Referrals

i have always treated my refferals like gold as you say.  I do that with all my clients but i give extra care for refferals because its not just my name on the person is also yours as well...

I'm glad your clients were finally happy with the 2nd choice.  I'm sorry I don't have a standard interview form I use to share with you.  I ask the questions depending on my client's needs, situation and personality.  I research the potential referral in advance and make sure they're 'googable'.  If I can't find them on google, I go on to the next.  Once I find someone, I put a call into them as I want to talk directly to them.  If they don't answer or return the phone message within a day, I move onto the next.  Once I get a live person, I tell them I have a potential client looking to move to their area.  I strictly go on my gut feeling about the agent and whether or not they will be compatible with my clients and their needs.  At least we have a good starting point among our own AR members. 

I agree with Terri's suggestions.    I do try to consider the agent's personality and my client's personality.  I lot a referral by not thinking of that.  Their second agent was a better fit.