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Ask An Ambassdor: Pass The Baton

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Real Estate Agent with Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.WarrenCountyOhioRealEstate.com SAL.2002007747

The thing with writing evergreen blog posts and IDX pages is you never know when they'll result in a contact, or if the contact is a good fit for our business.

Saturday we received a call from someone asking about a HUD home.  A HUD home located 100 miles from our home.  And while I could provide some basic information since the home was in CIncinnati MLS, proceeding further would not have been prudent for the buyer or me.   Fortunately we know another agent that works that area and passed the baton to him.  The agent and buyer made contact, and if all goes well we'll get a tip fee down the road.  It's a win-win for everyone involved.

Late Saturday night our water heater decided that "hot" was no longer part of its job description.  The good news is there aren't that many functional parts to an electric water heater, and since the heater wasn't spewing water out of the bottom of the tank, a full replacement wasn't probably necessary.  Sunday morning a trip to the local big box store and I had an overhaul kit (two heating elements and two thermostats) that I expected to address the issue.

And as is traditional, no home repair project goes as smoothly as might be expected, so it took some time to complete the replacements.  A LOT more time than I expected, and one more trip to the big box hardware store (turns out a 36mm deep socket is a better choice for removing a heating element than the "universal heating element" that was a bit too loose in fit).

But during this time I get a call from another possible buyer who was interested in condos and we chatted about the price ranges of various Mason condo communities.  All is going well, but they wanted to meet THAT DAY, and well...I really didn't know how much longer I was going to be working on the water heater, so I offered to have another agent help them.  A quick call to my broker to hand them off and he's got the baton.  Turns out new construction interests them and he had them meet with one builder yesterday and registered with two more.  The baton has passed, and again, an opportunity for a referral fee down the road.

While a referral fee might not be nearly the same as completing a full sale, it still gives us payoff for the work that was done to create the initial contact.

Passing the baton at least gives us the opportunity for something positive to happen.

Create the content and you can have a baton to pass when the fit isn't right or the timing is bad.

Until next Tuesday, just Ask An Ambassador if you need help!
Bill & Liz aka BLiz

P.S.  And yes, the water heater was making "hot" again after I completed the replacement part installations.

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Serving Warren County Ohio & Adjacent Areas

The Liz Spear Team of Transaction Alliance
Elizabeth Spear, ABR, Ohio License SAL.2002007747

William (Bill) Spear, Ohio License SAL.2004011109 
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EHO
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Liz Direct: 513-265-3004     
Fax: 866-302-8418

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Comments(17)

Show All Comments Sort:
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

We have different ways to make dollars. At the end of the year we add it up (referrals, direct sales, leases, property management, etc...) and hopefully the year was a success!

May 06, 2025 06:45 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

We've figured out the crucial expenses for us and trimmed the extras over the years, so our threshold to profitability doesn't require a lot of sales to come out ahead.  That said, in a bad year, I might now like the net pay vs. the effort it took.   As it is, we'll be transitioning to a lot of baton passing after we move, so I'll have to reevaluate whether we keep going or hang it up entirely.

May 06, 2025 06:54 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Bill (and Liz too) - for some who practice real estate, it's a short sprint.  For those who seek to run a marathon of successful event, understanding the course that led them on that journey is in the mindset of those who like to win.  For their clients and for their longevity in the race.   

May 06, 2025 06:48 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

20+ years so far, and to do that I've had to realize what is best use of my time to get the results we want.  Some clients are short sprints, some take a marathon to get to the finish line...and others quit in the middle of the race.

May 06, 2025 06:55 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

You guys always offer so much wisdom to us and of course, to your clients. Thank you for being so willing to share.

May 06, 2025 08:01 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

I made a commitment to Charita long ago, so I keep going.  I'm always hopeful that we can shorten the learning curve for our readers and help them have more success.

May 06, 2025 08:12 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Bill,

I think when you have been in the business awhile you understand the importance of passing the baton. It just makes sense to realize how to make the best use of your time! 

May 06, 2025 08:07 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

Dorie, even with retirement from engineering, I have to be careful how I use my time.  Some potential clients are just not the best use of my time, be it for distance reasons, price point, or some other factor.

May 06, 2025 08:39 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Bill I have replaced heating elements in some of my past water heaters.  My experience has been that when the heating elements start to go, a leaky water heater is not too far behind.

May 06, 2025 08:37 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

George, when all was said and done, I suspect it was more a thermostat issue than the heating elements.  The upper heating element was coated with minerals, I could not remove the bottom element even with some penetrating oil and the deep socket, so at that point just left it.  The water is hot, and in adequate quantity so I think the bottom element is still fully functional.

