Retention

Definition of "Retention"

Written by

Gary Tanner

Coldwell Banker Advantage

In everyday discourse, the meaning of retention refers to storing or keeping something such as an expansion tank holding hot water. A dam could also retain or withhold water. Also, a rehabilitation center can contain an ill person. Additionally, retention can have several financial definitions applied to the business world. 

Retention in real estate

The most lucrative real estate agents and agencies have found the key to retaining established customers. Client retention is the most basic and essential ingredient in maintaining a business profitable by keeping the traditional clientele engaged and relying on referrals. 

Referrals or frames of reference have proven practical tools. Approximately 61 percent of customers pick a renowned real estate broker or specific real estate brokerage based on recommendations. Statistics show that the cost of ‘recruiting’ a new buyer or seller is twenty-five times more expensive than doing business with an existing one.

Ways to keep your audience engaged and ultimately retained

Being a friendly and expert local real estate agent, one has to master the art of ensuring that their clients receive a sufficient amount of support and meaningful engagement. An agency has to build up a client list stored in a comprehensive database, especially in an age when house-hunting has gone digital. 

Listing agents can use adequate marketing tools, while realtors can advertise online with great success. They can also categorize clients based on niches. Moreover, they have to nurture interpersonal relationships, such as sending thank-you notes and reaching out on special occasions. Finally, first-class customer support is quintessential.

Mortgage retention

Your mortgage banker or lender can retain a part of your funds until specific structural errors are corrected and substantial repairs on real estate are finalized. In such cases, you can renegotiate the original price and establish another one with the seller’s agent. Secondly, you can convince the real estate seller to do the refurbishments themselves. Thirdly, you might pay for the deficit yourself or if you leave the project entirely.

Retention in property construction

Retention is a widely used method to facilitate efficiency and expeditiousness. Like the previously mentioned insurance industry, a construction owner often resorts to retention. The owner will retain a part of the contractors’ payment until they finish the project and local authorities issue a certificate of occupancy or completion. Though the period of retention release differs from state to state, it typically lasts 30 days, counting from finishing the construction.

What is the purpose of the retention fee?

The meaning and purpose of a retention payment or retention fee are to urge the contractor (constructor) to finalize a specific assignment before the deadline established in the contract. Therefore, the retention money safeguards the owner or principal against their investment, which is paid as monthly progress payments.