now I would have to say it would be the quality that makes it worth it, plus they do make us feel good! Thanks :)

Sep 04, 2007 06:26 AM

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc - Hubert, NC

Hi Karen,
You are right on target and I need to put some time and effort there. Thanks for the push.

Sep 04, 2007 06:44 AM

Cindy Seaton

Century 21, Beal - Bryan, TX

Testimonials also elicit an emotion. Perhaps someone reading it can relate to an experience that the testimonial provides. Just another hook for the bait!

Kind regards,

Cindy Seaton, REALTOR

Bryan, TX

Sep 04, 2007 06:46 AM

Debbie Johnson

REMERICA United Realty - Novi, MI

Novi, MI Real Estate Professional

I have the actual letters and cards that past clients have given me in my listing presentation book. Sellers actually like reading these. I honestly don't think that testimonials would matter to me when I am looking to hire someone to do work for me.

Sep 05, 2007 01:46 AM

Bill Gassett

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Hopkinton, MA

Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate

Karen - I know what you mean, I have often thought the same thing. I think there is a value to them if they are written a certain way. As an example a testimonial that says how great blah blah blah the agent was is probably not that effective. On the other hand if the client suggests why you were of value that is much better. Maybe you were a great negotiator or your marketing efforts were excellent. Due to you negotiating skills you knocked 15k off the price of a home with good value or sold a home 30 days under the avg market time due to marketing.

I have changed mine to say "success stories" instead of testimonials. It sounds more real to me.

Sep 06, 2007 01:17 AM

David Slavin

Keller Williams Premier - Katy, TX

CDPE, ABR, SRES Keller Williams Premier

This is so true! I have never seen any Realtor or any business list negative testamonials. I think it makes the potential client feel more comfortable working with someone who has good testamonials as opposed to none at all.

Sep 06, 2007 01:50 AM

Art Kruschka

Administrative Manager - Manassas, VA

Manassas Woodbridge Dumfries Real Estate Sevices

Karen This early post certainly drew a lot of comments - well done

Jul 27, 2010 10:24 PM