“When Referrals Don’t Work”

A few months ago, I referred clients who wanted to purchase a second home in Florida. I did the preapproval for them and as part of this process they wanted me to refer them to a Realtor. I did my research, made my inquiries, had gotten a recommendation and then contacted the Realtor to have a brief conversation.

All sounded good so I sent an email to both, making the introductions. The client and the Realtor spoke and they discussed the needs of the clients and when they planned on being in Florida. In the meantime the Realtor began sending prospective properties. So far all is good.

The clients flew to Florida with a specific appointment to meet the Realtor. To the shock of these clients, the agent wasn’t there to meet them, but had a newbie agent waiting for them, that was just recently licensed. The Realtor that I referred had gone on vacation and never let the clients know that he wouldn’t be meeting them.

The clients called me, not very happy, telling me that they were not willing to work with this agent, as they felt they knew more than the agent. The newbie had very little idea as to what they were looking for or what properties they had received information on. They said they picked up a local paper to start looking on their own.

By the end of the week, they had made an offer on a home and eventually had the property that they wanted. In a couple of days we will be doing their mortgage application. As upset as they were, I wasn’t sure they would want to do their mortgage with me, but that wasn’t the case.

I sent an email to the Realtor that I referred to call me when he returned from vacation, but I have yet to hear from him. Unfortunately, the Realtor did a poor job communicating and ultimately it all reflected back on me.

I love giving referrals and most have turned out very well, but this one, not so much.