Hi John -- I don't depend or particularly want a lender to do marketing for me. As we discussed I do like it when he/she/they answer their phone or return calls promptly, have a deep understanding of the market and have the best interest of the clients in mind.  That's a lender trifecta if you ask me.  

Apart from open houses and printing flyer, share advertising costs etc. the BEST partnership is that of cross-referrals!

Yes, I know people contact agents first and by the time they reach lenders, the home (and the agent) is already decided. A true lender partner is the one who will 'catch' these buyers who are just raw in market.

I don't need my Lender to market to me or for me.  He gets the job done, works with an awesome fast growing company, and more importantly, in my books, he keeps me updated. He has integrity, is honest and I and my clients can believe anything he says.  He works when I am working and answers his phone when I or my clients call. THIS outranks marketing, IMO.

John,

When we lived in Napa, we worked with two of the top lenders in Santa Rosa.  They had devised an incredible system of follow up, and used to call the original agent, when the owner of the property used to call them (the lenders) to talk about selling the home and getting a newer one or larger one.  They would ask that person, do you remember who your agent was?  And they would contact that agent.  We worked with them on their brand, and had freeway billboards designed (etc) it works in Santa Rosa...A

The best benefit of good relationship with a loan officer is comprehensive long term follow up.

At every open house and brokers open lending partners are offering mobile aps that we can offer to buyers (we already have mobile aps), pre-approval for buyer, flyers, all of which help with those we have captured already. These are already our people. What they are offering, is essence is to be the 'tick on the dog.' Not very attractive from the agent point of view.

So, what can you do regarding what REALLY matters?

OK....what solutions do you bring that equal ASSURANCE OF CLOSING?

OK...what benefits do you bring that equal less cost to buyer?

OK.. can you structure a buyer offer to result in something competitive with a cash buyer?

OK...how about guaranteeing outcomes or make buyer/seller whole?

Solutions, Results, Benefits Outcome....those are the things I'm willing to pay for by sacrificing my client to the grind of the lender. Lacking any inventory aligning with those expectations, what else can you do that could be called 'best kind of marketing' that agents would value.

Well then, why don't you provide me an account on CIS Score and I'll create buyers and sellers for both of us. Something of real value in a world of deception that distinguishes my services and value from everyone else.

What agents want, what we need is great leads. Since you are NOT providing them, enable us to get them. We know how to market, we just need SOMETHING to market.

Before you protest....remember, if you are a solutions provider, show it.

We do an apartment complex each month with a letter comparing rent to own; giving a seminar and generally get at least one buyer.

Not much, just fliers sometimes but those have their names on it, hahaha.

Roy nailed this one!

I really don't expect anything other than great service which YOU do provide me as my lending partner.  Referrals would be the pie in the sky.

Thank you for the question. I learned from the answers .