Making the (Referral) Cut
When is finishing in 3rd place (“showing”) just as good as winning?
When it comes to referring contractors — at least the way I do it.
Namely, my practice is to recommend three very experienced, reputable vendors who would ALL do a good job for my client, then let them screen and ultimately select the individual they like best.
That accomplishes two things: 1) it lets clients know that they’re making the hiring decision (and paying the contractor’s invoice); and 2) it recognizes that individual contractors’ personalities, communication styles, etc. vary (just like clients’), making the best “fit” client-specific.
Ditto for their rates/fees (just not too much).
“Top Three”
Do my “Top 3” lists evolve over time?
You ‘betcha (I mean, “Absolutely”).
I’m always looking to “upgrade” the quality of my contacts (lenders, inspectors, electricians, etc.).
Conversely, in the (rare) event that I hear negative feedback about someone I’ve referred . . . I stop referring them. See, “Has Your Contractor Lost Their Mojo?”
When I’M the Client
The only exception (sort of) to the above is when I’M the client paying the contractor’s invoice (even though both of us are ultimately working for the homeowner).
That’s the case with both photographers and stagers, whose fee is included in my standard commission and whom I select based on the specifics of each home and client.
See also, “Realtor Referrals“; “Contractor Etiquette“; “Giving Good Invoice“; “Doing Due Diligence on Small Home Builders.”
