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Referrals make the World Go Around!

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Industry Observer DRE# ER40011786

It was only a week or two after I arrived in Portugal when I got a message from a past client.   One of his neighbors passed away, and he knew the kids.  They came to him for an agent referral, but he knew I had retired.    

When I contacted my database, I let them know I had an agent who was "tech-savvy" and responsive and could take over for me in my retirement.   I didn't just want a body; I wanted someone who could win the interview!

My agent referral went on the listing appointment and will be closing soon.  SO nice this works out from so far away!

Comments(26)

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Sham Reddy CRS
Howard Hanna RE Services, Dayton, OH - Dayton, OH
CRS

Thanks for sharing Joan!!! Great lesson on relationship referrals.

I pretty much get most of my business from referrals whether its past clients, their family & friends, or other business networking contacts who I see a few times a month.

Jul 21, 2026 07:10 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

Nice work. The sellers get a good agent and Joan makes a few bucks. That works perfectly!  :)

Jul 21, 2026 07:11 AM
Marie-Noelle Metseye
RE/MAX Northwest - Bothell, WA
Reward Trust with Excellence

What a wonderful story! It really shows that the relationships you build with clients last well beyond the transaction. Even in retirement, your reputation and trust continue to make a difference, that's something every agent can appreciate.

Jul 21, 2026 09:33 AM
Adam Feinberg
Howard Hanna Elegran - Manhattan, NY
NYC Condo, Co-op, and Townhouse Advisor

I got my first 2 referrals on ActiveRain in the last month or so. The first will likely be listing with me when everyone starts returning from summer break. The second was public on the Q&A last week- though I had to refer to another agent since the client was looking for an area of NYC that is too far from me (1.5 hours in each direction). At least I was able to point to a quality agent to refer that person to. 

Jul 21, 2026 10:58 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Joan- way to go!!!  Being a successful agent is much more than selling homes. It's about the relationships you create.  we all want to work with someone we trust and that trust is built over time. 

Jul 21, 2026 06:16 PM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Ed Silva, 203-206-0754 that is exactly the point, you have to find an agent that works similar to you, for your clients to feel comfortable.

Jul 22, 2026 12:42 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Nina Hollander, Broker I know you work with many referral clients, and send referrals out too, so you know exactly what it takes!

Jul 22, 2026 12:43 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Thank you Gwen, it took a bit to know exactly who I wanted, and also knew who I DIDN'T want.

Jul 22, 2026 12:43 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Wayne, thank you, and he will do an excellent job with these clients.

Jul 22, 2026 12:44 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Thanks Kat.

Jul 22, 2026 12:44 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Dorie, I was very confident with this agent, and knew my clients would appreciate his knowledge and ability to work with my clients.  THANKS.

Jul 22, 2026 12:47 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Sham Reddy CRS nice to see you, and hope you are doing well.  THANK YOU.

Jul 22, 2026 12:47 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty even little checks are good when you are retired.   PLUS, keep the confidence level up with my clients.  

Jul 22, 2026 12:48 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Marie-Noelle Metseye that is so true, we build confidence and trust over the years.  SO nice that after my retirement, they haven't forgotten me.   I DO really miss my clients.

Jul 22, 2026 12:49 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Adam Feinberg glad to hear you got referrals, and did see the Q & A for another referral.  Too bad it was too far away, but you knew who to refer.

Jul 22, 2026 12:50 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Kathy Streib that is so true, it isn't all about that commission check.  I truly am friends with MANY of my clients, and miss them a lot!

Jul 22, 2026 12:50 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner  You go, lady! Good going!

Jul 23, 2026 09:49 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Thanks Hannah.

Jul 23, 2026 01:46 PM
Debra Leisek
Bay Realty,Inc Homer Alaska - Homer, AK

Good for you Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner 
That is wonderful!!!  

Aug 01, 2026 12:01 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Thanks Debra!

Aug 01, 2026 01:08 AM