One of the most common complaints I hear from mortgage pros is that they’re unhappy with their realtor relationships.

Simply put, the realtor(s) they work with treat them like sh*t.

Now, you’ve heard about other lenders and how they have a great relationship with their realtors. So the question is, “How can I have great relationships with my realtor partners?”

The first part of this answer is simple. You need to install a STRICT “No Dickhead” policy into your business. If you can tell a realtor is a dickhead (and you definitely can), save yourself the headache and tell them they simply aren’t going to be a good fit for you and your business. There are plenty of other realtors out there. On to the next one.

For the second part of this answer, let’s think about why bad lender-realtor relationships are so common. The reason is because 99% of lenders-realtor relationships with the same approach, which essentially boils down to this. “Hey Mr./Ms. Realtor. I’m a lender. I’d love to get leads from you. I have great service.”

Most lenders are just looking for handouts, so just as if someone asks you to borrow your stapler, the power lies with the person that’s being asked (i.e. realtor).

I know what you’re thinking. “When people buy a house, they always think I need a realtor’. It’s way easier for realtors to get leads.”

Now that’s true, 9/10 people will think “realtor first”, but you can’t do anything about that.

So what can you do?

Set some specific goals and expectations for the partnership. Have a MEASURABLE north star you’re striving for.

If you have a measurable north star, both you AND the realtor will be able to hold each other accountable. Being able to hold each other accountable shifts the power dynamic back toward a 50/50 partnership, make them respect you, and open a TON of doors because you actually have some skin in the game.

PS – Whenever you are ready… Here are 3 ways that we can help fill your pipeline and build a recession proof lead gen system.