How To Get More Referrals

If you’re a real estate agent, referrals are your lifeblood. Having a network of people who are going to send those in need of real estate services your way is a key element in the success of your real estate business. However, how do you get those all-important referrals? Consider the following techniques.

1. Give Referrals

As with most business transactions, you’ve got to give something to get something. If you build a network of professionals in a variety of areas whom you can refer others to, some of them are bound to return the favor. Furthermore, the person you refer may send other people to you for referrals and you just might be able to sell them on your real estate services along the way.

2. Join a Referral Network

There are referral networks you can join online that allow you to give referrals and get referrals from a group of professionals like yourself. In some cases, you can get a basic membership in the referral network for free and pay for an enhanced membership if you so choose.

3. Join an Online Forum

An online real estate bulletin board is another great way to get and give referrals. Being part of an online real estate forum gives you instant access to a specialized network of individuals looking for real estate information and real estate services.

4. Ask for Them

Presumably, you are going to do a great job for your real estate clients. Once the transaction is closed, why not ask them to refer someone to you? A good time to do this is right after the transaction is closed and all parties are in a celebratory mood.

5. Provide Great Service

People want to refer to those who give them great service. Make sure that you treat every client like they are your most important, even if the transaction does not go as smoothly as you would hope. Clients will remember this, and they will remember you when others approach them looking for their own real estate services.

Building A Green-friendly Home

When you’re building a new home, you have a great opportunity to help the environment. Making an existing home “green” can be a challenge and it’s difficult to be thorough. When you resolve to build a home that’s environmentally friendly from the ground up, you have a great chance to create a green home that is ecologically sound and a great example to those around you.

How to Build a Green Home: The EPA’s Energy Star Program

The Environmental Protection Agency shares your interest in “going green” with your new home, which is why they have created the Energy Star program at EnergyStar.gov. Energy Star will provide everything you need to know to get started on your new green home. Don’t forget to register with the Energy Star website to get up-to-date information on keeping your home an energy-efficient one.

How the Energy Star Program Works for Building Green Homes:

Start by using the Energy Star website to find a green builder in your area. These builders are recognized by the EPA for building Energy Star qualified homes, homes which are more energy efficient than traditional homes and which have a pollution output significantly lower than those of traditional homes. Once you’ve found a builder, the Energy Star website can also help you find a mortgage lender that offers special rates to those building green Energy Star homes.

Financial Benefits to Green Homes

Homes that qualify as green under the Energy Star program can reap tremendous financial benefits. In addition to reduced heating and cooling costs, green homes can save you money on your taxes. A new green home that can show 50 percent heating and cooling energy savings over the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code standard is eligible for a $2,000 tax credit. At least 1/5 of the energy savings must come from building envelope improvements. Homes showing 30 percent savings are eligible for a $1,000 tax credit. Energy Star can also direct you to websites where you can find rebates on energy efficient products that are used in your home.

Although there are many benefits to building responsibly, having a green home is really its own reward. You will have the peace of mind knowing that you have created a home that will keep you, your family and your planet healthy, and that you are enjoying domestic lifestyle without creating additional burdens on the planet on which you live.