Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What types of properties can I refer?

Q2. Can I be actively involved with the referral after assignment?

Q3. Can I request the sales associate I want to work with my customer?

Q4. How much can I earn as an active member with Burgdorff Referral Associates?

Q5. Do my referrals always go to Burgdorff ERA offices?

Q6. Should I call an agent or broker to assign my own referrals?

Q7. Do I have to keep “office hours”?

Q8. Can I aggressively farm a neighborhood or contact expired listings?

Q9.  How do I generate referrals?

Q10. What do I say to a potential buyer or seller?

Q11. If I want to buy or sell a home, can I refer myself? 

ANSWERS:

1.  What types of properties can I refer?

Answer:  Any type of marketable real estate anywhere in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.  Referral fees are rarely paid on rentals.  Fees paid on commercial transactions may vary and shall be set by Burgdorff Referral Associates and the receiving broker. 

2. Can I be actively involved with the referral after assignment?

Answer:   We encourage you to be very actively involved with any referral that we place.  You will be given the assigned agent’s name and contact information.  We also encourage you to follow up with your customer to make certain they are getting the service they deserve. 

3.  Can I request the sales associate I want to work with my customer?

Answer:  We will make every attempt to honor your request for a particular associate.  However, the final broker placement is at the discretion of Burgdorff Referral Associates.  We want to make certain your customers get the best service and that the assigned broker agrees to pay our referral fee. 

4.  How much can I earn as an active member with Burgdorff Referral Associates?

Answer:  That depends on many factors, including how many referrals that you send, the sales price, and the referral fee that we are able to negotiate. 

5.  Do my referrals always go to Burgdorff ERA offices?

Answer:  We strive to place all referrals with a trained and qualified associate.  If there is a Burgdorff ERA office that services the area of your referral, that will be our first choice.  If not, we will place your referral with one of the highly regarded brokers within our vast “network” of brokers. 

6.  Should I call an agent or broker to assign my own referrals?

Answer:  No.  Contact Burgdorff Referral Associates and we will make the contact for you.  This way, we can avoid miscommunication that could cause you to receive a lesser referral fee.  We will protect your referral by obtaining a confirmation signature from the assigned broker.

7.  Do I have to keep “office hours”?

Answer:  Absolutely not.  You will determine your own work schedule.  You can mix business with pleasure by talking to relatives, friends and acquaintances.  You can “work” while you are on vacation, traveling or attending social events.  Be sure to have your business cards ready to hand out. 

8.  Can I aggressively farm a neighborhood or contact expired listings?

Answer:  You must be careful when you are soliciting business that you do not imply that you are actively listing or selling homes.  Remember also that you must adhere to the State and Federal “Do Not Call” laws, unsolicited fax and email laws, and all consumer protection laws.  Give us a call to discuss any marketing plans you may have.  We are always here to help.

9.  How do I generate referrals?

Answer:  The most effective marketing tool is something with your name and contact information.  We suggest business cards (order form available in the Member’s section of this website).  Give them to all family members, friends and acquaintances with whom you socialize.  Another effective activity is “networking”.  Become active in community and professional groups that encourage professional interaction. 

10.  What do I say to a potential buyer or seller?

Answer:  Once you discover that someone needs real estate assistance, tell him or her that you are a “referral associate” and are affiliated with a company that can assign a trained and experienced associate to assist him or her.  All you need is their name, address, phone numbers and, for buyers, some information about what they are looking for.  Most importantly, you need their permission to refer them. 

Don’t forget that you may have an opportunity for two referrals from each customer!  If they are asking to be referred as a buyer, don’t forget to ask if they have a home to sell, and let us know when you place the referral. 

11.  If I want to buy or sell a home, can I refer myself?

Answer:  Absolutely!  You can refer anyone who needs and wants real estate assistance, including yourself.