Talking about coverage without giving advice

Clients trust you, so they will ask you things you are not licensed to answer. Handling that well protects them, and it protects you.

Safe ground You can describe how a process generally works. You can explain what a lender typically requires. You can say when in a transaction something usually happens. You can say who to talk to.

Ground to stay off Do not estimate a price. Do not predict whether someone will qualify. Do not compare specific products. Do not say a policy will or will not cover a particular situation. Do not say something is cheap, a good deal or a savings.

Language that works - That is exactly the right question, and it deserves a real answer from someone licensed to give it - I can tell you how the timing usually works. What it costs depends on a review I am not part of - I would rather introduce you to someone who will explain it properly than guess and be wrong

When a client insists Some clients will push for a number anyway. A steady response is to say that any number you gave would be made up, and that you would rather be useful than fast. Then make the introduction the same day, while the question is still warm.

Afterward Write down what you actually committed to, which is usually an introduction and a follow up. Do not write down a prediction. If a client later remembers a promise you did not make, your own note is the thing that keeps the relationship intact.

What this guide does not do This is general education about professional conduct in referral relationships. It is not legal advice and it is not insurance advice.