My biggest gripe about calling agents is the fact that they either, don't answer calls or don't return them.  If they don't answer MY call or voicemail within a reasonable period of time.  I'll look for someone else, as I don't want my clients to have to wait days for reply backs.  

What gets me repeat business and referals is personal intergrity.  People come back to me because they trust me and the like me.  I am not particularly flashy or high pressure sales.

Similar answer to both.

Regarding making an offer stand out: Call the listing agent to pitch your offer before you send it over.

Regarding Referrals Partners: A partner who answers the phone, returns calls, and keeps me updated on the transaction.

Bottom line is we rely too much on email, text and not enough on face to face or at least voice to voice.

I really agree with Roy Kelley to read Joe Petrowsky blogs, they will really inspire you. All I can say is be better than the best. I always tell my clients call, email, or test me day or night, I am here for you. You have to offer extra value to be a stand out Realtor.

I want my referral partners to be dependable, reachable and be able to do the job.  And, to always keep me in the loop, good news or bad.

I do the same for them and my clients.

I'll answer the second question - when I'm looking for a referral partner I first go to the internet - and I google that location - the first broker/agent website that comes up, I look at.  If it feels good, I then contact that broker/agent.  If I don't hear something back within a short period of time, I go to the next.

If the outgoing referral was a good experience I keep them in my database under that city's name; I might also refer them to be a member of one of my professional groups.

REFERRAL FEEDBACK: Offer consistent feedback to the referring agent every two weeks. So many times agents fear that they make a referral and then have to wonder if the agent that receives the referral is actively working with the referred client. 

I offer expertise and knowledge and being connected in the real estate world. This really does make a difference.

Referral partners have to treat my clients the way I do -- quickly, courteously, completely and with the client's best interests in mind. 

They need to be at the top of ladder for their knowledge and willingness to work all hours.  The "average" need not apply.

Eve

Questions should be asked one at a time, IMHO.  These two don't even pair well together.

Experience and the ability to make things happen is a good way to stand out with clients and referral partners. Follow the blogs of Joe Petrowsky who is a master at developing referral business.

Referrals should be a two-way street!

My best quality is I'm an excellent listener. I immediately identify a challenge and time line for a solution then determine if they meet my client profile, terms and conditions. Once a client, after careful analysis, we explore prudent yet the most suitable solutions based upon their goals and objectives. 

I think the best quality I offer is that I'm a calm thinker, not slow, but calm. I've always found that by staying unfazed, I can see solutions that might not be seen by others. Then I can calmly convey these ideas and work toward solutions. 

Sharing your stories of success and the connections you make with others is what makes the difference and sets you apart!

Everyone promises to be the best in their industry. I got some valuable advice from a client in insurance once that I'll translate to the service industry:

"The only way to find out if you are getting the service you need is to try it."

In order to stand out from the competition, stop marketing yourself like everybody else. I work in the mortgage industry and everyone posts all over the internet about rates and loan types, and mortgage programs, which is fine to an extent, however what that says is I do the same thing the other 1 million loan officers do in the country. This begs the question why are you any different?

I recently had a realtor I work with tell me show them your human! show them you have a life outside of work. show them what you do and why you do it. show them you care. We all say we care about relationships, but posting about loan types, rates, and programs, says you dont. Sharing your stories of success and the connections you make with others is what makes the difference and sets you apart!

Hope this helps!

Two separate questions here, I will answer the second one.  When I refer business to an agent, I expect an update on the transaction progress every so often. If I have to ask twice for an update--then I don't want to refer business to them. 

Contact your clients frequently at least to say hello!! Let them know you are in the business.

Referral partner selection - - Looke to RE/MAX forst if available in the area (which except for some rural areas they always are) years in the business, volume, must have website, quick response to email or returned phone call.

38 years of experience and intimate knowledge of my chosen farm area

Fortunately we really don't have much compeittion in our niche. 

I DO see the connection between your two questions.   I DO look for a referral agent who has the same qualities that I strive for - consistent, open communications and a high level of local expertise, laid on a foundation of persistence for and loyalty to the client.

Having open communication with clients and being able to deliver news, good or bad.  Also, providing them with as much current information as possible that addresses their Real Estate needs.  Referral partners should be able to do the same.  Communication is KEY!

Time and professsionalism are keys.  You must respond quickly or the client will go elsewhere.

for referral partners i want to see them developing themselves - designations/certifications - and giving me the right answers to my questions

use of technology and understanding the behavior behind the questions (im a licensed counselor too)

Just be more thorough and deliver the information, the service. All the time. Think customer, make believe it is you in the audience wild blue yonder. Work hard, be the little red hen. Simple.

Q1. Solutions

Q2. Benefits

I've given up on expecting a 'referral partner' to have valid solutions.

A very successful track record, marketing, negotiating deals and so much more working for them.

Good answers here.

Great answers here....

A great track record - 100% of listings taken since June 2011 have sold and closed.

Since you're a newbie you possibly don't understand 'blogging form' that somene was trying to afford you.

Exerience

Solutions

Mike Tizzano - Shame on you for your answer to Carla Muss-Jacobs! Sorry that my dis to you will give you points -