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Are You Suffering from Refferalexia?

By
Real Estate Agent with Dove Realty Inc.

I have to admit that over the years, when it comes to referring business out I've been striking out! No matter how much research I would do one of two things would happen: either the agent who looked so good on-line and sounded so good on the phone didn't live up to their first impression, or they just weren't a good fit for my clients. 

I'm happy to say that those days are over! This month I found two exceptional agents for my out-of-area clients. The first was Elaine Stewart in Palm Springs, who found a fabulous home in record time and negotiated a jaw-dropping price. My client's thrilled and so am I. My second client is in Pennsylvania. She'll be calling the agent I vetted this week and I expect the same stellar results.

Where did I find these paragons of virtue? Activerain, of course. There is something about reading an agent's blog that gives you a level of insight miles above viewing a website.

Now I'm looking for an agent in Rochester Michigan.

If you're moving out of Seattle and need an excellent agent or a talented Stager call me at 206-781-1724 or email me at susan@susanpeters.com

I know where the great agents hide out!

Show All Comments
Liz Moras Migic
Chilliwack, BC
Chilliwack, British Columbia - Realtor

Now I'd like to know how you get all these cross country referrals for people! :-)

Jun 13, 2009 05:12 PM
Terry Chenier
Homelife Glenayre Realty - Mission, BC

Susan,

I had similar experiences in Palm Springs and Las Vegas. Took 2 tries to get it right. The first 2 I'll never work with again.

Jun 13, 2009 06:28 PM
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

Susan--I followed you here from comment you left on my recent post and I am glad I did.  I see two other people whom I have met in the rain.  Referrals--AR agents want to maintain their reputation within the community so it seems they go the extra mile.

Other tips:  keep in touch with both your client and the agent receiving the referral.  I tell my clients if you are not happy let me know so I can find a different agent.  It works.

Jun 16, 2009 06:29 AM
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

Susan--I forgot to tell you I love the title of your site.  "The better it looks the better it sells'.  Are you a stager?

Jun 16, 2009 06:32 AM
Susan Peters
Dove Realty Inc. - Seattle, WA
The Better it Looks the Better it Sells

Liz: I've lived all over the country and collected friends along the way that I still have today.

Terry: I'm glad you finally found the right people.

Mary: Thanks for the tip and I'm a Realtor/Staging Specialist. I stage all of my listings at no additional cost to my clients. I don't have the time or inventory to stage for other agents though. One of my clients came up with my tag line "The Better it Looks...The Better it Sells!"

Jun 16, 2009 06:54 AM
Cathy Lee
CL Design Services Home Staging - Danville, CA
ASP, IAHSP, RESA Danville, CA

This is so true.  I just referred a staging job to Terri Lucas (AR member) and the home sold in less than 2 weeks. 2.5 million property. I was confident she would do a fabulous job!!!  I feel the same way about you if I needed a referral in Seattle.      

Jun 20, 2009 04:57 PM
Susan Peters
Dove Realty Inc. - Seattle, WA
The Better it Looks the Better it Sells

Thanks Cathy and right back at you!

Jun 20, 2009 05:49 PM
Toula Rosebrock
Diane Turton, Realtors, Forked River, NJ - Lacey Township, NJ
Broker/Sales Associate, Realtor, Lacey Township,

ToulaRosebrock,com

Hi Susan:

Yes, I find it very difficult to refer clients out...

You're right, you can view their profile online and talk to them as much as you can....as for their performance, that's a different story.

Jun 21, 2009 11:25 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

You can learn so much about people by reading their blog.  ActiveRain has made quite a difference in the referral process!

Jun 22, 2009 03:00 AM
Jim Frimmer
HomeSmart Realty West - San Diego, CA
Realtor & CDPE, Mission Valley specialist

They have jaw-dropping prices in Palm Springs because they have jaw-dropping temperatures in the summer -- LOL.

Jun 22, 2009 11:35 AM
Susan Peters
Dove Realty Inc. - Seattle, WA
The Better it Looks the Better it Sells

Toula and Sharon: I feel I really get a the skinny by following their comments.

Jim: You're so right but the price was still significantly lower than the comps.

Jun 22, 2009 12:08 PM
Terri Visser
Desert Sky Real Estate, LLC - Redmond, OR
CRS - 12 Years Selling Central Oregon Real Estate

Hi Susan!  Thank you for the call :~)  Real Estate & Staging - what an excellent combo that undoubtedly makes you stand out int he crowd.

Jul 17, 2009 05:48 AM
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