I never know where new business might come from, but I generally know why. Most of my business comes from one of two places: the Internet or referrals. I know that the reasons these people are contacting me are because they heard good things about me or they read my web site and are familiar with my background.
However, yesterday, my painter asked me whether homes in Land Park were selling well. I gave him a few statistics, mostly summing up that my neighborhood is fairly stable and well priced homes with character sell pretty quickly. That's when I found out that he owns several homes in Land Park.
He asked me to list one of them.
I wondered if he had read my web site. Nope. Did he talk with any of my past clients? Nope. Did he see my For Sale signs around town? Nope. He said he had worked with several of my competitors in the past but decided to no longer give them his listings. He picked me for one reason. Because I regularly refer business to him. Oh. Well. I'm not complaining. I guess it's a good thing that I am nice to my contractors, genuinely like them and appreciate their work.
But the truth is sometimes I forget that sellers often select agents just because they like them. It's still a people business.
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Broker-Associate at Lyon RE. Selling since 1974, helping buyers & sellers in Sacramento. Land Park resident. Midtown office. Home Buying Columnist for New York Times' About.com. DRE license #00697006
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Elizabeth,
I have in the past hired people because the have refered business to me.
I always ASK for referrals from people I refer business to. What goes around, comes around.
Hi Sindee and Ellie: I never expect referrals from those I refer business to but it's nice when I get it. I'm not certain I'm comfortable with the process. I mean, I refer contractors because they are good, not because I expect reciprocation.
Elizabeth- I have some great relationships with vendors I refer out to. I do it because they are good at what they do and they never have let me or a client down. When I receive a referral back I work extra hard to do right by them. That way everyone wins. Treat everyone the way you want to be treated is my motto. Ok it's not mine like I invented it but you get the idea.
Best,
Scott
Elizabeth - I always ask and also give. When you find a great person to work with, the relationship (isn't that what this business really is about?) is huge and goes both ways.
List and Sell (an smile if you live in LandPark) Gary @ RentonHomeFinder
Well, I'll bet he is not the one you fired during the kitchen remodel. LOL
Hi Scott: Except that a vendor might never have actual knowledge of how great you are. Whereas, I do have knowledge of how great the vendor is, which is why I referred him. Don't get me wrong, I am appreciative of referrals from vendors, but I think they carry less weight with the consumer if the vendor has never used your services.
Hi Gary: List and sell and smile is what it's all about. :)
Hi Barbara: You're right about that. He's the one I hired to fix the first mess.
Interesting and surprising - I guess you just never know. Well, best of luck with getting it sold. I'm sure you will!
Well he knew you liked him and respected him - and thats why you sent business to him........mutual respect and reciprocity is a wonderful thing!
Hi Mary: After viewing the home, it might be better to wait until spring.
Hi Liz: Mutual respect is good but I wish he knew something about me apart from the fact that I'm busy.
Referral reporcity, who would have thunk it? Obviously, he appreciated your business too.
Hi Fred: Did you check out the paint job? It was only $250, including two gallons of Behr paint and four trips to the house. Included a power washing, too. :)
Hi Elizabeth ... And I think that is a very good reason to give you a listing. The fact that you refer business to him says a lot about the type of person you are. You respect his work ethic. Therefore, he sees you as a person whose values are similar to his own. What better reason to hire a Realtor.
Will he come up to Eugene? Great prices.