theconnectionsnj.com HOME & DESIGN PAGE 26 Exp. 8/31/22 Fully Insured • Free Estimates A couple of months ago, a neighbor contacted me for advice. She was planning a trip to Florida to help her elderly aunt sell a home and move to an assisted living facility. Could my neighbor have simply searched the internet? Yes, andmaybe she had already given that a try. She would have seen dozens, if not hundreds, of results without any idea of the professional experience or quality of service those candidates could provide. Rather than relying on the internet and contacting a complete stranger, my neighbor hoped I would be able to help her find an excellent local real estate agent to take charge of the sale process. Naturally, I was happy to help, and I found an area expert with the right skillset and personality for the job. I also verified that the agent I was referring to was a specialist in the target area. My neighbor followed up to let me know how pleased she was with the referral and subsequent sale. In another recent example, I worked with a new client who needed to sell her current home and find a suitable downsize nearby. The client was referred to me by her brother, a Realtor living in another state. My outof-state colleague found me via our company’s national database. He felt confident after speaking with me and reviewing my sales record, that he was placing his sister in the hands of a competent, experienced fellow agent. We connected well and accomplished the goal: a successful sale and coordinated purchase of a charming new home that met the client’s criteria for size and location. Referrals are an important part of the real estate business. If you’re looking to move, or invest in a new area, do you want to take your chances with an unknown real estate agent? Or, would you prefer an introduction to a trustworthy professional, backed by your home real estate agent? As Realtors, we are able to call upon our network to find like-minded professionals in other localities. We know what to look for in terms of area specialty, experience, and temperament. Our clients deserve and appreciate the invaluable support of a personal introduction. Your real estate agent is your guide to any area. The VIP tour includes properties, of course, but also a heads up into current market conditions, local customs and legal requirements for a property transaction. Additional benefits are recommendations for other service providers you may need, like a mover, home inspector, and attorney. When you establish a professional relationship based on trust, you feel good about future encounters with that person. Just as you would rely on your local real estate agent at home, be sure to ask them for input when you need a referral to another area. For yourself, and your friend/family, it’s one more valuable layer of assurance. Johanna Wiseman of RE/MAX Preferred Professionals can be reached at 908-705-0652, or visit www.MyBridgewaterHome.com Your real estate agent is your guide to any area. The VIP tour includes properties, of course, but also a heads up into current market conditions, local customs and legal requirements for a property transaction. PERSONAL REFERRALS LEAD TO GREAT RESULTS By Johanna Wiseman REAL ESTATE CORNER
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