I agree Caroline. I am not worried about liabiity here . . . if the right person is selected and they all connect, no need to be Zillow!
I tell clients, IF YOU DO NOT LIKE THIS PERSON, come back to me and I will see who else is out there. It rarely happens.
Referral agents who know that you're 'shopping the client' may be reluctant to get into a competition over it.
If they make an iffy choice, I will tell them they should talk to my pick before making a decision. After that, it's on them!

Use the names of 3 vendors. When it comes to a Realtor, I suggest one and if they fail to have chemistry will sugggest another.

we send ONE referral to an agent out of our area....ONE.... and that one we select is a well-versed agent.... if the homeowner/or buyer does not click with that agent, we will send another one.... 

I give out one name of an agent that I absolutely know will take excellent care of my clients. Always has worked out well and it's been 30 years.

Caroline,

We always give 3 names. This was legal advice,  Our 3 names were all good people. A

      My lawyer told me to give 3 names.  Next time I meet with him, I will ask him if that advice still stands.

When I am making a referral I put my name and reputation behind it. I am that confident in those I am referring.  Like Candice A. Donofrio I do tell people if it is not a good fit like I think it will be, let me know right away.  I am not worried about liability either. My clients depend on me to give it to them straight and tell it like it is.  If I cannot back that then I have no business making the referral ... that's just me. 

Depends on the type of referral, for an agent you want one who is a "partner" since you are vouching for their ability and collecting a fee.

For vendors you want that impartiality that giving out 3 names provides.

I feel that giving more than one reference looks like you don't have confidence in that one person

When a good friend of mine need a help out in San Diego, Thomas J. Nelson, Realtor,CRS,e-Pro was the first, last and only name I gave.  I knew from our interactions here that he was the perfect match for her, primarily because of our personality similarities... which is what she was looking for.

When I refer a lender, I typically only give one name as well.  I have multiple lenders that usually don't overlap in specialty and I give out the one in that specialty.  In the event of multiple lenders, I will give out a couple names, but they are all performers and get the job done repeatedly for me.  When it comes to first time buyers or VA loans, I only have one lender in those categories I will recommend.

When it comes to trades people (inspectors, etc.) I always give out multiples, with the exception of termite.  Primarily because inspectors may be booked or on vacation and they may need to hunt for one who can come out in time.  I only have one termite person I refer and he's done inspections for me on his way out of town for vacation with the family in the car!

Regardless, I always say "you can use whomever you want, on or off the list" and all parties refered out have either done business with me or my clients or have impressed me when I met them.

Fred Griffin nailed this one!

One name for an agent referral is fine.  I suggest always multiple names when picking an inspector, lender, or handyman.

I only give one lender, one insurance guy and one inspector and one attorney for closing.  People hire me for my advice.  I give it to them.  No one has every let me down.  On recommending contractors I do offer a list. But if you are on the list you are good. And I want them to get their work done in a very timely fashion.

I give one name if it is someone I know will give amazing service. I give more if I don't know the agents well enough. I do interview agents before giving their name.

I provide names of three lenders or attorneys or tradespeople, but only one real estate agent name.

While it depends on the situation I normally pass along the name of someone I know well who I truly believe is the best fit for the client.

I match like you do to the person's needs and personalities. I do not feel the need to give 3 names because there is always one that is the best for the situation.

I agree Caroline, I generally research the agent first, check their website, and perhaps talk with their broker to see if it would be a good fit.  I they are not happy, like Candice says, I tell them to come back to me and I will find another agent, but I have never had that happen.

Well I've found that it just confuses the buyers. I try to go for the best LO for the job PLUS they match with personalities. Some LO's just like agents are not always the best with hand holding types.

It's about them not us.

I have a select group of agents I refer to.  I refer based on who is best for the specific job. 

It depends on the situation. Some clients want only one name. Others want to shop a bit. I have a quick conversation with my clients about any of the names I provide so they know my rationale behind each name.

The problem is money. Referring one Realtor is fine because it doesn't involve money. Most agents give out 3 lender's names mainly because they have not shopped them and don't know who has the best rates, terms and programs.They just care that the loan closes.

I typically only give one name when it comes to a Realtor or Lender referral. I know enough agents internationally to be able to do so in many major cities. However, some clients are old school and interview and want 3 names to feel they did their proper due diligence; few do, but I can handle either request.

Yes, when it comes to Realtor referrals, I also, give only one name.

I choose just one, the best. I also like to call them and go over the client to make sure they are willing and able to handle and service them

I agree.

I'm a matchmaker too, Caroline. They're told to report back to me and they do. I've never had one to say that they didn't like the referral - never!

Caroline Gerardo - I only give it to one referral agent!

Otherwise, it is a money-making game!

That works...

I agree with your practice.

Today, I chatted with a buyer who OBJECTED to the association requirement for an IN PERSON interview. His response was, "Should I get an attorney?"  I will recommend NO ONE to this person or those of a similar prideful and self-righteous nature. What I will do for normal folks is:

I ask, 'What do you value most, a program known to prevent disasters or do you value more highly a fire department that can save the basement?"

One program you are holding in your hand you printed from the Internet. The other is in my hand.

No, I don't give a list but make the call.