I had a consumer email me a few weeks ago because they read my blog and had finally decided to buy a house. They wanted to buy a historic fixer upper. This is not my specialty or niche so what did I do? I referred them to a mortgage person who works with a lot contractors in that field and looked on the internet to find an agent they could work with who is knowledgeable in that niche.
I contacted three agents…….only one responded to my email and phone call. What was funny was that when I talked to the consumer they wanted to know who I had contacted so I gave them the three agents names…immediately they said that the one they hadn’t heard of (the one I recommended), but that the other two they had also contacted and never heard back from. Why on earth would someone do that? It takes a few minutes to call an agent or consumer back so there’s just no excuse for not returning a phone call.
The agent that called me back did a guest post on buying historical homes in St. Louis and that blog has had over 300 hits! Hopefully she has gotten some business from that and I know she’s getting referrals from calling people back and running her business the right way.
I also received an email from another agent asking me to take a referral, but the price the person wanted to pay for a house was very low……under $65,000 and the referral fee that agent wanted was ridiculous for what that person would be spending. I was the second agent that person had talked to because no one wanted a referral where the agent wanted an unreasonable referral fee. The consumer wanted to move before Christmas, but still hadn’t been referred to an agent because of the agents demand. Why would a consumer let an agent waste precious time like that??
When you are searching for a realtor make sure they know what they are doing in reference to what you are looking for. Do some research online so you have pertinent questions ready to ask the agent you are interviewing.
Agents don’t take on a referral that isn’t worth your time and effort. Know your worth and your specialty! If you want to deal with new homes only then become an expert in that area. Don’t spread yourself to thin or sell a client short because you don’t have any knowledge in the area they need.
Consumers be vigilant in finding someone who will work well with you! Don’t fall for style without substance!!
