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I'm pleased you were happy with my service, now can you write that down?

By
Real Estate Agent with REMAX Properties 20569686

Sounds ridiculous doesn't it? Here's the problem: I'm newer to the Real Estate profession and have been fortunate enough to have had quite a few closings in the last two years, however I don't know how to request a testimonial from my former clients. I've seen other people's testimonials. I know they exist. How do I broach the subject?

Comments(15)

Kate Elim
Dockside Realty - Spotsylvania, VA
Realtor 540-226-1964, Selling Homes & Land a

Kisti...I have a survey that I request clients complete.  At that time I ask for a letter also.  For the most part, people are very happy to comply. 

If you would like any other information just let me know.

Take care,

Kathleen

Feb 27, 2008 06:22 AM
Lindsey Hasford
Edina Realty - Elk River, MN
Bringing you home...
Kisti - I just went through this. I struggled so on how to get testimonials from my clients so I sent them a letter thanking them for their business and asking them for feedback and a testimonial that I might share with future potential clients. I added some blank lines to the form and sent a self addressed stamped envelope with the request. I sent 15 and got well over half back. If you'd like me to forward my letter for you to see how I wrote it let me know and I can email it to you.
Feb 27, 2008 06:22 AM
.... ...
.... - Mauldin, SC
Just ask. If they were happy with the job you did most will write you a testimonial letter. If they are really busy offer to write a rough draft for them that they can edit and sign or ask if you may use them as a reference. 
Feb 27, 2008 06:23 AM
Debbie Malone
Londeree's Real Estate & Property Management - Lynchburg, VA
From Lynchburg To The Lake (434) 546-0369
Kisti, someone posted their (RE/MAX) customer survey last year and I send it after closing to all of my clients with a return envelope. I've gotten them all back. I get letters and notes, emails and pull testimonials from those. I put everything into a 'career' book that I take to listing appointments. If I bookmarked the post, I'll send it to you.
Feb 27, 2008 06:27 AM
Bob Jakowinicz
National Realty Centers Livonia--Bob Jakowinicz - Livonia, MI
Michigan Real Estate Agent-- MI Real Adventures

Hi Kisti,

I made up a form and send it to them after the closing with a stamped return envelope.  Most people send it back, I have even had people ask for them occasionally.

 

Feb 27, 2008 06:30 AM
Kisti Skaar
REMAX Properties - Albert Lea, MN

Kathy and Lindsey- Any information you could send me would be Greatly Appreciated. This is a perfect example of why I love Active Rain.

Debbie-I love the "career book" idea. How organized.

Feb 27, 2008 06:31 AM
Debbie Malone
Londeree's Real Estate & Property Management - Lynchburg, VA
From Lynchburg To The Lake (434) 546-0369

http://activerain.com/blogsview/163146/Customer-Satisfaction-The-Survey

 

Kisti, this is the post. Does CB have something like this?

Feb 27, 2008 06:31 AM
Kisti Skaar
REMAX Properties - Albert Lea, MN

Kathleen-Sorry I posted a comment referring to you as Kathy. I know how important it is getting someone's name right (considering mine). Please forgive me.

Feb 27, 2008 06:33 AM
Kisti Skaar
REMAX Properties - Albert Lea, MN
Debbie-If they do I have yet to hear of it. I'll have to check it out.
Feb 27, 2008 06:34 AM
Steve Hoffacker
Steve Hoffacker LLC - West Palm Beach, FL
Certified Aging In Place Specialist-Instructor

Writing a letter for them to approve and sign is a great idea. Also, get them to tape record a brief testimonial for you. Then type it for their signature. They want to help you but may not get around to actually writing something.

Feb 27, 2008 06:42 AM
Kelly McDonald
Lagrange, KY
I would say just ask.  I usually say something along the lines of "If you wouldn't mind terribly, it would really mean a lot to me if you would write a letter of recommendation that I can share with future clients." If they don't want to write one, I don't push it.
Feb 27, 2008 06:53 AM
Lynn Johnson
Coldwell Banker Home Connection - Owatonna, MN
Owatonna, MN Real Estate
Hi Kisti - You are doing a great job.  In Owatonna we send out a survey after every closing.  I know we used to do that in Albert Lea, too.  Visit with Angie about the surveys.  Even if no one else wants to use it, you can send it out.  It's a great tool, and it's wonderful to get the feedback and comments from satisified customers.  We ask them for their permission in using their comments, and most people are glad to provide that.  You can use that on your website, your blog, and in your written marketing materials.  Good luck and let me know what you find out.
Mar 05, 2008 01:57 PM
Anonymous
Anonymous

Lindsey- Thank you so much for the letter. I tweaked it to my own personal style and sent out letters to all my past clients. Today I received my first letter and it almost brought me to tears. What makes this site so great is people like you who lend a hand without a second thought. Thanks Again. Kisti

Mar 06, 2008 06:25 AM
#13
Anonymous
Anonymous

Lynn- As you can see from the above comment, I sent out a bunch of testamonail letters to my past clients and it's been a success. I am overwhelmed with the good comments I have received. It's nice in this difficult time to know you've done something right.

Mar 06, 2008 06:28 AM
#14
Kisti Skaar
REMAX Properties - Albert Lea, MN
Lynn-Sorry, I thought I was logged in. That last comment was from me-obviously.
Mar 06, 2008 06:30 AM