There’s something about this time of year that makes you slow down and count what matters. The leaves are mostly down, the calendar is filling up with family dinners, and everywhere you look people are saying thank you a little more often.

So I want to say mine, too.

Thank you to everyone who has ever passed my name along to a friend, a coworker, a neighbor, or a family member. Every one of those introductions started with you trusting me enough to put your own name on the line. That’s not something I take lightly.

Referrals are how most people find their agent

You might think most people find a real estate agent through an online search or an ad. The national numbers say otherwise. According to the National Association of REALTORS® 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 43% of buyers used an agent that they found through a referral, and among first-time buyers that number climbs to 49%. On the selling side, 66% of sellers found their agent through a referral or used an agent they had worked with in the past. Key Takeaways from NAR’s 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers +2

Buying or selling a home is a big, personal decision, and people want a recommendation from someone they already trust. I see that every day here in Central Ohio. Many of the families I’ve helped came to me because someone at a school pickup line, a introduction at the kid's games, or a community event said, “You should call Kendra.”

What your referral really does

When you refer someone to me, you’re not just sending business my way. You’re helping a friend feel less alone in what can be a stressful process. You’re giving a neighbor someone to call when they have a question about the market at 9 p.m. And you’re helping me keep doing the community work I love, from family events to supporting local businesses and schools.

That’s the part I’m most grateful for. My business has never been about transactions. It’s about relationships, and your referrals are the proof that those relationships matter to you, too.

How I take care of the people you send my way

When someone reaches out because you mentioned my name, I treat them the way I’d want my own family treated. That means honest advice, clear communication, no pressure, and a plan that fits their timeline. Sometimes that means helping them buy or sell right away. Sometimes it means answering questions for months until they’re ready. Either way, they’ll be in good hands.

As we head into the holidays, I hope you’re surrounded by good food, good people, and plenty of reasons to be grateful. I know I am, and you’re one of them.

If you know someone who’s thinking about buying or selling in Central Ohio, whether it’s next month or next year, I’d be honored to help them. I often have access to off-market opportunities that never hit the public sites, which can make a real difference in a competitive market. Reach out anytime to connect me with a friend, or just to say hello. And if you’re curious what your own home is worth, you can get a quick estimate here: https://www.cartergroupcolumbus.com/property-valuation/