If homeowners assume that recommendations come with "kick backs"  thats probably because most do...especially in Florida...especially with all the controlled business arrangements real estate offices have  with title companies.  Just google it...and the millions paid out in fines.

Listing agents get mad if the buyer wants to pay for title insurance and choose their own title company,  That is absolutely true!!!  Realtors violate RESPA every day.

NAR's own "Danger Report" says that the biggest threat to the real estate industry is the agents...they call them "marginal agent" who are UNTRAINED, INCOMPETENT AND UNETHICAL. (NARS own words)

Google that too...

I have been offered kickbacks many times from vendors, but have never accepted one, which makes me different from the average realtor.

The reason my clients almost always use our recommendations is because they are smart and they trust us.

Eve

We provide a list of vendor who we have vetted, and highly recommend they choose someone from our list.

Because they ask me!

95% of my buyers or sellers will take my recommendations on vendors.  Most of the time it is because the client trust me.

Your question presents a false assumption that sounds like "Many times homeowners assume that these recommendations come because of a "kick-back" or because the real estate agent and owner of the business are friends. "

This suggests to me your audience differs from our audience.  It further suggests you are insensitive to making assertions REALTORS knowingly violate the LAWS that govern our professional. I am not sure you are a REALTOR friend and certainly REPEATING this false statement only makes it worse.

Here is the answer to your question. They VALUE our recommendations for these (but not only these) reasons.

1. The REALTOR was referred to them by someone they trust.
2. The REALTOR invested the time, effort and attention to gain their trust.
3. The recommendation comes with assurance of accountability
4. There is a plan B.
5. Other benefits (price, priority, bundling) accompany following the recommendation of the professional they hired.

There are five questions a home owner needs answered by their REALTOR. When that is accomplished, they know the one they hired has their back.

Of course assurance of accountability means if the vendor, such as Landmark Home Warranty, does not protect the buyer or seller we refer to you properly, you will be OFF THE LIST and revealed. With that ASSURANCE, you just may think twice before choosing to take the money and run.