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Privacy Policy Consent
Use of the data that you provide to us, or which is collected by us on or through our Website is governed by this Privacy Policy. By using our Website, you consent to this Privacy Policy.
Submission, Storage, and Sharing of Personal Data
We may seek personal data including your name, e-mail address, and other contact information, namely when you take actions such as subscribe to our newsletter, join our private forum(s), comment on our blog, use this Website, and/or purchase our Programs, Products or Services or contact us. This information is used to contact you about the Program, Products or Services for which you have expressed interest. By you providing such information to us, you grant us permission to use and store such information. We, in turn, will use our best efforts to keep such information safe and secure.
Your information is stored through a data management system. Your information can only be accessed by those who help manage that information in order to deliver e-mail or otherwise contact those who would like to receive our correspondence.
There may be an occasion where we may ask for demographic information such as gender or age, etc., to personalize our programs or correspondence, or to distinguish adults from minors, but if you choose not to provide such personally identifiable data and information, you may still use the Website, but will not be able to use those services where such information may be required.
Confidentiality
We aim to keep the personal information that you share with us confidential.
Please note that we may disclose personal information if required to do so by law or in the good-faith belief that such action is necessary to (a) conform to the edicts of the law or comply with legal process served on us, our partners, sponsors, investors, or affiliates; (b) protect and defend our rights or property or those of our users; and (c) act as immediately necessary in order to protect the personal safety of our users or the public.
Note that whenever you voluntarily make your personal information available for viewing by third parties online, such as on blogs, message boards, emails, or in chat areas, the information you share also can be seen, collected and used by third parties, and therefore, we cannot be responsible for any unauthorized third-party use of such information that you voluntarily share.
Passwords
To use certain features of the Website, you may need a username and password. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of the password and account and are responsible for all activities (whether by you or by others) that occur under your password or account. You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your password or account or any other breach of security, and to ensure that you exit from your account at the end of each session.
It is your responsibility to protect your own password from disclosure to others. We cannot and will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to protect your password or account information. You are responsible for activities that take place using your password(s) and within your account. If you share your password(s) with anyone, they may be able to obtain access to your personal information at your own risk.
By using our Website, you agree to enter true and accurate information on the Website. If you enter a bogus email address, we have the right to immediately inactivate your account.
We will use our best efforts to keep your password(s) private and will not otherwise share your password(s) without your consent, except as necessary when the law requires it or in the good faith belief that such action is necessary, particularly when disclosure is necessary to identify, contact or bring legal action against someone who may be causing injury to others or interfering with our rights or property.
Unsubscribe
You may unsubscribe to our e-newsletters or updates at any time through the unsubscribe link in the footer of all e-mail communications.
We manage e-mail lists through a list management system. Unsubscribing from one list managed by us will not necessarily remove you from all publication email lists. If you have questions or are experiencing problems unsubscribing, please contact us at
YOUR EMAIL FOR SUPPORT GOES HERE
Anti-Spam Policy
We have taken the necessary steps to ensure that we are compliant with the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 by never sending out misleading information. We have a no spam policy and provide you with the ability to opt-out of our communications by selecting the unsubscribe link at the footer of all e-mails. We will not sell, rent or share your email address..
Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act Compliance
We are in compliance with the requirements of COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act), and we do not collect any information from anyone under 13 years of age. Our Website, Programs, Products, and Services are all directed to people who are at least 13 years old or older.
Anonymous Data Collection and Use
To maintain our Website’s high quality, we may use your IP address to help diagnose problems with our server and to administer the Website by identifying which areas of the Website are most heavily used, and to display content according to your preferences. Your IP address is the number assigned to computers connected to the Internet. This is essentially “traffic data” which cannot personally identify you, but is helpful to us for marketing purposes and for improving our services.
Traffic data collection does not follow a user’s activities on any other websites in any way. Anonymous traffic data may also be shared with business partners and advertisers on an aggregate basis.
Use of “Cookies”
We may use the standard “cookies” feature of major web browsers. Cookies are small pieces of data stored on your computer that contain information about the user. We do not set any personally identifiable information in cookies, nor do we employ any data-capture mechanisms on our Website other than cookies.
Cookies help us learn which areas of our Website are useful and which areas need improvement. You may choose to disable cookies through your web browser’s settings. However, disabling this function may diminish your experience on the Website and some features may not work as intended.
Cookie information is only used when communicating with users as per their indicated preferences and as needed for service-related communications. Third party content that may be displayed on our site may also contain their own cookies, but we have no access to or control over any information collected by third parties through our Website.
Privacy Policies of Third Party Links
Occasionally, at our discretion, we may include or offer third party programs, products or services on our Website. These third-party Websites have separate and independent privacy policies. We, therefore, have no responsibility or liability for the content and activities of these linked sites, and thus we cannot be held liable for the information on their Website or that you voluntarily share with their Website. Nonetheless, we seek to protect the integrity of our Website, and we welcome any feedback about these Web sites.
Assignment of Rights
In the event of an assignment, sale, joint venture, or other transfer of some or all of our assets, you agree we can assign, sell, license or transfer any information that you have provided to us. Please note, however, that any purchasing party is prohibited from using the personal data and information submitted to us under this Privacy Policy in a manner that is materially inconsistent with this Privacy Policy without your prior consent.
