Meet Robert Bond, a top producing REALTOR® in WA & N. Idaho 🌟 Robert and his wife Nicole’s real estate journey was not easy. They moved to Spokane in 2020, amid the pandemic, not knowing a soul. Despite their initial challenges, they jumped into real estate head on, centering their business on engraining themselves in their community, building relationships with local businesses and vendors, and including them in a solid tech stack centering around their The Bonds & Co. real estate app built by HomeStack. Including these vendors in their app allowed them to provide a valuable resource to their real estate prospects and clients, helped them to stand out from competitors, and become top-producing realtors in a relatively short amount of time.

‍Using their App to Build Community & SOI in a New Area
Recognizing the power of digital tools, when Robert & Nicole moved, they envisioned developing a custom real estate app designed to provide clients with verified local resources. Today, their real estate app features 53 vendors and counting. More than just a property search tool, their app offers clients a seamless, mobile-friendly experience that enhances their journey long after a transaction closes. From finding home inspectors to connecting with contractors, the app serves as a one-stop shop for all-things real estate.

Robert explains what led them to create their real estate app with HomeStack:

Many people are familiar with platforms like Zillow and Redfin, but realtors often pay for leads through these sites, resulting in clients being contacted by multiple agents. This prompted our idea to create an app that allows clients to communicate directly with us without their personal information being sold. Our app would also serve as a platform for local business partners, addressing common client inquiries about trusted services. This resource aims to connect clients with verified businesses while strengthening our local relationships and referrals.
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The Power of Referrals: 5 Step Strategy for Partnering with Vendors in a HomeStack real estate app

1. Establish initial connections with local businesses by hiring them for your projects and shopping at their stores.
“To begin with, we fostered vendor relationships by using their services ourselves to vet them first-hand.  Most of the businesses in our app we started by collaborating with on contracts or simply enjoyed patronizing their stores or restaurants so they were easy to connect with, as we've already built a rapport with them.”
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Now, instead of our clients needing to search on Google and comb through countless reviews, they can just download our app to find vendors that we have used, been vetted & trust.
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2. Utilize Existing Relationships for referrals to find vetted and beneficial partners
“It’s becoming the domino effect. Many of the new business collaborations originated from referrals from local businesses who are already in our app. For instance, if it's a friend or another business owner, we simply ask, "We're looking for individuals like this: ”Who else do you think would benefit from being featured on an app in front of homeowners and other business owners?" This highlights the power of referrals. When you receive a referral, it serves as a valuable resource to connect with vetted individuals, making the onboarding process straightforward and non-salesy. As a result, it's been easy for them to want to join in!"

This app is really driving who we are as people, and as a trusted resource for the people in our community.

3. Generate FOMO by permitting only one type of trade or service in the app. This approach fosters a sense of urgency and exclusivity, motivating businesses to claim their position on the platform.

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“One of the key strategies we've implemented, likening it to a highly sought-after commodity, is allowing only one trade or service type per state on the app. For instance, in Washington and Idaho, there will only be one roofer or one home stager listed. This limitation creates a compelling reason for businesses to secure their spot quickly, as they won’t face competition from multiple providers within the same category. This scarcity of opportunities on the app is intentional, ensuring a unique offering for each service type.”

4. Local businesses are gaining referrals and customers for less than a coffee a day! Businesses can easily join the app, it is a budget-friendly marketing opportunity for partners. ‍
“We designed it to be cost-effective; currently, it costs roughly $100 -$200 for an entire year on the app. This breaks down to less than $10 a month—essentially the price of a coffee. Many businesses spend significantly more on marketing, making this a great chance for us to attract our business partners, ensuring a curated list of top-tier services per state."

"Our app consistently generates referrals and business for vendors. Consider this: Nicole and I are selling between five and ten houses each month. This means that individuals actively searching for homes through our app and beyond are seeking those trusted referral sources. It's simply one of those situations where it's effortless to access the app and connect with those contacts.”

4. Ensuring Longevity in Real Estate: Be a resource for clients beyond individual transactions.
“As a realtor, aim to support clients beyond a single sale. People typically buy only a few homes in their lifetime, so ensure you're their go-to resource throughout their journey. We've partnered with various services in our app to provide ongoing support before, during, and after the home buying, selling, or investing process, creating a reliable hub for clients.”

5. Leverage Push Notifications for Vendor Promotions & Seasonal Specials to Engage More Customers & Stay Top of Mind
“A crucial aspect of onboarding vendors to our app and engaging customers is empowering our partners to send push notifications. This feature enables them to promote a variety of events for their business, whether it's a spring, summer, or fall activity. They have the freedom to adjust or introduce new promotions, ensuring that users receive timely notifications directly on their phones, rather than relying on emails that often get overlooked and have low open rates.

"We’re not overwhelming customers with push notifications every day or multiple times a day. Instead, our approach is careful, well-scheduled, and timed appropriately. For instance, I wouldn’t send out Christmas lights notifications in the spring. It’s all about ensuring that the timing is suitable, which makes it effective in getting our vendors more business.”

The Future of Mobile Real Estate Technology

By incorporating mobile technology into their business strategy, The Bonds & Co.  real estate Team has not only established a robust network but also transformed the way agents deliver value to clients beyond mere transactions. As the real estate landscape continues to change, one fact stands out—those who embrace adaptation and innovation will pave the way forward.

"Our app and our business are set to expand. It's going to become larger. The more people hear about it, the more it will grow in the community. This app truly represents who we are as individuals and serves as a vital resource for the people in the area."

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