Ask any real estate agent and they will agree that referrals are the #1 source of new business

This may not seem like news to you, but it’s important that you are always working on ways to fine-tune your referral strategy. Here are five easy ways to improve your referral business and win more listings this year!

1. Never Forget Why Clients Refer You

It’s simple, but it’s critical to remember why clients refer you to their friends and family. It’s not because of an incentive or they feel obligated to: they refer you because you were awesome! You helped them solve the problem of finding a house and they want to share their experience with others.

It’s easy to forget this basic principle, so remember to take a step back and ask yourself if you’re doing everything you can for every client.

2. Be Available and Reliable

Another shocker! Replying to emails, texts, and calling clients back in a timely matter goes a long way. Remember, you are solving one of the biggest problems in your client’s life. By getting back to them quickly, you are showing clients that you care and are working hard to make them happy!

So, you’re good at getting back to people, but are you reliable? Are you showing up to appointments ahead of schedule? Are you good with sharing leads with other agents? Do you do what you say you’re going to do? Be the best at doing these things and watch your referrals grow!

3. Be Original

Home buyers and sellers have many options when it comes to choosing a real estate agent. What can you do to stand out? Write original content that you can share with leads and clients that shows you’re on top of your game. This can be continuous content on your blog or one well-written piece you distribute via your website, email, or even at open houses!

Many real estate professionals have not dipped their toe into content writing yet. By starting a content strategy, you give yourself a competitive advantage!

4. Be a Networking Powerhouse!

If you want other agents and real estate professionals to refer you, they have to know you! Make an effort to attend at least three networking events each quarter and hand out business cards to people you can build a strong relationship with. When you receive contacts from these events, go above and beyond to reach out to them. Write a personal note, send a message on LinkedIn, or give them a call to see if they want to grab coffee.

In addition to in-person networking, you also need to have a strong online presence. Make sure you have active profiles on social media platforms. Commit to producing content for these platforms and comment on other real estate professionals’ pages as often as possible.

5. Be Appreciative of Referrals

Once you have an audience that can provide you referrals, it’s important to reach out to them. Make sure to check in with your network and thank them for any lead they send your way, even if they didn’t work with you. Do this by a written postcard, in-person, or over the phone; avoid sending a text or email. By being personable and authentic, you show that you truly appreciate their willingness to spread the good word about you!

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