Hi Carol!  I try and be this person, too, though some requests have been pretty crazy...and a stretch to be anything close to real estate related.

I agree that this is a great way to present yourself.  We have a directory of 'home service professionals' for our clients and very often hand out referrals for quality businesses and contractors.  We've recently started to use our AR blog as a resource, too.  Although we don't have clients subscribing yet, we send them a link or synopsis.  They seem to like it!

Colour me your colour, baby
Colour me your car
Colour me your colour, darling
I know who you are

I do not like to give names of handy men and contractors because I have had 2 bad experiences.

I don't like giving out handy men or contractors either because if something goes wrong or whatever who are they going to think of first then!

I encourage people to use me as a resource.  The people I refer clients to are trusted by me and I make it perfectly clear that if I ever hear a bad word or experience there will be hell to pay.  So far so good. and I follow up.

I with Melanie. Service providers are referred based on good previous experiences. There is some accountability with any referral.

I think it is all part of a network. People that I have used successfully (and in the case of handymen are licensed), agencies etc are all part of my network and they know they are. I have put together a book of about twenty categories and at least two people.businesses/organizations in each. I give it to my customers and when someone calls i discuss what they need and provide a couple references...I also be sure the business I refer to knows i did...it is amazing how much business comes back to me from these professionals.

Courtney: I've not had any super bizarre requests yet, but would welcome the opportunity.

Wendy: I'm in the process of putting together the same thing right now, to make a better presentation.

Paul: Thanks!

Gita: I've followed up with feedback on both ends, and have stopped referring to people who have not lived up to the expectation.  I've also found good referrals from other "friendly" agents.

Kim: I understand, but I'd rather they call me and tell me if it doesn't work out, so I am actively involved in the solution.

Melanie: I'm with you 100%!

Dionne: Agreed, there is accountability in any referral.  I always follow up to ensure everything went as intended. I try people out myself before I refer them out.

Perrin: That is a great way to handle it, and I always alert the person I'm referring to the name of who should be calling them, so I cover it on both ends.

If people talk think of you for ALL real estate matters, then your business will be just spinning wheels in the mud. Good comment.

Hopefully you have some good home stgers to refer them to as well!

You really are a  full service agent .

It is great to have a list of resources available, so that they can call you for any need.

Scott: True!

Kathleen: I have several stagers I refer, it really helps a home present better and make a great first impression!

Matthew: Yes it is, and I tend to email it to them so they have all the contract info.

Carol,

Right on the money....after the sale is just as important as before.....we want them to believe that they needs us then too!

Have a safe and happy holiday.

Thats great Carol. I use this same approach when I make my calls. I  break them into two categories. Advocates and vendors. This gives them a great value

Carol.  I consider myself a full service Realtor.  Call me for anything!

Dan: It definitely helps me stand out among the competition!

Joshua: I REALLY like you terms of Advocates and Vendors - thanks!

Chris: I agree 150% :-)

Carol,  You are so right.  It is amazing how many people do not take advantage of building relationships.  When you refer out you not only help the client but the person building a business that received the referral.  I would warn anyone to not refer if you do not know the company or person you haved refered to.  I receive around 95% of my business through referals.

I think you are right on, Carol.  Any way you can keep in contact with your client and give them something of value, makes you the one they think of when cousin Mary comes to town to buy, next door neighbor is moving, son is home from college, starting career and buying home, and etc.....I find it interesting to track where clients come from.  By listing one home in a not so red hot neighborhood and selling it I had 9 transactions which followed, one a walnut orchard with a nice home on it.  A hundred thousand dollars from someone who walked into the office and said, "I want a realtor who will not talk our neighborhood down."  Being new and not knowing any neighborhood, I was the perfect Realtor.  LOL  Being a resource plays a big part in them calling you.

HAPPY 2008

Carol,

I am in agreement with you.  Since I want to be my clients' Realtor for Life, then I need to stay in contact with them.  Well, for the reasons that you stated, this gives me a reason to call my client every 45 days to see if they have any projects that they are planning in the near future.  Whether landscaping, new hardwood floors, swopping out the plumbing, electrical or adding HVAC system.  Perhaps they are putting in a new kitchen or tile floors, well, I have a List of Approved Service Providers that allows me to provide referrals on the spot.

Again, for the reasons that Carol stated, it just gives me another reason to make contact and stay in front of my clients.  (smile)

Uniqca V. Powell, EXIT Premier Realty - 301/560-6748 

Joe: It is a people business, and the more people you know the more helpful you can be. I only refer people I've used myself, as a safeguard.

