Understanding the Types of Referrals from SOLD.com
SOLD.com provides two types of referrals to agents in our network: Appointment Referrals and Active Referrals (also referred to as raw or non-appointment leads). Understanding the difference between these referral types and how to work them effectively is essential for your success in the SOLD.com network.
1. Appointment Referrals
Appointment Referrals are seller leads where our Concierge team has made initial contact with the consumer and scheduled a consultation based on the lead type that the consumer responded to. These consultations could be for a home valuation or a cash offer, depending on what initially captured their interest.
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What They Are:
- These are NOT fully vetted leads but are scheduled consultations based on the consumer's expressed interest.
- You are provided with all necessary details, including the consumer's name, phone number, email address, and property address.
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How They Work:
- You will receive a text notification when a new Appointment Referral is available.
- You have 30 minutes to claim the appointment before it moves on to the next eligible agent in your rank.
- Once claimed, you can prepare for the consultation by reviewing the provided details and tailoring your approach based on the lead type (e.g., home valuation or cash offer).
2. Active Referrals (AKA Raw or Non-Appointment Leads)
Active Referrals are leads where the Concierge team is still attempting to make contact with the consumer. These are shared with you in your SOLD.com Agent Portal so that you can proactively begin outreach.
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What They Are:
- These leads include the consumer's name and address, and for zip code sponsors, they also include the phone number and email address.
- These leads are often in the early stages of exploring their options and may require nurturing and education before they’re ready to sell.
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Why They’re Provided:
- To ensure you can begin marketing and outreach while the Concierge team continues efforts to set an appointment.
- These leads expand your pipeline and provide more opportunities for future conversions.
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Best Practices for Working Active Referrals:
- Send personalized letters or postcards to the provided address.
- Use the phone number and email (if available) to initiate contact with a friendly introduction.
- Approach these leads with patience and focus on building trust, as many may not be ready to make immediate decisions.
Key Differences Between Appointment and Active Referrals
Feature | Appointment Referrals | Active Referrals (Raw Leads) |
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Consumer Contact | Concierge has contacted and scheduled a consultation. | Concierge is still attempting to make contact. |
Details Provided | Full name, address, phone number, email address. | Name and address; full contact details for zip code sponsors. Only name and address for non-SGD agents |
Consumer Readiness | Expressed interest in a specific service (e.g., home valuation, cash offer). | Often in the early stages of exploration. |
Action for Agents | Prepare for the consultation and tailor your approach to their interest. | Start outreach and build a relationship for future opportunities. |
Why Both Referrals Matter
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Appointment Referrals:
- Provide direct opportunities to meet with consumers who have already shown intent by scheduling a consultation.
- Allow you to focus your efforts on specific consumer needs, increasing the likelihood of closing a deal.
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Active Referrals (Raw Leads):
- Expand your lead pool and give you the chance to make an early connection.
- Help you build long-term relationships, nurturing consumers toward future transactions.
Final Tip
Both types of referrals are valuable tools for growing your business. Appointment Referrals offer immediate opportunities for direct engagement, while Active Referrals allow you to be proactive and establish a pipeline of potential clients. As a zip code sponsor, the additional contact information provided for Active Referrals is an exclusive advantage, enabling you to take your outreach to the next level.
If you have further questions about referrals or need assistance, please contact us at [email protected], and we’ll be happy to help!