What are referrals to a Realtor? Proof they have provided the highest degree of service: one their clients want for their own friends and family.
According to the National Association of Realtors, the average Realtor earns 24 percent of their business from referrals. But Kim Guild isn’t average. The resident of Eden Prairie and president of The Guild Group (a Keller Williams brokerage) attributes a staggering 85 percent of her business to referrals alone.
Why do so many people consider it a favor to recommend Kim? Partly because she has perfected every minute detail of her marketing plan over the course of her two-decade career. Whether they’re buying or selling, her clients are in for the smoothest ride of their lives. But the real X factor is Kim’s personal touch. She makes you feel like you matter – instead of like baggage that must be handled en route to a commission.
“It’s not enough to promise everything’s going according to plan,” said Kim. “In this business, if you want to build true trust, you have to communicate and work together as a team. That’s why I check in with all of my clients every Tuesday or as needed – just so they never have to wonder or worry about what’s coming up next. My transaction coordinator follows up my weekly update whenever there are contracts to sign, inspections to schedule, or association documents to review.
“Even if I don’t have an update to share, you’re still going to hear from me each Tuesday. That’s my opportunity to ask ‘What can I do for you today?’ My concierge service revolves around your answers to that question. If I don’t learn your expectations as your Realtor, I can never hope to exceed them.
“Some of my extra touches are inconsequential in the grand scheme of a real estate transaction. They’re just my ways of showing my clients how special they are to me. Once I know your favorite drinks and snacks, I’ll be sure to bring them to our meetings. Once I know your favorite movie, I’ll think of a fun way to incorporate it into our relationship. And once you’ve shared your birthday with me, I’ll never forget to send you a card. Now that so many people exclusively receive bills in their mailbox, the power of a hand-written thank you note has never been greater.
“My clients’ properties get the extra attention they deserve as well. If you’re selling a unique home with lots of special features that a buyer’s agent wouldn’t be able to point out, I’ll attend the showing to make sure your listing is properly represented. And if your house needs any updates before it’s ready for showings, you can trust me to line up the best professionals for the job. I’ll even help you pick out the features that will get you the best return on investment at closing.
“I also make my clients part of The Guild Group community, if they would like to be. That includes an invitation to my annual Picnic for a Purpose, where we enjoy great food and drink in support of youth mental health awareness. I also throw a great holiday party! Last year we all enjoyed the GLOW Holiday Festival at CHS Field together. We even met Santa Claus.
“Everything I do is to prove that I’m much more than your Eden Prairie Realtor. It’s not just the beginning of a real estate transaction when you call me. It’s the beginning of a friendship!”
Kim specializes in luxury and senior housing, although she works with plenty of traditional buyers and sellers as well. She is also a certified relocation real estate agent, and regularly partners with clients who are planning to move to the Twin Cities area or need to connect with a great agent in another market. No matter your real estate needs, having a Realtor friend you can trust begins by visiting theguildgroupmn.kw.com.