There are more than 3 million people with real estate licenses in the United States alone. Part of being a real estate agent involves asking for referrals, but this can be difficult if you don't know anything about the process or where to start. A good place to start is with a good agent-to-agent referral script.

But why is a real estate agent referral script necessary, and how can you know if one is right for you? More than that, how can it help you with asking for real estate referrals? Why are referrals important to real estate agents in the first place?

Keep reading and learning more about real estate agent referral scripts, how they work, and how you can use them, so you can learn how to ask for real estate referrals with ease.

Why Are Real Estate Referrals Important?

Referrals in real estate are important for a variety of reasons. The problem is that a lot of agents don't ask for referrals. If this sounds like you, this kind of behavior can put you far behind the competition.

On the other hand, if you often ask for referrals and get referrals, you will find that you are far ahead of the competition. The first thing you should know about real estate referrals is that, in a way, they are all part of a system. The referral system is connected in a way that is designed to promote certain real estate agents in a particular community, namely agents that have good reputations and get referrals often.

For example, suppose a client is satisfied with your services as a real estate agent. As a result, that client may refer other people to you, effectively giving you more business and success. Of course, the more people there are who are happy with your services, the more opportunities you will have to have even more potential clients refer them to you.

This is a great way to get as much business as possible. You also won't have to do all the heavy lifting on your own since word of your good reputation and hard work will spread on its own. However, it isn't always this easy.

Type of referrals

A lot of the time, clients won't naturally go about making referrals. This is because they may not think about it or may not even realize that they can refer your services to other people. This is why asking for real estate referrals is important.

This is also the case for agent-to-agent referrals, which are a bit different compared to regular client referrals. As the name suggests, this type of referral is when a particular real estate agent refers a client (or several clients) to another real estate agent.

It might seem counterproductive to refer clients to another agent, but this is not necessarily the case. More than that, this kind of referral can be quite helpful for some agents. For example, if an agent is so busy that they can't take on any more clients, that agent can always refer potential new clients to a fellow real estate agent.

If you’d like to explore what agent-to-agent referrals are in more detail, please check this blog post we wrote on the subject. Also, our software product exposes you to hundreds of new referrals per month.

The process for a good Agent-to-Agent Referral Script

But of course, there is a process to all this. Where does this process start? How can you ask for referrals, and how can scripts help?

A problem that most agents have is that they don't know how to go about asking for referrals. They may feel awkward trying to ask for one or they may not know what to say. After all, asking for referrals is a very particular business.

Asking for one could easily come off as pushy if you're not careful. It could also come off as desperate or needy. For that reason, you'll have to formulate a referral in a particular way, and this is exactly what a script can help with.

Besides that, a script can also help you create a sort of system when asking for referrals. That way, this entire process will be easier than ever and you won't have to struggle so much or risk going without any referrals at all. But what exactly is a script and what does it do?

A script is exactly what it sounds like. It is a string of sentences that are designed to be the perfect vehicle for a referral. Instead of you tripping over your words to find the right words to ask for a referral, a referral script already has all the right things to say organized and in place.

The only real task you would have is to memorize the script. Of course, you don't need to memorize the script word-for-word. You can always make a few changes if you feel like it, but as long as you stick to the majority of the script, you won't have to think too much about asking for referrals.

What You Need to Know

This kind of script is designed to be as effective as possible when asking for referrals. That way, you won't risk sounding pushy or desperate when asking for them. This, of course, is ideal if you want to ensure that people view you as a professional and reputable real estate agent.

There are many referral scripts you can choose from, but the majority of them are more or less the same. For example, you could say something along the lines of you mostly do business through referrals and that you wouldn't mind if that agent or client referred you to other people in the future.

Once you get the hang of using a real estate referral script, you'll find that it will be easier to get referrals in no time. Besides that, this will allow you to spread your reputation as a good real estate agent much more easily. But even if you have a great real estate script on your hands, how should you go about asking for a referral in the first place?

