We finalized a west coast referral yesterday. We sold our client's Toronto house earlier this year and thanks to our marketing, we were asked to find them a good Realtor in B.C.
We take this very seriously and are very careful when we select an agent. In this case, I interviewed 3 agents. I knew one of them from a RE/MAX conference I had attended many years ago. I passed on her..didn't like her lackadaisical attitude. Also, it took her over an hour to return my call. The fellow I selected was prompt, professional and immediately helpful.
This transaction occurred as a result of a concerted effort on our part to notify our clients/customers that we have qualified and skilled real estate associates around the world and are well positioned to make the introductions.
I've come to the conclusion that referring business to other professionals or clients is a state of mind. For some reason, people who are buying are much more likely to be in a referring state of mind. Maybe it's the spending gene that we all know and love. Also, I learned early on in my real estate career that only a very few people would even consider referring anyone. It's not because they're not pleased with the services being offered them. It's simply that they they either don't think of it or they worry it will be an imposition on their friends personal space, or perhaps a bit of both.
Realtors are the same. I've been sending and receiving referral business to other Realtors for many years now. Judging from conversations I've had with other Realtors on this topic, It appears that I'm in the minority. I do it because it's profitable and because I like to be involved in all aspects of my clients move.