Shirley: Congrats! It is so important to know where our business comes from and track it correctly.

Uniqca:  I love your idea of calling them every 45 days or so to see what projects they have coming up - it's not pressuring them for a referral, it's reminding them you care, and you are a resource.

Carol ~ I'm with you. We should be resources for our clients. And they should feel comfortable calling us for what they need. I have clients call me for just about anything. When they don't know who to call, they call Darleen! ;-)

I think it is important to be the hub and not the spokes. If I have people that I give out their name and they do bad service, then I find someone else.

Great idea and this is what I did when I sold real estate and what I am trying to develop more in the construction industry. Thanks.

This is neat.. I have been doing this in may ways for years.. and now I realize why they keep calling.  I am the yellow pages for real estate and home related items and people. 

Being that it is tax season, it would also be nice if you went out of your way to help your clients with taxes (not offering advice of course), but pointing them out to the proper resources is a real good way to build on that life-long client relationship.

In the mortgage industry we call this ASF - "Active Sales Force".  It keeps our name and face in front of clients on a long term basis.

Carol:  I agree with you.  It takes more than just sending an occassional card.  If you really want to be remembered, help someone with a problem.  I had a buyer call me out of the blue, never talked to him before and he had just purchased a FSBO so no Realtors involved.  He needed help with home inspection and I was flattered that he chose me to call and ask for that help.  Maybe he'll send me a future buyer some day.  Still, it was just a good feeling to be used as a resource.

Darleen: I agree, CALL MEI!  Thanks for stopping by!

Dennis: It is important to have solid people to refer to.

Vincent: Good luck with building your referral team.

Trey: That is a great position to be in!

TaxMan: Great idea - I'll have to utilize that.

Don: I love the ASF!

Donna: Absolutely true.

Carol:

Very sound advice. Helping others is the key to getting referrals and leads.

From a referral from a friend Im working with a guy in Japan who is coming to visit in Feb.  He emailed me and told me he was interested in keeping his daughter in Catholic School along with his search criteria and the fact he might come visit soon.  After sending him the search criteria info he replied thanks.  A few days went by and I decided to do a search an compile a list of Catholic Schools in all Hampton Roads area so that Im not being biased or steering, I sent all areas, phone numbers and website info.  He was so glad I had sent him the list he booked a flight, scheduled 3 days for us to look at homes and called the lender I suggested to obtain his approval.  Sometimes go out of your way to give the resource can be the otivator they need.

You could ask the people who you are refering to contractors feedback about their experiences with them that way you know to continue to give referrals to and who to cross off of your list... but that is really a great idea

Alan - so true, and we all know it.

DeAndrea:  Isn't it amazing how the simplest things can yield such terrific results?

Mioshi: I always ask the people I refer to and the referral source for feedback, but I agree, keeping notes on this is vitally important to have a solid reputation.

Key advice, thank for the reminders.  Bookmarked and will come back to over and over.

Being a resource is paramount to getting "clients for life"!  One of the rules I have is a very simple "one strike" rule.  If lenders, handymen, stagers, etc.  blow a deal I sent to them due to their own error,  I find someone else that won't make the same mistake.  My clients know that the people I refer are people I have postive experience with and that I personally TRUST.

Carol good post.  If you can be the person people turn to they will think of you for all of their house needs including the ones you can make money on.

Rosemary: Thanks for the kind words & for stopping by!

Jonathan: Agreed; they get ONE SHOT, and will not be referred again if they do not perform.

Timothy: Thanks - it works well for me :-)

Yes, I agree.  And I try to be there for everything.  Some of my realtor friends always remind me that my clients are adults.  I am the eternal mother, mothering them through every issue.  My last call from a former client was to ask me if taking down part of a fence, and leaving the yard partially open would affect the value of the property.  It did make me feel good to know they thought well enough of me to value my opinion!  You had great points that are good reminders!

If everyone calls you for all their needs.... we would hope that they remember you for Real Estate !

Keep up the great job !

There's NOTHING better than educating your clients to call you everytime they need a handyman or plumber or attorney or an INSURANCE AGENT!!!  I've even gone so far as to post my REFERRAL DIRECTORY online.

Carol,

Very good post, when people are trying to think of what to say in their newsletters, emails, and cards -this is it. Offer to be a resource.  

Lee Walsh

You put in words what I try to do for all my clients.  Especially relocating clients who need reputable vendors.  Keep on exceeding the expectations and deliver more service.... The rewards will come to you.

