A vendor list is a list of people who can help your clients take care of their home, and it’s something that is incredibly valuable. Many agents are able to help their clients find contractors or services when something bad comes up, but stand out from the crowd (be a Unicorn Agent) and proactively give them information so you are seen as being the trusted source for EVERYTHING house and home.

Why you need a vendor list and how to use it:

• Your clients will highly appreciate having your personal recommendations for contractors when the time comes up to use one. Think of how many times you see people asking for recommendations on Facebook or Nextdoor. Instead of your clients having to take this step to find recommendations, they can pull out your sheet or book and easily find someone to help (all while thinking of how awesome you are for providing this to them!)

• Vendors will LOVE knowing that you are including them on your list. We recommend asking vendors if you can include them on your list, and then elevate the list even higher by asking the vendors who your clients should ask for when they call. The conversation could go something like this:

“Hi, (insert person’s name here). I am building a list of trusted professionals who my clients can call when needed. Would it be OK if I added you under (insert what they do, like plumbers)? It is? Great! I’ll include all of your contact information so they can easily get a hold of you – what’s the best name and number to call?“

You are showing these professionals that you are loyal to them which will help create a sense of loyalty should they come across anyone who needs real estate services. People really connect with people who care about their wellbeing, and by recommending your clients call these vendors, you are showing the vendors that you trust their services and that you want to support them.

• Use this vendor list as a selling tool in your buyer and seller packets. Let everyone know that upon closing, you will hand them a robust list of everyone they can contact should they need anything. You will be offering incredible value with this and people will recognize this!

Who is on a vendor list:

• Plumbers
• General Contractors/Handy People for Odd Jobs
• Electricians
• Roofers
• Lawn Service Providers
• Tree Trimming People
• Pet Sitters
• Babysitters
• Carpenters
• Fence Builders
• Repair People
• Real Estate Attorneys
• Concrete Contractors
• Basement + Foundation Contractors
• Painters
• Insurance Providers
• Mortgage Providers
• Interior Designers
• Moving Companies
• Security Contractors
• Architects
• Any service that is household related

What to include in the list:

• Company Name
• Contact Name
• Services Provided
• Contact Information (website, phone number, email – whatever you have!)
• Preferred Way of Contact (if you know the person/company texts over calls, include that!)
• Any other pertinent information (speak to why you included them!)

How to compile the list:

• Include people who you have worked with and had positive experiences.
• Ask fellow real estate agents who they have had positive experiences with.
• Ask for recommendations from friends and family and then introduce yourself to them.
• Start Googling and then introduce yourself/talk to them about their services. Because you are putting your name on this list, you want professionals on here with whom you yourself would like to work.

This is such a valuable tool and it can be so easy to create and maintain.
Check out this sample vendor book starter template to get inspiration for creating your own!

Have questions? Send them to us! Email us at hello@unicornagents.com or DM us on Instagram @unicornagents!

XOXO,
Sarah