In real estate, building strong, local relationships can be just as valuable as running a high-converting ad campaign. Partnering with local businesses not only strengthens your community ties, it can also open a steady stream of warm referrals. If you’re a realtor looking to grow your network and increase visibility, here are four ways to partner with local businesses to drive opportunities:
1. Feature local businesses in your marketing
Whether it's a monthly blog post, Instagram Live or quick video reel, spotlighting local cafes, shops or services helps humanize your brand and deepens your connection to the community. Interview a popular barista on the best local coffee spots or have a stager give quick design tips in one of your listings. Collaborative content that feels authentic increases engagement and attracts potential buyers and sellers who care about their community.
Here are a few examples from a popular realtor in Calgary:
2. Offer referral discounts
Create mutual referral programs with service-based businesses such as moving companies, home inspectors, stagers or landscapers. For instance, your clients could receive a discount on those services when referred through you—and in return, those businesses refer clients back to you when they learn someone is considering buying or selling. This reciprocal setup strengthens both businesses while offering more value to your clients.
3. Create a local resource guide or welcome package
Put together a beautifully designed PDF or branded “welcome package” featuring your favorite local businesses—decorators, dog groomers, plumbers and everything in between. Make this guide available to your clients, post it on social media and hand it out at open houses.
Check out this example from Vanessa for Colorado Springs:
This small gesture adds value for your clients and promotes the businesses you’ve partnered with. It also opens the door for those businesses to refer new arrivals back to you when they hear about someone needing a realtor down the road.
Pro tip: Don’t just follow current businesses, watch what’s coming! Checking your local guide account regularly helps you discover “coming soon” shops and services, giving you the perfect excuse to introduce yourself early and start building referral-friendly relationships.
4. Share technology that benefits everyone
Modern real estate tools like iGUIDE, which offer interactive floor plans and virtual home tours, can be a great way to add additional value and showcase partnerships. For example, you can spotlight a home stager’s work in a virtual tour or let a local contractor use your listings to promote their remodeling skills.
By bringing top techs into your collaborations, you make your partnerships more memorable to potential clients. To find a local iGUIDE Service Provider, visit ion.goiguide.com.
Final thoughts
Networking with local businesses is about more than just gaining referrals, it’s about planting roots and establishing your presence as a trusted community expert. This in turn can help fuel a referral engine that keeps your pipeline full and your reputation strong.
Start by reaching out, offering value and keeping those relationships active. The referrals will follow!
Need marketing resources? Check out the iGUIDE Marketing Catalogue for agent campaigns, brochures and checklists.
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