Again, a Buyer who didn't use my referred mortgage lender called me after the lender let him down.

And the scramble starts, to get the clients in front of someone I know can perform, offer clarity, and get the job done within a short closing window.  I use up a little of my stock of good will with good people who have to hustle to catch up to where they should have started a few weeks ago.

It goes with the territory.  I heartily support a Buyers' right to select a lender.  I know it isn't a perfect world.

But... when I talk to people who believe they need to source their own service vendors, because they can't trust me to link them up with quality, bad things happen to my blood pressure.  It goes up even more when people hint that I have something to gain by offering referrals to professionals who routinely get the job done.

My referrals are based on my knowledge of professionals who have demonstrated track records for exemplary customer service, for integrity, and for communication.

Concerning my referred professionals, particularly mortgage bankers:

Can a client find someone with lower fees?  Maybe.  Maybe not.

Can a client find someone who offers more integrity?  I doubt it.

Can a client find someone more motivated to offer service?  Probably not. 

While the client is focused on only THEIR loan, that lender has just as much to lose.  That lender is equally focused on the volume of referrals I can generate for them.  Their effort to take care of my client is matched by their effort to make a great impression on an agent who has brought them past business.  I make my recommended lenders earn my referrals with communication and service, not with lunch, coffee, or tschotchkes.

People who use my recommended lenders typically have a great experience.  THEY CLOSE ON TIME, WITH LOAN PACKAGES AT THE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE EARLY.  I won't have it any other way!