May 06, 2025 08:41 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I totally agree! I passed the baton on a land listing to another agent and she was able to get that property on the market and sell it very quickly. The closing was yesterday, and yes, a referral fee was involved. It worked out great for everyone.

May 06, 2025 08:38 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

Always nice to get those referral checks!  I'm seeing a pick up in contacts now that our spring market is here, and the closer we get to moving, the more sense it makes to pass the baton to someone that I can't quickly help.

May 06, 2025 08:43 AM
Dennis Neal
Exp Realty of Southern California, Inc. - Big Bear Lake, CA
Your Home Sold in 21 Days or We Sell It For Free

Liz and Bill, your "Pass The Baton" post highlights the smart and collaborative side of real estate! Recognizing when a lead is a better fit for another agent and making the referral is a win-win. Plus, the unexpected water heater repair adds a touch of relatable homeowner humor. It's all part of the journey!

May 06, 2025 09:48 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

Dennis, in that case, getting hot water restored on a Sunday was more important than chasing a "I want it now!" potential client.  Let someone else that already has hot water run with 'em.

May 06, 2025 02:02 PM
Ginger Harper
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage~ Ginger Harper Real Estate Team - Southport, NC
Your Southport~Oak Island Agent~Brunswick County!

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us. 

 

May 06, 2025 10:36 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

You're welcome!

May 06, 2025 02:03 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Hi Bill....passing the baton makes total sense to me.  I've been doing so for years and continue to do so even that I'm now retired.  My folks call me and off they go to an agent that I know will take great care of their wants and needs.

May 06, 2025 11:22 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

It's nice to have the bonus income that comes from having a network of other agents we can trust to handle what we can't.

May 06, 2025 02:03 PM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Liz and Bill Spear  It sounds like a great idea. Passing the baton while doing other things sounds terrific and comes in handy. Thankfully, you have professional agents to handle the job for you, and a piece of the pie is better than none. Sorry about the water heater not fun

May 06, 2025 12:34 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

The water heater situation could have been worse, at least I didn't have the hassle of a complete replacement and the extra $$$ that would have come with that.

May 06, 2025 02:04 PM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX

Liz and Bill Spear 

Bill, knowing when to pass the baton is a smart idea. When it comes to home maintenance projects, people who have patience and excellent problem solving skills, like yourself, continues to learn and save money too!  

May 06, 2025 01:58 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

Lessons learned from past experience, use my cell phone to capture the existing wiring so I'd know how to duplicate it with the new thermostats :)  It cost me time to do, but only about $75 in parts, so I can't complain about that.   And the new owners get the benefit of the refurbishment extending the time until they need to replace.

May 06, 2025 02:06 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Well said, Bill. You can hold only hold on to so many batons before you start dropping everything. Better to pass the baton than drop everything. 

May 06, 2025 06:44 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

I've had to stay cognizant of what is the right sized workload for me, and balance accordingly.   A day later I could have taken on the condo buyers, but that day, the water heater needed to be my first priority.

May 07, 2025 06:40 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

Passing the baton is a smart thing to do when we get clients asking about areas we aren't as familiar with, so having reliable agents in other areas is very important. 

May 07, 2025 05:25 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

I've learned over the years that driving 45 minutes (or more) for a 5 minute showing is not an optimum use of my time.

May 07, 2025 06:40 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

In all my years here, it’s always been about passing the baton for the next, and I love that I’ve been able to help people in so many ways through this blog. :)

May 07, 2025 09:20 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

This site has been fantastic for passing along information.

May 08, 2025 10:09 AM
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

Your post remind me of the old Kenny Rogers song, "The Gambler"

You've got to know when to hold'em.

Know when to fold'em.

Know when to walk away.

And know when to run.

May 10, 2025 09:01 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

A song I listened to many times back in the day!  And watched the movie too :)

May 12, 2025 06:53 PM
Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375
Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside - Atlanta, GA
Concierge Service for Our Atlanta Sellers & Buyers

So true - share and succeed. Lynn

May 13, 2025 03:14 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

It's nice to be able to pick the clients we want to work with, and hand off the clients we can't best serve.

May 13, 2025 03:16 PM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

Yup, recently got a contact on a house in Macon, GA.  It's about 45 minutes away and while I could go show it.  It's NOT the right thing for the buyer.  I don't a thing about the zoning there, the values there etc.  So I passed on the information of an agent who could represent him in that market well.

May 16, 2025 10:32 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

We've got to know our limits, and good to hand off for a referral than push beyond what can best help the client.

May 16, 2025 04:43 PM