I heard the famous real
estate author and coach talk about reference letters a couple of years ago and
it really was very good advice. The way she explained it was to make this a
part of your closing process and then use it to really build your business.
Here's the process...
1. Immediately after the
closing when you hand the keys to the house to the new buyers, ask a favor.
Say, "I have a very important favor to ask of you!"
They'll be anxious to help
you since you just helped them get their house and they'll probably say,
"Absolutely, whatever you want!"
2. Then say, "Can I get
you to write a quick reference letter for me and can I pick it up no later than
tomorrow afternoon around 4PM?"
They'll probably say
something like, "Sure, I would love to do that, why the urgency? What can I
say?"
3. Then say, "I am out
interviewing for new clients every day. How many interviews have you been on
where you didn't have references? As for what you can write, just write how you
feel I did and why you liked me"
4. Then, pick up the
reference letter and add it to your file and the next time you get a prospect,
always end your presentation with "Buying or Selling a home is a very
important transaction. Always ask any agent you talk to if they have reference
letters and by the way, here are 5 of mine..."
Also, if you get a client
that says, can you write one and I'll just sign it? If they do, you can write
one that is over the top, one that is very low in singing your praises and one
in the middle of the road and then ask them to sign the one they think is about
right and give them a self-addressed/stamped envelope to mail it back to
you.
Start this practice today
for your future business! These 3rd-party referrals are much better than
anything else you can do.
CALL YOUR PAST CLIENTS TOO!