How to Start Asking for Referrals

If you've never asked for a referral before or if you don't have a lot of experience with it, it can seem a bit nerve-wracking, even if you do have a good script on your side. The first trick is to make sure you ask at the right time. There is a right time and a wrong time to ask for referrals.

Ideally, you should ask when there is some kind of celebration in order. For example, suppose that an offer for a piece of property has just been accepted. Or, suppose that a property has just closed or a property has just been appraised at a great price.

Whatever the case, all of these scenarios will put you as a real estate agent in a good light. When your reputation is already at its peak, this would be a great time to ask for a referral. This is because people will automatically see you as a good choice and they will most likely refer you to other people they know because they know your services are good.

On the contrary, you will want to avoid asking for referrals if something hasn't worked out the way it was supposed to. In that case, it may give people a temporarily bad view of you and your services and, of course, asking for a referral won't accomplish much. So, as long as you stay on the high ground and make sure that your services are as good as they can be, you shouldn't have any trouble asking for referrals.

What to Know

You should also keep in mind that there is a certain number of times that you should ask for referrals. Asking just once may not be enough to get the results that you require. Many real estate agents ask as much as 5 to 10 times.

While this may sound like a lot, many agents find that asking this many times (over a longer period of time, of course), produces great results. It is usually recommended not to ask more than 5 times over a certain period, as this may come off as pushy.

Keep in mind that you shouldn't use the exact same script when asking either. Otherwise, people may think that you sound fake and ingenuine.

Instead, you can change up the wording here and there to make sure that the referral script stays as fresh as possible, or you can just use a new script. Most agents have more success with referrals when they ask more than one time.

Once you get the hang of this system, getting referrals from agents and clients will be easier than ever.

Big list of Real estate Referrals Scripts

An agent-to-agent referral script can be the perfect thing for you if you want to spread the word about the professionalism of your services. It is also a great thing to try if you often have trouble asking for referrals on your own. A script is nothing more than a few sentences to help you ask for a referral, but it can certainly make the process easier.

Here is an extensive list of referrals scripts:

  1. Most agent’s time is spent looking for new business. I’d rather invest that time finding a buyer for your home….That’s why I work primarily by referral. If you hear of anyone thinking about doing some real estate business would you send them my way
  2. Now that you are shopping for a home you will probably be talking real estate with family and friends – I would love to help anyone you know with their real estate needs. In fact I primarily work by referral
  3. Now that we are in escrow you are going to have a ton of jealous friends. I created a link you can share with them that shows off your amazing new home. Listen if anyone in your circle wants to follow your lead and purchase a home let me know I would love to help!
  4. I would love to be on your short list of people that you send real estate referrals to and I will do the same when I come into contact with someone who can use your services.
  5. As we start to market your home I will provide links to all the places you can find your home online and on social media. If you can share these links with your friends and family that would be great. Also if anyone in your circle decides to follow your lead I would love to help.
  6. I have really enjoyed working with you and I find that nice people generally have nice friends and family - so if you have any friends or family that need a REALTOR I would love to help.
  7. When it comes to finding new clients to work with I find that the best marketing is always word of mouth….if you hear of someone considering a real estate change would you send them my way?
  8. By the way, I work almost exclusively by referral. If you hear of anyone considering a real estate change, would you send them my way?
  9. I do business differently than most real estate agents. I work almost exclusively by referral. I find that gives me more time to spend helping buyers and sellers instead of chasing business. So if I do a good job for you I would love your referrals if you hear of anyone considering a real estate change.
  10. Now that you are (buying/selling) who else do you know that might also be considering a housing change?
  11. “Hi _______, there is something I want to run past you quick. Many of our clients like to introduce our services to others. I just thought if that opportunity ever presented itself to you, I would let you know how we handle that so you feel comfortable. First off, everything is confidential and we handle these situations with great care. For example, we don’t like to call people out of the blue, so to make everyone comfortable, we prefer introductions. How that looks is if you identify someone we should chat with about real estate, feel free to pass on our name and introduce us by email or phone.”
  12. Hi ________, it’s been such a pleasure working with you. Now, do you know anyone that you would want as a neighbor? If so, feel free to let me know and I can chat with them about their real estate needs!
  13. Hi [Name],
  14. Hi [Name],
  15. I quickly wanted to share the story of the Johnsons. They needed to sell their townhouse and move to a larger home to accommodate their beautiful growing family. We had their home on the market for 2 weeks and we were able to find a great buyer for their home. Now they have found their dream home and we are just waiting for possession! Do you know anyone who is looking for real estate advice? No pressure, but if so, feel free to shoot me a quick Facebook message!
  16. Do you know anyone who would want to know what homes are selling for in their neighborhood? If so, send me a quick Facebook message and I will get right to work!

