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Real estate referrals are crucial for the success of top-producing agents. When asked where they find their clients, most successful agents will mention their past clients and sphere. Building a strong referral network is key to sustaining and growing a real estate business. In this article, we will explore nine proven strategies to kickstart and expand your real estate referral business. Let’s dive in!
9 savvy strategies to get more real estate referrals
A note on mindset. Asking for referrals can be intimidating for some agents and it can feel sales-y. Yet the truth is you’re simply asking to be connected with people who could use your help. We’re never trying to convince people to move. As real estate professionals, we’re here to step in when there’s an existing real estate need.
Keep this in mind as you ask for referrals, and you’ll bring a more humble and gracious energy to your conversations.
1. Ask directly for referrals (from everyone!)
Ask for referrals from everyone you interact with: current clients, past clients, friends, family, people you meet when you’re out networking, your geographic farm, neighbors, colleagues at another job, vendor partners, and anyone else you have a business conversation with.
The more you ask directly for referrals, the more real estate business you’ll have. That’s important to keep in mind each day.
Written referral requests
You can also include a call-to-action in an email or text message to your most recent buyers and sellers. Choose your moment! When a buyer has closed escrow, they’re pretty excited about taking possession of their new home. It’s a good time to text them or email them with a request for referrals.
You can also ask for real estate referral business on a cute postcard you send to your sphere of influence or your farm, something like “Please think of me when your friends or family members want to buy or sell real estate!”
We love Wise Pelican for full-color, two-sided postcards and other print marketing materials designed specifically for real estate agents. Think: Just Listed postcards, Just Sold postcards, door hangers, and more.
In-person referral requests
When possible, ask for referrals in person because your tone of voice and body language communicate a lot. Asking over the phone is the next best option—you lose the body language aspect, but your tone helps you communicate more fully.
Survey referral requests
Another great way to ask your clients for referrals is to send out a survey after the transaction is over, assuming it was a positive experience. A survey allows you to collect valuable feedback, ask for a referral, and collect a testimonial for your website.
2. Ask for referrals from fellow real estate agents
Other agents can be an incredible source of referral business. They’re already interacting with potential buyers and sellers daily, just like you are. Building strong relationships with your fellow local agents is important for many reasons, and receiving referrals is one of them.
The most common referrals come from out-of-town agents. Agent referrals can also come from within your market area. Stay in touch regularly with your agent referral partners to be top of mind when they have a referral to send your way.
3. Use social media to generate real estate referrals
The best way to generate real estate referrals through social media is to ask for referrals in specific scenarios. Post success stories and end with a call-to-action asking for referrals. Be detailed in your stories but keep them anonymous to protect your clients.
Another strategy is to run a contest and promote it on your social channels. Check your state’s rules on referral contests before proceeding.
The bottom line
In conclusion, referrals are essential for building a successful real estate business. By practicing and asking for referrals regularly, you can grow your referral network with genuine interactions. Providing exceptional customer service and expressing gratitude to your referral sources are key to sustaining and expanding your referral business. Remember, it’s all about helping more people and building lasting relationships. Your referral business will flourish over time!