Williamson County, Tennessee, has experienced tremendous population growth due to an influx of new residents. As the size of the population increases, so do the needs of individuals and families. The counsel of attorneys and the guidance of realtors are just some of the services residents will require. Yet, many are moving from out of state and at least half of them will not know a local attorney or Realtor. Furthermore, while most people realize that that having an experienced lawyer on call is wise, they may not appreciate how important it is to have quick access to a knowledgeable Realtor or broker. Thus, wouldn’t it be great if attorneys and Realtors/ brokers could form cooperative relationships? Then, once the client found one of them, that professional could refer the client to the other.
According to a recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Department of Labor, Williamson County has enjoyed a higher percentage of job growth compared to other large counties in the nation. More jobs, of course, lead to greater economic stability. As individuals and families improve their financial situations, they often decide to look for new homes. For this and many other reasons, the real estate market in Williamson County is booming. In fact, in a few instances some properties have stayed on the market less than an hour before being sold. This growth provides a fantastic opportunity for attorneys and Realtors to work together to achieve the very best outcome for their clients.
A good example would be a client who is going through a divorce. They typically have little time to locate a piece of real estate that perfectly fits his or her needs; thus, having quick access to an experienced Realtor is crucial. The divorce attorney can help the client by having the contact information of a few reputable Realtors/brokers for referrals on hand. In addition to knowing all the hot areas and current price trends, a Realtor can advise the client on ways to improve his or her negotiating position (for instance, by getting pre-approved for financing), educate the client on making quick decisions and generally, ensure that the buying process proceeds smoothly. So the attorney not only handles the divorce, but also helps the client find a Realtor who will make the home search more efficient. What a great way for the attorney to earn a referral!
Likewise, Realtors can help attorneys gain new clients. While buyers and sellers often ask their Realtors for legal advice, it is in the client’s best interest to seek the counsel of a legal professional. Therefore, Realtors should always have the contact information of a few trusted attorneys for referrals on hand. Business relationships between Realtors and attorneys can prove highly beneficial for everyone involved, especially the clients!
I am a member of the National Association of Realtors. The code of ethics and standards of practice has 17 articles that can be summarized by the golden rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. In my opinion, for both Realtors and attorneys, our faithfulness toward our clients is a tremendously important part of our jobs and a referral is the highest compliment we can receive. By building cooperative business relationships, Realtors and attorneys can help our clients to a greater degree. Also, as people flock to Williamson County, the bond between us will be more important than ever. Kristin Hood
