Find Your Referral Marketing Strategy

A referral marketing strategy for real estate agents remain one of the most effective ways to generate consistent, high-quality leads. In this post, you’ll discover modern approaches to building a strong real estate referral network and how to naturally attract more opportunities from your past clients, vendors, and sphere of influence.

There are people out there who say you can run your entire business on real estate referrals.

I’ve never been a “put all your eggs in one basket” type – I prefer a more diversified approach…

BUT… there’s no question that referral marketing for real estate is a powerful way to generate business.

And here’s the funny twist… The guy who sparked that whole “Referral Revolution” is now a collaborator and my personal coach, Jay Abraham.

So… Recently Jay and I have been working on modernizing strategies from his famous “93 Referral Systems,” picking and choosing some of the best ways real estate professionals like you can naturally create more referral opportunities.

Let’s get into six modern strategies for growing your real estate referral business.

What is a Real Estate Referral Marketing Strategy?

A referral marketing strategy in real estate involves leveraging your relationships to drive new business. It usually includes asking satisfied clients to recommend you, building strong vendor partnerships, and staying top-of-mind through regular value-driven communication. It’s a trust-based approach that can generate steady, organic growth for real estate professionals.

6 Proven Real Estate Referral Marketing Strategies

1. Send a Personalized Video Thank You Immediately

The goal is to make referrals a conditioned behavior. One of the best ways to do this is to instantly recognize someone who refers you by sending a quick, personalized video thank-you message. Don’t just send a text or email — stand out with video. And timing is everything, so do it immediately!

2. Create Your “Dream 50” Referral List

Identify your top 25 referral agents and your top 25 past clients or sphere members who refer business. Segment them in your real estate CRM and provide them with next-level attention and communication. Some ways to go above and beyond:

  • Throw exclusive appreciation events: Think holiday parties, charity events, or a VIP speaker experience.
  • Send two unsolicited CMAs per year: Just like a financial advisor would do with a portfolio, show them the value of their investment.

3. Make Your Closing Gift Unforgettable

Everyone gives gifts after a transaction closes, but here’s how to amplify the impact: send your gift to the client’s office instead of their home. A beautiful bouquet or creative basket arriving at their workplace will get people talking — and those conversations drive more referrals.

4. Ask Three Referral Questions on Every Check-In Call

Here’s a script to use when calling your past clients or sphere. These three questions open the door to immediate and future referrals:

  • Have you had any thoughts of selling?
  • Do you know anyone who has had any thoughts of selling?
  • Who do you know who tried to move, but it didn’t work out?

Make these part of your standard prospecting routine, and you’ll see the leads multiply.

5. Partner Up with Vendors Strategically

You already work closely with vendors like lenders, title reps, inspectors, and contractors. Are you leveraging those relationships for mutual benefit?

Meet monthly with key vendors to talk about how you can refer one another. Offer more value, share content, and even co-host events to widen your reach.

6. Expand Your Sphere Weekly

One creative way to build your real estate referral network is to host weekly lunches with someone in your sphere — and ask them to bring along a few friends.

This strategy introduces you to new people in a casual, non-salesy environment where your value can shine through naturally. Relationships build referrals, and this is how to spark new ones.

Real Estate Referral FAQs

How do I get more referrals as a real estate agent?

Start by delivering exceptional service that people want to talk about. Then stay top of mind through consistent communication, gratitude (especially via video), and strategic events or check-ins with your sphere and vendors.

Do referral marketing strategies work for new real estate agents?

Absolutely. New agents can build trust quickly by tapping into their warm network, asking for introductions, and showing their value through consistent outreach, even without a long track record.

Should I offer incentives for referrals?

It depends on your market regulations. In many cases, simply providing value, recognition, and appreciation is more than enough. Always check local laws and brokerage policies before offering incentives.

Grow Your Real Estate Referral Business

There’s no denying it — referrals are one of the most reliable and cost-effective ways to build a thriving real estate business. Implementing these referral marketing strategies will help you grow your pipeline, deepen relationships, and generate consistent leads.

Need more tools to level up your referral business? Explore our real estate agent tools or book a real estate coaching consultation to see how we can help.