"Life is boomerang curve: you get back what you give."  

I try to serve in the same capacity in order to become their RE resource.  That is another way to enlarge my territory.

Chris: It's good to be remembered when they think about property values!

Roland: Thanks!

Dennis: LOVE the online referrral directory!

Lee: That is exactly what I strive to to.

Angela: I love that quote - thanks!

Latonia: Yes, and it shows how our we can and will go above and beyond.

You do what you have to do to be and remain "Top of Mind" with your affinity partners. 

If you are not comfortable with giving out names of contractors and the such because of the possibility of something going wrong, then give your client at least three names each time.  Leave the final choice up to them.  I have always done this and I let my affinity partners know that I do.

If the client chooses them, then great.  If not, hopefully they can learn from it and win the next one.

My partner and I recently sent out a Homeowner Service Directory that our spheres love. It contains the names and contact info of service providers to use for various household chores and other services.

It is ledger size folded in half. On the outside is us and our bio, the backside is a lender and title company, and on the inside are service provider business cards. We charge them each business card $25 to be included.

Then we split the remaining cost and postage for mailing with our lender and title company. In the end, we each spent about $40 was all.

I also have started sending out a custominzed monthly eNewletter. I did not like any of the newsletter products out there on the market, so I create a draft, and post things to it as I see them during the month. Then mid month when it is time to send, voila...done.

It is all about staying in touch and providing information and service. 

What a great idea Carol.

It's a great way for clients to keep you in mind and also would make a good topic for one of my monthly cards I send out. Thanks for the tip.

Sonja in Olympia WA 

Carol,

I'm with you girl! I have even been a source for a military veteran's tie for his funeral service. It was really sad but it was great to know I could solve that problem for the family. I met the wife at the house and she was so upset. He was a WWII vet who wanted to be buried in his uniform.  She didn't have the tie and didn't know where to find it. I made a few calls, drove to the reserve base, and had the tie back in time for the funeral home to get him ready for the visitation services. Now that is a full service Realtor!

Becky

Carol,

Please contact us if we can ever be a resource to you in the Dallas Fort Worth area. My team is with North Texa GMAC. We love referrals.

Great post!   That is what being a leader is all about. That is what caring for people is all about.  Its about when you care for people that they know you will help them out despite any immediate reward or interest.  Its when they look to you to be a leader.  Be a leader!

I AGREE 100%!!!!  WHEN YOUR CLIENTS FEEL THAT THEY CAN CALL YOU NO MATTER WHAT THE ISSUE NO MATTER WHAT THE CONCERN OR NO MATTER WHAT THE NEED, THEY ARE MORE LIKELY TO REMEMBER YOU AS A REALTOR FOR LIFE AND NOT JUST FOR A TRANSACTION.

DANIEL

And I was going to call you collect.  Being a resource or go to person is a great way to become a trusted real estate agent

David: I agree - I just had a situation where someone I referred did not live up to expectations, and will switch to the norm of 3 names/resources. It's always worked for me in the past.

Debra: A great idea that I will "steal" with your permission!

Sonja: Glad I could help!

Becky: I will keep you in mind- I have friends in Prosper I visit a few times a year. Please keep me in mind for any of your people moving my way as well!

Dave: That's what I'm striving for!  Thanks for the kind words!

Daniel Hayes Team: I just had someone ask me about a septic inspection, I helped her buyer a year ago, and she works for the local chamber of commerce, which I'm active in, so I get to see her at least once a month.

Russ - Ha ha - glad you didn't call me collect :-)

Hi Carol,

Just found this post in the SRES group and your title hooked me. You are so right, I'm in complete agreement. I try to explain to my clients I'm available for you year round, not just when you're buying or selling. I'm here to provide you with on going service...consider me your resource.

Carol,

Thanks for the great view point.  Refer other professionals judiciously.

Steve Olczak Trust USA Mortgage Corp.

Just wanted to remind everyone, that on Wednesday, 4.23.08 at 12 noon we are holding an Official Press Conference and an Open House for the the general public to visit the Ocala Mansion. This will be the only time the public will be able to tour the Ocala Mansion at 1315 SE 22nd. Ave, Ocala, Fl. 34471 prior to selecting the Winner! For more info http://www.ocalamansion.com/      

PET LOVERS START PACKING!

YOU COULD WIN MY OCALA MANSION!

Valued At $1,250,000.00

$200.00 Entry Fee & The Best "Pet Lover Story" WINS!

