Hey Jason!

I have become friends with so manhy of my customers that when I got married in 2004 I had to invite over 50 of them to my wedding!  It's one of the things I like best about this business.  Now that I own the brokerage and don't sell to many houses anymore, I really miss that aspect of the business.  Hmmm I make less money than I did selling homes and I don't make as many friends...why did I start my company!?

I love Austin...it's one of my favorite cities in the country.  The music scene is one of the best and I tell everyone that Austin has the best looking women in the country...my wife even agrees with me on that one!  Good luck in creating more great friends!

Jason~This is a good point.  I deal primarily reclocating within the Boise area so they already have their friends, but I need to remember my friends that don't have such a strong social safety net. 

Jason,

I pretty much have the same eperience. I actually made some frineds, who started as clients. Can't say I am good at following up, and I regret it.

This is sort of my New Year resolution. As we all know, they seldom work...

Hi Jason...That's why it is so strange when you hear these reports that people don't think much of REALTORS®.  Many sure think of their own REALTOR® as a friend.  Most of them know they can turn to us for almost anything long after the transaction is over.

Kate

Hi Kate!  Fortunately we are some of the good Agents and our customers like us.  Unfortunately many Agents are terrible and don't do anything for their customers...they are only interested in making a buck.  When I first got into the business I was screwed out of a $7500 commission by an unethical Agent. I almost quit the business until my girlfriend, now wife, said to me "for every customer you don't help they have the chance of being hurt by another Realtor".  That convinced me to stay in the business and 7 years later I have sold hundreds of homes, have 24 agents working for me and have tons of friends who have bought homes from us.  I know, I have a smart wife! 

Jason, they say people do business with those they like. If you can't get past the likeability factor you are sunk.

Jason,

Good post and something that i believe that everyone needs to remember when they're working with out of town buyers... As Gary about spoke about, we all need to have that Likeability factor going on, but also be genuine about it.  I might also recommend taking a look at Tim Sander's books The Likeability Factor and Love... The Killer App.  Both are written about how honest helping of others and providing to them (recommendations, referrals, etc.) help change the face of business.

I'm a firm believer in all of this, as long as (as it seems with you...) it's genuine.  Hence the name of my blog and company is The You Factor www.theyoufactor.com 

Keep up the good work.

Matt Dollinger

@properties

I know exactly what you mean.  I have a few relo customers who have become good friends.  They refer to me as family.

It's a terrific feeling.

My buyers have all become lifelong friends.  It is so important to cultivate this cause its the right thing to do.

Jason, My clients are my good friends.  My clients think of me as a friend.  When you can develop this type of relationship, you will consistently obtain listings and thought of as "my Realtor".  It seems to me that you understand "The Secret".

JASON - As you know, most relocations around here involve people leaving Long Island, however, I have had a recent dealing with a couple that is looking to relocate from Canada.  You are right about being there for them in ways that go beyond real estate.  If you are truly an area expert, you become a tour guide of sorts also.  The great thing about people relocating is that they give you a new perspective about what knowledge is important to help with their transition.  As bloggers, they can also be a source of inspiration. 

The reason that I put together the post about local supermarkets was because of this couple.  They wanted to make sure that they were in close proximity to shopping, and supermarkets are as local as real estate, so they had no knowledge of what each store was, or where they were located. 

Being in a market like Austin, which is often times named as one of the top places to live, I know that you will have many more opportunities to help people get acclimated to the area.  I'm sure that the relocation package that you've created allows you to dispose of the competition rather easily.

Jason...

Wow, funny you mentioned this. I deal with mostly out-of-town clients and it's true: They depend on you for everything. So there's a lot more tome involved, many more phone calls, and it' just natural that a relationship evolves. Good insight, thanks!

Its always amazing what people will share with you.  I find it is an honor that they trust me with some very sensitive things about them.  Your openess does show through in your blog ... keep up the good work!

I've noticed that a realtor sometimes wears many hats.  I've been a counselor, friend, nurse, telephone book, decorator, and many others.  It makes life interesting...  :)

Hi Friend!

It is very true... somehow this business tends to mold "friendships" where otherwise it may not be so. We are often called on as therapists, consultants and psychics!

Hi Jason, I think the friendships we develop with ous clients is one of the great perks of our job, particularly with buyers. It's built on mutual trust and continues after the deal is done. I laughed at your "hunter-gatherer" confession. I guess cause it hit a little too close to home!

Hi Jason!

Thanks for the tip on the signature name.  As I come back to thank you for such a wonderful post...I see yet another one which really touches my heart.  It's as if I wrote it, as I have experience the same bonding.  At first, I'm not only their liason to the community...but their new best friend when they are having the stresses of moving to a new town.  As they get settled, it is like seeing your child grow up and leave the nest.  Even though you see them less often...the bond is still there and it is a strong one.  I think that is why I chose to specialize in Relocation.  I think I love to surround myself with great people, or Earth Angels as I refer to my Buyers! Great Blog Post Jason!

I have always tried to be a "friend to the friendless",

Hey Jason,

Is that an I Love Lucy reference?  :)

Jason- So very true. Having worked with many out of townersI have noticed how dependent they are on me to share my knowledge on homes, neighborhoods, food, fun etc. It can be exhausting but so rewarding as well.

My short story- My million dollar buyer needed to leave town for a son's graduation a week after they closed.  Two large labs and no 'familiar' kennel nearby.  I was the hero of the day.  Little did they know I fell so in love with their dogs I almost nabbed them!  May I also add, their million dollar buyer friends showed up six months later...  Would I have done it if I knew there was another large commission coming my way?  Of course, but I didn't know it at the time.

Jason, you've made several really good points here.  We are "ambassadors" to our communities until our clients get to know their way around and meet other people.  For those that are local, sometimes we do fill their need to have someone that can listen and emphasize with their experience.  And, I'm glad I'm not the only one in the world that could be doing a better job of keeping up with past clients.....an ongoing New Years resolution. 

Jason, this really is so true and, really, regardless of whether or not we are thier best friend, we ought to be thier friend. As you pointed out many times clients come to us for referrals and we ought to have a list of folks that they can call.

I like to get them together - invite clients to the same parties - they often make their own relationships this way.

Hey Jason,

Georgina Hunter's comment reminded me of something.  One of my top producing clients invites all her buyers and sellers to her house once a year for a big party.  Like you, she becomes friends with most of her clients.  It's a great way to have fun and maximize referrals.  A real win-win.

Jason ~ This is so true. You hit the nail on the head with this one!  I spend at least two weekends a month at clients bbq's, outings or getting together for dinner. As most of my clients have moved here from out of town.  Some of my best friends are past and present clients. One of the best perks of this career!