Loan Officer and Real Estate Agent, No References....?????

[Chanise P.]

Hi All,

So i found a real estate agent and loan officer thru bigger pocket referrals and was ready to meet with them.....until i asked for references AND both hit me with what I feel to be a lame excuse. "I can't give my client's personal info out, but please see the testimonials on *insert social media and business web address here*. Is this normal or is my gut right and should I stop this relationship before it starts?

Thanks for your input!

[Cara Lonsdale]

In the beginning of my career, I used to ask clients to provide me with a testimonial that I could provide new clients.  I had quite a stack, which I published to my website once I had one.  However, after 20+ years in the business, I don't ask for them much anymore, and don't really need to provide them in order to validate my experience with new clients.

I don't think it is an unreasonable ask.  However, I wouldn't hold it against the agent if they didn't have any to provide you.  Testimonials from their website should suffice.  I can understand not wanting to share past client's info every time a new client wanted to call for a reference.  Would YOU want to be called EVERY time a new client wanted to interview your past agent?  It sounds like badgering to me.  I woudn't do that to my clients.

You CAN, however, research through the department of RE website in your area to see if your agent has ever had a complaint lodged against them, or if they have had disciplinary action.  It will also tell you how long they have been licensed, and who they hang their license with (and if they move around alot).