Notification of Changes
We may use your contact information to inform you of changes to the Website, or, if requested, to send you additional information about us. We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to change, modify or otherwise alter this Privacy Policy at any time. Such changes and/or modifications shall become effective immediately upon the posting thereof.
Continued use of any of our Programs, Products or Services, or information obtained through or on the Website following the posting of changes and/or modifications constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.
If you have any questions, please contact us at YOUR SUPPORT EMAIL GOES HERE
Being a referral broker isn’t just about knowing the right people—though that’s a huge plus—it’s about mastering a blend of skills that keep your business growing and your clients happy. Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the referral game or you’re a seasoned pro looking for a refresher, this guide is your cheat sheet to success. Let’s dive into the essential skills that’ll make real estate work for you.
Networking Like a Pr
Picture this: You’re at a party. Do you awkwardly hover near the snack table, or do you start chatting about the dip and segue into an engaging conversation about real estate? If it’s the latter, congrats—you’ve got networking potential!
Why it matters: As a referral broker, your network is your net worth. Building strong relationships with real estate agents, potential clients, and even local businesses creates a pipeline of opportunities. The bigger your network, the more people trust you to match clients with the perfect agent.
How to level up:
Join local groups. Whether it’s a chamber of commerce meeting or a real estate seminar, get involved.
Use social media wisely. Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram aren’t just for memes; they’re your digital handshake.
Don’t be pushy. Networking isn’t speed dating; it’s building authentic connections.
Pro Tip: Always carry business cards or a slick digital contact-sharing app. You never know when someone will say, “Oh, you’re in real estate? I’ve been looking to sell my house!”
Mastering Client Communication
Let’s face it: Real estate can feel like a foreign language to most people. Your job is to be the friendly translator. Clear, empathetic communication helps clients feel heard and understood. And happy clients = repeat business + referrals!
Key phrases to avoid:
“I don’t know.”
“It’s not my problem.”
“You’ll figure it out.”
Replace with:
“Let me find out for you.”
“Here’s how I can help.”
“Let me guide you through this.”
Interactive Challenge:
Next time you’re explaining something complex, ask, “Does that make sense to you?” It’s a simple question that can build trust and open the door for more dialogue.
Humor Alert: If a client says, “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” resist the urge to reply, “Neither do I!”
Building Market Knowledge
Remember that kid in school who always raised their hand because they did the homework? That’s who you need to be when it comes to the real estate market. Having up-to-date knowledge of local trends, property values, and market conditions is what makes you the go-to expert.
How to stay sharp:
Read real estate news. Set Google alerts for terms like “Illinois housing market trends” or “home prices near me.”
Follow local realtors. They’re often the first to post about market shifts.
Dive into data. Tools like Zillow, Realtor.com, or even your local MLS can help you understand trends in your area.
Real Talk: You don’t have to know everything, but knowing enough to sound confident is key. As one wise broker put it, “Fake it until you’re the expert.”
Flexing Your Negotiation Skills
Even as a referral broker, you’re not completely off the hook when it comes to negotiations. Whether you’re negotiating referral fees or helping a client understand the value of an agent, you need to be persuasive, clear, and fair.
Negotiation hacks:
Do your homework. Know what’s reasonable in your market.
Practice active listening. It’s not just about what you want; understanding others’ needs can create a win-win scenario.
Stay calm. If negotiations get tense, take a deep breath. Losing your cool isn’t a good look.
Tech-Savviness
Ah, technology—the double-edged sword of modern business. As a referral broker, you don’t need to be a programmer, but knowing your way around a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system or using tools like Zoom and Slack can streamline your processes and impress clients.
Must-have tech tools for referral brokers:
CRM platforms: Manage your leads like a boss. HubSpot and Zoho are great options.
Social media schedulers: Keep your online presence consistent with tools like Buffer or Hootsuite.
Virtual meeting apps: Stay connected with clients and agents, no matter where you are.
Interactive Tip: Not sure where to start? Take 10 minutes to explore a free trial of one tool you’re curious about. You might just discover your new favorite business hack.
Cultivating Patience and Persistence
In real estate, you’ll encounter every personality type under the sun. From the “I need this done yesterday” type to the “Let me think on it for six months,” your patience will be tested. Add persistence to the mix, and you’ve got the magic formula for turning leads into success stories.
Humorous Anecdote: If you’ve ever waited 20 minutes for a client to “find their wallet,” congratulations—you’ve mastered patience.
Marketing Yourself
You’re not just selling a service; you’re selling you. Branding yourself as a trustworthy, knowledgeable, and approachable referral broker is the secret sauce to staying top of mind.
Marketing essentials:
Craft a killer bio. Whether it’s for your website or LinkedIn, make it engaging and memorable.
Ask for testimonials. Happy clients are walking billboards for your business.
Stay consistent. Whether you send out a monthly newsletter or post weekly on social media, consistency builds trust.
Wrapping It Up
Becoming a successful referral broker isn’t about mastering one skill—it’s about blending a variety of talents that make you the ultimate matchmaker in real estate. Whether it’s expanding your network, brushing up on market trends, or finding the humor in a chaotic day, these skills will set you apart.
Wheaton, Illinois 60523. © Catalyst Group, Inc., 2016. All Rights Reserved.