Referral request texts and scripts that feel natural

Happy clients would gladly send friends your way, but most never think to unless you ask. The right moment is right after you've helped them, when they're already telling people about you.

The goalAsk for referrals in a way that is easy to say yes to, and make it simple for clients to pass your name along.

Today

Thank you, [First name], that means a lot! If a friend or co-worker ever mentions moving in [Area] or anywhere in the GTA, I'd be glad to help them the same way. Feel free to share my number: [Phone]. [Your name], [Brokerage]

When to send what

  1. Text

    Ask while the good feeling is fresh.

  2. Call

    A natural ask at the end of a check-in.

  3. Text

    Thank the person who sent them, the same day.

  4. Email

    A light reminder that you welcome introductions.

01The scripts

Pick the moment. Copy the words.

Client

Thank you, [First name], that means a lot! If a friend or co-worker ever mentions moving in [Area] or anywhere in the GTA, I'd be glad to help them the same way. Feel free to share my number: [Phone]. [Your name], [Brokerage]

225 characters

02Variations

When the moment is a little different.

  • Short and no-pressure

    Hi [First name], quick one: if anyone you know is thinking of moving this year, I'd be glad to help. No pressure at all! [Your name], [Brokerage]

  • Business-owner client

    Hi [First name], your team has grown a lot. If new hires are relocating to [City] and need help finding a home, I'm happy to be your go-to. [Your name], [Brokerage]

  • After a glowing review

    Thank you for the lovely review, [First name]! People like you are how I grow. If friends ask for a realtor, I'd love to meet them. [Your name], [Brokerage]

Do

  • Ask right after a moment of real thanks.
  • Be specific about who you help: buyers, sellers, renters, an area.
  • Thank every referrer the same day, whatever the outcome.
  • Let the client choose how to pass your name along.

Avoid

  • Asking for referrals right after they raised a problem.
  • Asking for a list of names; one is plenty.
  • Forgetting to tell the referrer you connected.

With Tanero

Or say it once. ORBIT sends it.

When a referred friend calls your number, ORBIT answers in their own language from 100+ languages, learns who sent them and adds them to your CRM with that note. It then prepares your thank-you text to the referrer from your Tanero number. For the yearly ask, ORBIT drafts a personal email to each past client from your own Gmail or Outlook, and it can place a friendly follow-up call to the new contact to book a first meeting. All of it sits in the Action Center for your OK, because Approval mode is the default.

Priya Nair from Etobicoke just referred her colleague Tom Brooks. Add Tom as a buyer lead noting the referral, and draft a thank-you text to Priya.

ORBIT is working on it

Questions

Before you send it.

When is the best time to send a referral request text?

Right after a client thanks you, praises you or tells you the move went well. They're already thinking good things about you, so the ask feels natural rather than forced.

How do I ask for referrals without sounding pushy?

Ask once, simply, and make it easy to say no. If anyone you know mentions moving, I'd love to help is enough. Then thank them whether or not anyone comes through.

What should I do after someone refers a friend?

Thank them the same day, look after the friend well and let the referrer know you connected. A short note when the friend finds a home closes the loop.

How many times can I ask the same client?

Once around closing, then a gentle reminder once a year. Past clients remember you through your check-ins far more than through repeated requests.

Related

Words are the easy part. Sending them on time is the job.

ORBIT sends the right message at the right moment, from your number and your inbox.

Watch the demo [email protected]