The Money You Are Leaving on the Table
Your past clients already know, like, and trust you. But if you aren't staying in touch and actively asking them for referrals, they will likely use a different agent next time, or recommend someone else to their friends.
Most agents are afraid to ask for referrals because they don't want to sound like a sleazy salesperson. But there is a way to do it politely and professionally.
Timing is Everything
Don't just ask for a referral out of the blue. Tie your request to a specific event or check-in.
- The Home Anniversary: Reach out on the 1-year anniversary of their closing.
- The Market Update: Send them a quick update on what their home is worth now, and add the referral request at the end.
- The Vendor Check-in: Ask if they need a recommendation for a plumber or roofer for fall maintenance.
The "By the Way" Method
The most effective way to ask for a referral is to make it a secondary point in an otherwise helpful email. Provide value first, then add a casual request.
"By the way, my business is built on working with great people like you. If you have any friends or family who are thinking about making a move this year, I'd be honored if you passed my name along."
Automate the Ask
It's easy to forget to send these emails. But with EmailWrite AI, you can generate a warm, friendly referral request in under 10 seconds. Pick the "Friendly & Warm" tone, type in your past client's name, and hit generate.