Ocala Mansion Essay Contest Kicks Off at Noon, Wednesday, April 23^rd, 2008 

With an "Official Press Conference" at the property - 1315 SE 22^nd Ave., Ocala, Fla. 34471

     Contest entrants will be able to visit the Mansion from 12 noon to 3:00p.m. Eastern Time. 

Would you like to own this extraordinary "Gone With The Wind" Plantation Style Mansion situated on more than two acres of land adorned with beautiful Oak trees, Camellia, Azalea, Gardenia and fruit trees in the heart of downtown Ocala, Florida? This magnificent home features approximately 5,200 square feet of living space, including five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a formal living room, a huge dining room, a spacious family room with a brick fireplace, beautiful pine wood floors throughout, marble bathrooms, three crystal chandeliers, 50 foot brick porches on the front and back of the home, 25 foot high grand foyer, a guest house, tree house, and a hand built dog house that resembles the mansion, complete with its own chain link fenced run.

The current owner, Miss Clementina Marie Giovannetti, a national best-selling author, spared no expense, approximately $200,000.00 to have the entire mansion completely restored, updated and freshly painted inside and out just for you! Why does she want to give such a magnificent mansion away to The Best "Pet Lover Story" Essay Winner?

"I purchased this magnificent mansion a few years ago for my retirement home and looked forward to having a quiet and simple life there. But sometimes, no matter how carefully you plan out the details of your life or make decisions, things change, and that's exactly what happened," Giovannetti said. "My entire life changed both professionally and personally while I was living there, and I am no longer retired. So to support my new lifestyle and career change I purchased a much smaller home in The Villages. Hence, this essay contest!"

"One person out of 6250 minimum entries will win this magnificent home valued at $1.25 million on or before July 23^rd, 2008. All you have to do is send us your ‘Pet Lover Story' according to the rules and regulations, along with your cover letter, a 4x6 color photograph of the pet and a US $200 entry fee. In 100 to 300 words, tell us about your pet," Giovannetti said.  "‘The Pet Lover Story' can be funny, sad, heroic or inspirational. It can be about a rescue story, service animal, or an act of love or courage. The judges will select a winning entry based upon an honest and sincere expression of thought and emotions about a pet that is heartfelt and one that truly touches the hearts of the judges. It's that easy. "

"Even kids under the age of 18 can enter as long as their entry includes a written statement with a signature from their parent or guardian approving their participation in this contest. The contest is also open to all not-for-profit organizations," she said.

"Besides, all you ever hear on the news is bad news: crashing real estate market, pregnant women being murdered by their own husbands or boyfriends, political officials being indicted, gas prices going up, the economy going into a recession and on and on. I believe in miracles and sincerely want to bless someone else's life with this magnificent home. I need to find a very special family, individual or organization that could truly be happy there, and perhaps it would make his or her dreams come true! So start writing!" Giovannetti said. For more information visit http://www.ocalamansion.com/ 

Carol, Great post.  Thanks for the tips on some good ideas.   

Carol great suggestions.  I have bookmarked and will incorporate this habit into my business.

Carol,

GREAT business to be the one that your clients call ALL THE TIME....

What do you think about putting your "sources" (ie insurance agent, plumber, landscaper) in an online directory similar to mine at http://dennis-directory.blogspot.com/  ?

ADVANTAGE is that its always available and people can refer their friends to the directory.

DISADVANTAGE is that they DON'T have to call you.  The calls keep you in the loop and develop your relationship.

dv 

Lynda: It works - and I've had people call me for everything from a pet sitter to personal chef recommendations!

Stephen - True - I've had a few less-than-stellar experiences.

Bob - One of the things I LOVE about A/R - we all get to share!

Rosemary - Thanks for reading!

Dennis - I agree on the online option, I'll check it out and have that as well - thanks!

Carol, Great Post. I  provide continuing value to my clients by offering information seminars on topics such as budgeting, credit repair, financial planning, and real estate investing.

John Thomas - Certified Mortgage Planner

This is exactly what I try to make all of my clients aware of.  I want to make sure I am the source for all of their needs.

John - Thanks for the great ideas, I need to incorporate them!

Latonia -  You can use various sources to remind them, I'm trying Constant Contact free for 60 days, and it's been terrific!

Carol, This is a great post and I always need to improve on continual contact with my clients!!

MTR Chris

Understanding the current financing market is a huge advantage for selling clients, and being able to provide their probable buyers with good lending resources is valuable.  We can advise clients when is a good time to invest, prevent them from over committing themselves, and overcome obstacles for their buyers.