Referrals are the lifeblood of the mortgage business. And one of the best ways to grow your client base is by building strong, lasting partnerships with real estate agents and other mortgage brokers. When these professionals trust you, they’ll send business your way—and those referrals are often more qualified and ready to move.
If you’re wondering how to get referrals from real estate agents and mortgage brokers, it starts with offering value, building relationships, and showing up consistently.
Focus on Building Real Relationships
Getting referrals from real estate agents or mortgage brokers is not something you ask for on day one. Like any good relationship, building strategic partnerships takes time to build. Start by connecting with agents in your area—attend open houses, real estate meetups, or join local Facebook and LinkedIn groups where agents are active.
Don’t just pitch yourself. Instead, ask questions about their business. What kinds of buyers do they typically work with? What challenges are they seeing in today’s market? Listen more than you talk, and you’ll learn how to support their work in a meaningful way.
Show You’re Reliable and Responsive
When an agent refers a client to a mortgage broker, their reputation is on the line. That’s why reliability matters. Respond quickly, stay organized, and give updates often.
If you want referrals, you need to make every transaction smooth for both the client and the agent. The easier you make the process, the more likely they are to refer you again.
Bonus tip: Send a quick update text or email to the agent at key milestones (pre-approval, appraisal, clear to close). These little touchpoints build confidence and show you’re on top of things.
Create Co-Branded Content
Help agents market themselves—and you’ll market yourself in the process. You can co-host webinars, write joint blog posts, or create simple videos explaining the home loan process together.
This not only builds trust with the agent, but also positions both of you as go-to resources for buyers. The National Association of Realtors found that buyers still rely heavily on agents and lenders for education—which makes co-branded content a smart way to generate referrals over time.
Give First, Ask Later
A good way to earn referrals is to give them first. If you meet a buyer who’s not working with an agent yet, recommend someone you trust. Agents remember who sends business their way—and they’re more likely to return the favor.
Even small gestures go a long way. Like sharing an agent’s listing on social media, writing a testimonial, or endorsing them on LinkedIn. It all helps build goodwill.
Make the Referral Process Easy
If you want more referrals, make it simple for people to send them. Set up an easy referral form on your website or include a clear “Refer a Client” button in your emails and social media.
And when you get a referral? Say thank you—every time. Whether it’s with a handwritten note, a quick gift, or a shout-out on social media, showing appreciation keeps the cycle going.
Bottomline
There are mortgage brokers who have built a profitable mortgage business from referrals. Referrals from real estate agents and mortgage brokers are built on trust, consistency, and collaboration. Focus on being the kind of partner you’d want to work with—and the referrals will follow.
Ready to Grow with the Right Partner?
Building strong referral relationships takes time, trust, and the right tools to back it up. At Morty, we give mortgage brokers everything they need to stand out with real estate agents—from a streamlined platform and fast closings to built-in support and marketing resources.
If you’re ready to take your referral network to the next level, let’s talk.