You just got a new listing

Our first “asking for referral” script can be used if you just got a new listing. The next time you sign on with a client, use this script:

Mr. and Mrs. Seller … Thank you so much for your listing; I have two goals while working with you.

First, is to sell your home as quickly as possible for the highest price.

Second, is to give you such great service that you automatically refer me to anyone you know who wants to buy or sell.  Sounds good?

Before I let you go, who else do you know now that might need my services?

You just sold a home

As you know, one of the best times to ask for a referral is right after you sold a home. This is because you successfully proved to your client you have the skills and expertise to get their home sold. Now that you sealed the deal, keep the ball rolling by asking for referrals with this script:

Mr. and Mrs. Seller… I am so happy we were able to sell your home.

At this point, ________, my closing coordinator will take over to make sure your sale closes smoothly.

As you know, my business is based on referrals from great clients like you.

You’ve probably been involved in lots of conversations about moving lately.

Before I let you go … who else do you know that may need my services at this time?

You just found a buyer their dream home:

There’s nothing better than helping a buyer find their dream home. Once they get handed the keys, they’ll be filled with joy and extremely thankful for your help. It’s during this time that you can encourage your clients to recommend your services to their network using this script:

Mr. and Mrs. Buyer … I am so happy we were able to find you a home.

At this point, ________, my closing coordinator will take over to make sure your sale closes smoothly.

As you know, my business is based on referrals from great clients like you.

You’ve probably been involved in lots of conversations about moving lately.

Before I let you go… who else do you know that may need my services at this time?

Your clients’ transaction is pending

Staying connected with your clients throughout the entire home selling or home buying process is essential. During waiting periods, such as when a transaction is pending, is a great time to stay in communication and ask for a referral. Use this script if someone else besides you is doing the transaction follow-up:

Hello … it's _________ calling … How are you?

I am in regular communication with _______ your closing coordinator who assures me everything is on track with your sale.

Now that your home is sold/purchased … I am calling to see … who else do you know that needs to buy or sell in the near future?

Thank you so much. Referrals from great clients like you are the lifeblood of my business.

You run into an old friend

You never know who you’ll bump into on any day. With that said, it’s important to be prepared for moments you run into someone who may need a real estate agent. Whether it’s an old friend, coworker, or acquaintance, use this script to generate more leads and get referrals:

(After small talk) (Name) … by the way, do you know I sell real estate?  (pause) I’ve been doing it for XX years.

Wait for response.

I was just wondering if you’ve talked with anyone recently w ho might be interested in buying or selling a home? (If they can’t think of a name to share immediately.)

That’s ok.  but if you do hear of someone in the future, will you keep me in mind?  I’d really like to get the change to work with anyone you know who’s looking to buy or sell.  Please just give me a call or drop me an email if you hear of anything.

Wait for response.

Just to make it easier for you to share my contact info when the subject comes up, may I give you a couple of my business cards?

The out-of-the-blue cold calling script

“Hi! My name is John. It’s so good to finally reach you! I’m a real estate expert for the Big Wins Real Estate community. Just checking, is this a good time to talk?”

The script that gauges interest