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Gas Station Referrals

By
Mortgage and Lending with S&P Mortgage (Alumni)

Hey gang,

We are always looking for new leads and referrals.  As a fairly new LO, that's my biggest challange.  My goal is to find a consistent referral stream to provide me with leads.  I know I'm dreaming, but that's my goal.  In the meantime, I was filling my coffee mug at the local gas station the day.  It was chocolate rasberry.  Kinda had a burnt, strong taste.  It was worth the $1.07.  Anyway, while I'm waiting in line to pay, I hear the lady behind the counter say she's saving money to buy a house. Bells and whisltes start clanging for me!  I ended up giving her a card with my $1.07 and told her to call me if she'd like information on getting a loan for a home.  Sure enough the lady called me that afternoon  and we started the process.  Since we first spoke I have overwhelmed her with personal customer service.  It ends up that she's not qualified at this time because of her outstanding debt, so I have helped her with a credit rebuilding program.  She assures me that I'll the first call when she's ready to move on. 

Bottom line, you never know where your next lead is coming from.  Keep your ears open!

Marlene Scheffer
Realty Station - Bremerton, WA
Realtor to Kitsap County, WA

Hey, if you find that consistent referral stream, let me know!  The closest iIve come is asking for referrrals consistently of my friends and past clients.  I'm still working on doing it smoothly and sffortlessly, though.  It's hard! 

Good luck! 

Marlene Scheffer, Realty Station, Bremerton, Kitsap, WA

Oct 22, 2007 04:32 PM
Joeann Fossland
Advantage Solutions Group - Tucson, AZ
Master Certified Coach to Motivated Agents

The consistent stream of business comes from the consistency of the person doing just what you did! Brilliant! Simple! Easy (maybe not!) > Your enthusiasm will attract it to you. But, one tip, don't wait for her to call you back. Put in your calendar an appointment to call HER back in 6 months(or whatever time frame works)> Those who follow up are the other winners!!!!

Oct 22, 2007 04:36 PM
Ken Realivent
Realivent - San Francisco, CA
That's a great story!  I once met a real estate broker at a local gas station that was starting a foreclosure brokerage.  It's easy to talk to people when you're getting gas because you pretty much have them as a captive audience for a few minutes before the tank fills up...
Oct 22, 2007 06:27 PM
Nancy Brenner
Referral Associates of Georgia, Inc. - Roswell, GA
Roswell Georgia Real Estate Agent

I agree with Joanne....   follow up.  Don't wait for her to call you.  Call in a month and ask her how the credit fixing is coming along.

I give my cards out to everyone, too.  Not one phone call.  :-(  But I won't stop trying! 

Oct 22, 2007 08:37 PM
Kevin McLaughlin
S&P Mortgage (Alumni) - Binghamton, NY
Joeann is absolutely right.  I already have her in my Outlook to call back.  Besides that, I will be stopping there at least twice a week for me coffee, and to see if she knows anyone else that can use my services.
Oct 23, 2007 02:28 PM
Joseph Mimmo
Century 21 Laffey Associates - Oyster Bay, NY
Real Estate Expert Long Island
Where ever I am and meeting people it is always a good time to talk Real Estate. Let's face it, there is always some one who knows some one who is talking about buying or selling or had a good or bad experience with the process. It at least strikes up a conversation and hopefully they will remember the talk and keep your card. Joe
Jan 29, 2008 09:06 AM
Ray Stockwell
ZipperAgent - Boston, MA
Director of Marketing

Great way to capitialize on an opportunity but there is no way a chocolate raspberry coffee is worth a $1.07 no way no how.

Mar 04, 2013 07:34 PM