Referrals

Asking for Referrals After the Close of Escrow

Closing escrow is a significant milestone, but it’s not the end of your relationship with your client. A satisfied client is one of your most valuable assets—they can provide referrals and reviews that grow your business and enhance your reputation. In this lesson, you’ll learn the benefits of asking for referrals, how to craft an effective referral request email, and how to guide your clients in writing reviews on platforms like Yelp, Google Places, Zillow, and more.

Why Ask for Referrals?

1. Grow Your Business:

   • Referrals are one of the most effective ways to gain new clients.
   • Referred clients are often pre-qualified, more trusting, and more likely to close.

2. Build Your Reputation:

   • Positive reviews and referrals establish you as a trusted professional in your market.
   • Online reviews amplify your reach and credibility.

3. Strengthen Client Relationships:

   • Asking for referrals shows your appreciation for your client’s trust.
   • It keeps you top-of-mind for future transactions or recommendations.

How to Ask for Referrals

1. Timing Matters

• The best time to ask for a referral is shortly after closing escrow when your client is most excited about their new property.

2. Be Personal

• Personalize your referral request to reflect the unique experience you had with the client.

3. Make it Easy

• Provide clear instructions and direct links to review sites to simplify the process for your client.

Crafting the Referral Request Email

Here’s a sample email template you can customize:

Subject Line: Thank You & A Quick Favor

Email Body:

Hi [Client’s Name],

Congratulations again on the successful closing of your [property type]! It was an absolute pleasure working with you, and I’m thrilled to have been part of this exciting chapter in your life.

I’m always looking to help more wonderful clients like you, and I’d greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to share your experience. Your feedback not only helps me grow but also helps others find the right agent for their needs.

Here’s how you can help:

1. Write a quick review on any of the platforms below:

   • [Google Places](insert link)
   • [Yelp](insert link)
   • [Zillow](insert link)
   • [Realtor.com](insert link)
   • [Any other relevant platform]

2. If you know anyone who could benefit from my services, please don’t hesitate to pass along my contact information.

Thank you again for trusting me with your real estate journey. I’m here to help you, your friends, and your family with any future needs!

Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
[Social Media Links, if applicable]

Where to Ask for Reviews

1. Google Places:

   • Increases visibility in local search results.
   • Direct link to review: https://support.google.com/business/answer/3474122

2. Yelp:

   • Popular for service-based businesses. Ensure your profile is up-to-date and professional.

3. Zillow:

   • A trusted platform for real estate reviews. Positive reviews can attract buyers and sellers.

4. Realtor.com:

   • Strengthens your professional profile within the real estate industry.

5. Social Media:

   • Encourage clients to leave reviews or testimonials on your business Facebook page or LinkedIn profile.

Tips for Encouraging Referrals and Reviews

1. Express Gratitude:

   • Start your referral request by thanking your client for their trust and partnership.

2. Provide Incentives (Where Permissible):

   • Offer a small gift or discount for referrals, if allowable under local regulations.

3. Follow Up:

   • If a client expresses interest in leaving a review or providing a referral, follow up with a reminder and offer assistance if needed.

4. Stay Connected:

   • Engage with past clients through occasional updates, holiday greetings, or market insights to keep the relationship strong.

Case Study: How Asking for Reviews and Referrals Boosted Business

Scenario:
An agent successfully helped a client purchase a multi-unit residential property. After closing, the agent sent a personalized email requesting a referral and reviews on Google and Zillow.

Approach:

• The agent included direct links to review sites and explained how the client’s feedback could help others.
• The agent followed up two weeks later with a thank-you message and a reminder.

Result:
The client left glowing reviews on both platforms and referred a family member who later completed a transaction with the agent. The reviews also increased the agent’s online visibility, attracting two additional leads in the next month.

Best Practices for Referrals

1. Be Proactive: Don’t wait for clients to offer referrals—ask for them in a professional, friendly way.
2. Make it Easy: Include direct links and clear instructions to eliminate barriers for clients.
3. Show Appreciation: A simple thank-you note or small token of gratitude can leave a lasting impression.
4. Leverage Positive Reviews: Share client testimonials on your website, social media, and marketing materials to build credibility.

Conclusion

Referrals and reviews are powerful tools for growing your real estate business. By asking for feedback shortly after closing and making the process simple and seamless, you can build a strong reputation, attract new clients, and deepen relationships with existing ones.

Next Steps:

1. Draft a personalized referral request email for a recent or hypothetical client.
2. Set up profiles on key review platforms like Google, Yelp, and Zillow, if not already done.
3. Track and follow up on referral requests to ensure you maximize opportunities for new business.

In the next lesson, we’ll explore strategies for maintaining long-term relationships with clients to generate repeat business and ongoing referrals.