Share Ideas and Business Will Follow!
I wrote a post the other day about Using Free Samples to Build Your Real Estate Business. Since writing that post, my mind has been in overdrive regarding the topic. I recently had two deals which were the direct result of sharing information with other realtors.
The first started with a phone call from an out of state agent regarding a short sale listing that I had on the MLS. In our conversation I discovered that he had friends who were looking to buy a townhome in my area of Vancouver Washington. He was planning on helping them by writing the contract for them, helping them negotiate the deal, and asking that the buyer's agent commission be given to the buyer's for closing costs. My listing was pending so the conversation took a turn to the details of how he was going to approach this unconventional deal. I offered a few tips to him and sent him contacts for title agents and inspectors. We were on the phone for about 45 minutes.
Three days later he called back. He was so impressed that I would take to time to share so much valuable information with him that he decided to refer his friends to me for a referral fee. They had already found a home that they liked and we closed in about 3 weeks.
The next is very similar. An agent who I don't know called me to offer me a referral for a short sale listing. She started by telling me that she needed someone to refer to and didn't know where to turn. A colleague in her office told her that she reads my Active Rain blog all of the time and that I am the expert in Vancouver Washington for short sales and REO's. End of story! No interview. Just "Hi Mark, You don't know me but I have a referral for you."

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Mark Hall
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Your story does make sense. I have tried my best to be a resource to people, and I usually think along the lines of clients, but being a resource to other agents is a good thing too. When we help others in our industry, we improve our industry, which benefits us as well as others. This is really the point of being alive. Not to get all philosophical, but to quote a great song, "and the men who hold high places, must be the ones who start, to mold a new reality, Closer To The Heart"... Rush
Mark- It is amazing the power of the Internet I have had contact with other VA's on Active Rain who have referred business to me as well.
Ye, I have found sharing information is great. I received a client that way also.
The title says it all. The business does follow! that's why we are here. Good Post !
Jim - Nice Rush quote! One of the nice things about being part of Keller Williams is that we are encouraged to share. I guess, for me, it just spills over into other contacts as well.
Skye - In your business that must be a nice compliment!
Susan - Way to go! Keep at it.
Mark, Even though I sometimes feel like I am in the minority, I believe we should help each other, not only to get something in the end but to put a positive light on the RE profession. I can't count the times I have been told no one has helped with that before. I realize we are all in competition in the office and the local area but as long as you don't give all your time and all your business away, it doesn't hurt to share and help.
I think you are finally starting to understand the power behind the rain! The more you share and give, the more you get back.
Mark,
You sound like a Realtor that I would refer to if I run into anyone moving to that area. You are very knowlegeable! Thank you for sharing!