TODAY I MADE A BUYER REFERRAL TO A FORMER HOMEFINDERS.COM AGENT.
A conversation with an associate broker of a major franchise this morning reminded me of just how
hard we work for our buyers and the contributions that "HANDS ON" real estate practitioner make to our
buyers, sellers and our industry.
NETWORK WITH GOOD REFERRAL AGENTS
This is the same former Homefinders.com agent who is now an associated broker with a national
franchise who contacted me about watching the 60 Minutes piece last evening. She was interested
in my take on the broadcast after seeing that it turned out to be an infomercial for Redfin.
I trained this agent over the past 5 years. She's smart, hard working and understands her
job. Our conversation reminded me of the reasons we are paid what we are paid and how hard we
work to earn our fees.
REFERRALS ARE NOT ALWAYS EASY TO HELP
I called her this morning with a buyer referral for a lovely lady who is:
* marginally qualified for the area.
* has marginal credit that will need repair for about 3 months.
* has little in savings and would need 3% under FHA.
* is qualified for only small homes in the area where she needs to live.
HELP WITH A SMILE AND A LOT OF KNOWLEDGE AND DEDICATION
What did the agent that I called say about this "marginal" referral??
"Thanks Lenn. It won't be easy for her, but I've had good results recently with a new program
offered by XXX Bank. She should qualify for the program with all closing paid. If she needs to be in
the area you mentioned, I know some town home communities there that are priced very well and
I've been getting good prices and closing help in there."
Now, I realize that this was not the greatest referral I've ever made. It's in the $200K price range, which
doesn't buy much in our market. However, the agent to whom I referred this buyer knows that she also
gets very good referrals from me, so far up to $900K and ours has been a very good broker/agent
now broker/referral associate broker relationship and she will work VERY hard to help this buyer.
GOOD REFERRAL AGENTS ARE TO BE APPRECIATED
From these types of relationships, consumers, buyers and sellers, are getting good caring
service from experienced agents who know the financing, know the area, know how to get
things done and are glad to do the work to get the "marginal" buyer in a home.
Buyers may be able to see homes for sale online, but they cannot, ever, get the kind of caring,
dedicated help buying a home that this lucky lady will enjoy with my wonderful referral agent.
Redfin, eat your heart out.
Maryalnd buyers agents
Lenn, that's precisely the argument I use with folks I know who think they can do it all on-line (aka Redfin). Being
the loyal friend, I tell them to try St. Paul Real Estate & Teresa. Find what you think you want on-line - then get a professional! Were I an agent, just from what I've learned about the professionals I've come to know on the'Rain - I could direct them to someone in almost every part of the country without hesitation!
Jay