When is the best time to thank someone for a referral and how
A big THANK YOU to Hella Rothwell for this fantastic post!
We had an unfortunate conversation when we first started in the real estate biz. A family member knew someone who knew someone who wanted to sell their home.
"I'd love to help!" I offered.
"What kind of kickback will you give me?" he said.
I thought he was joking. He wasn't.
Folks, if you recommend someone tries a new store in the mall, do you expect the store to send you a portion of their profit?
Please check out Hella's original post here.
Some neighbors recommended me to someone they knew who was looking for a real estate broker. Since then, we've worked together and just a few days ago the transaction closed. The client is very happy and we are already working on another one that hopefully will also come about.
Margaret Rome this morning wrote about confidentiality, and it made me wonder whether I have any other obligation to the neighbors who recommended their acquaintance to me. These neighbors are not real estate professionals so I cannot give them a referral fee nor should I tell them that the transaction has been completed and thank them again. It is up to their acquaintance, in my opinion, to tell them whatever they want and, hopefully, tell them they were very happy with me.
So, to finish the thought of this blog, the best time to thank someone for a referral is
RIGHT AT THE BEGINNING
This brings back some conversations I've had with some other friends and acquaintances who have bemoaned the fact that they have "referred" their real estate agent to a friend or acquaintance who is looking to buy and sell a home. Let's face it, they are fully aware that the real estate agent will make a commission at the end of a successful transaction.
AND FELT THEY WERE LEFT OUT SOMEHOW WHEN IT CAME TO PAYDAY
I reiterate, please remember that licensed real estate professionals CANNOT SHARE THEIR COMMISSION with a NON LICENSED active REAL ESTATE PERSON.
Let's face it, people, when you recommend your doctor, lawyer, accountant, dentist, car maintenance person, etc. you don't expect a referral fee, do you? But for some reason, in their minds, they feel that they are handing you a big bunch of cash and you, the real estate professional should thank them BETTER than just a thank you. Or at least thank them with a dinner, a great bottle of wine, or whatever.
HOW AND WHEN DO YOU MAKE IT CLEAR THAT YOU CAN'T BY LAW DO THAT?
RIGHT AT THE BEGINNING, WHEN YOU THANK THEM FOR THE REFERRAL
That does not mean that you can't put them on your Christmas mailing list, send them a thank you card RIGHT AT THE BEGINNING when they have just recommended you, or some other nice thing that does not rise up to an illegal referral fee.
Let me be your California real estate broker for oceanfront and oceanview property in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove, Carmel Valley and Big Sur.
Let's meet at beautiful Carmel Beach, in my Carmel-by-the-Sea office on Dolores between 5th & 6th, or in any of the wonderful restaurants, coffee bars, or wine tasting rooms that this city-in-the-forest is known for.
Listing your property? Call me first and let's establish its value and what it will take to get it ready for sale to get the highest sales price.
Buying a home? If you are from out of the area, I will preview property on your behalf. Please call me to discuss how I can help you attain your real estate needs.
As an independent real estate broker licensed in California and Hawaii, I can assist you with residential real estate, commercial properties, investment opportunities, and have knowledge of "pocket listings."
For more information www.HellaRothwell.com
Member: National Association of REALTORS, California Association of REALTORS, Hawaii Association of REALTORS, Del Norte Association of REALTORS, Honolulu Board of REALTORS,
________________________________________________________________
Hella Mitschke Rothwell (R)
Real Estate Broker/Owner/Realtor®
Licensed in California #01772851 & Hawaii #RB-21268Tel. 831-626-4000
Fax 1-877-822-9332
CALIFORNIA OFFICE: Su Vecino Court, Lincoln & Dolores between 5th & 6th, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
MAILING: P.O. Box 4554, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
Email: HellaRothwell@gmail.com
Disclaimer: Hella Rothwell does not guarantee nor is in any way responsible for the accuracy of the information provided herein, and provides said information without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied.
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