In real estate, your value to clients goes beyond the property transaction. Your network of trusted professionals—your preferred vendor list—can be one of your most powerful resources. Having a well-curated and regularly updated list not only demonstrates your commitment to client service but also reinforces your position as a reliable source for various needs they may have, from contractors and painters to financial advisors and home inspectors.
A preferred vendor list is a personal directory of professionals and service providers across various fields that you trust and would recommend to clients and contacts. This might include contractors, plumbers, landscapers, financial consultants, insurance agents, and more. Each name on this list represents a vetted professional you trust to uphold a high standard of service.
Value-Added Service: Clients appreciate guidance that extends beyond the buying or selling process, and a well-rounded vendor list can fill gaps for them.
Quick Access: Having a list allows you to promptly respond to client needs, giving them the immediate support they value.
Building Client Trust: By providing clients with connections to professionals they need, you reinforce your credibility as someone invested in their long-term satisfaction and success.
Why Update? The quality and availability of professionals change over time, and your recommendations should reflect the best options at any given time. Regularly reviewing your list ensures clients receive top-quality referrals.
How to Update: Set a schedule to touch base with vendors at least twice a year. Use these opportunities to assess their quality of service and whether they’re still the right fit for your clients.
Start by networking with those you know and trust. You can expand this list by meeting professionals at events, asking for client feedback on past vendors, and vetting new contacts based on client needs. Personal experience and reliable recommendations should guide your decisions.
Access for Clients: Whether a printed copy, digital directory, or a shared folder, make sure the list is easy to access and professional.
Open to Feedback: Encourage clients to provide feedback after using a vendor from your list, as this will help in maintaining the list’s integrity and relevance.
A thoughtfully built and regularly updated vendor list is more than a tool; it’s a competitive advantage that strengthens client relationships and elevates your service quality. By creating and curating this list, you demonstrate your ongoing commitment to client support, providing value that lasts well beyond the close of a sale.
Here is the link to the Avent Vendor List Template
Note: You can create a copy of the template to your own Google Drive for an editable Copy by going to File>Make a Copy