Do you have your Real Estate "Tribe" together...?

I hope that you are as welcoming to the winter weather as I am; it's finally here! Time for a fire, hot chocolate, and cuddling up to watch a holiday movie! Yeah, I'm sappy, so what! ??

This weekend's note is about the types of folks that we should know or have in our 'tribe.' Those we need to refer to make ourselves more referable, and that's what makes our world go around, right? Many of us have these folks at the ready, and some of us don't, but we all should! Which group are you in?

Keep in mind that the folks that we work with or are trying to work with do not know what we know, and potential home buyers/sellers don't do what we do all day, every day. Sometimes we can lose sight of this.

They will be looking for guidance from us about handyman services, insurance, HVAC, title, etc. It's important that we build a great 'POD' or support team by building relationships with those people we are confident will do more than just get the job done but create 'raving fans' with everyone that we work with.

When it comes to building relationships and having a thriving business, successful professionals in any business never go it alone. So, to that point, who are the eight people who should be on our team? (The first is the most important, the rest are in no particular order… ??)?

? Mortgage Partner: Not only is it important to find a loan officer who you are comfortable with but get to know the team too. Go to lunch with them as they will be making it all happen for you. Know the turnaround times, not only the loan programs. When you all know who you are working for, you work a little harder.

? Realtor: Having a professional realtor on your team is crucial. They bring expertise, a valuable network, and negotiation skills to the table, making the home search fun, easier, and more efficient. This partnership not only saves time but also builds trust that lasts.

? Appraiser: We can no longer control who does the appraisal, but you should have one that you can call to ask questions and work with a lender that has their own panel versus using a 3rd party to assign them.

? Handyman/General Contractor: It is great to have a general contractor in your tribe. Someone that is versatile and can cover a variety of home repair needs such as plumbing, heating, and electrical. Make sure they are established and have been doing this for a while.

? Home Inspector: The home inspection can be a very stressful event and it can make or break your deal. This one needs to be very thorough but also be very personable, patient, and can explain things to a potential home owner in a way that is easily understood.

? Home Stager: This one is, I think, the hardest to find because it is such an art and a personal experience. Find a home stager who will provide different levels of advice, from a few tips to a huge overhaul.

? Insurance Agent/Company: Many folks will already have this covered but will consider your recommendations to compare prices and shop for the best coverage.

? Title Company: A great title company not only has reasonable fees but will also ensure the process goes smoothly.

Who you recommend and work with is a direct reflection on you and your business. Do you have the strongest and most reliable team built for domination? It is not always about what you know, but sometimes who you know makes you successful!