What is the best part about being a real estate agent? Share in the joy and relief that clients feel when they sign their final piece of paperwork at closing. A happy client is the best way to end a successful job, but it’s not over.
Agents who excel in real estate work hard to continue providing value to their clients even after the closing date. The presence of the agent after the closing day sends a powerful message that I care about you and your family. This is the type of personal branding you will never be able to convey in a direct mailer or online advertisement.
Staying in touch with clients and helping them settle into their new homes will also keep you at the forefront of their minds when they are talking to friends who may be looking to buy or sell a house. They are more likely to recommend someone they believe has gone above and beyond for them, as well as for their friends.
How to add value after closing as a realtor
After closing, there are six ways to be available and offer value to clients.
1. Follow up calls
One week after the closing date, schedule a call as courtesy to your clients. You can ask your clients how they are enjoying their new home, and if there is anything else that you can do for them. One month after the closing, follow up with your clients. Schedule follow-ups in your CRM software and incorporate them into your daily routine.
2. Arrive at the moving-in date
It’s both exciting and exhausting to move into a new house. Bring pizza or wine to your client on the day of their move-in. Ask your clients for recommendations on good stores and restaurants in their neighborhood.
3. Sending a checklist after closing
Engaging a pest management company. Switching on the water. Checking and cleaning the gutters. As your clients settle into their new home, they will have a long list of things to do. To help your clients, offer a checklist of essential tasks. It could be as easy as sending a list of bullet points in an email. Include tasks that are easy for you to forget, such as following up with homestead exemption paperwork.
4. List local contractors who are reliable
Houses require upkeep. Your client may need help in the near future. Share a list with them of local contractors. Include carpenters, lawn care companies and other contractors, like spray foam insulation or roofing. Recommend only contractors you have worked with in the past and who provide quality service. You will be negatively impacted if a client has a bad experience with a contractor you recommended.
5. Send a housewarming present
Send a small present to your clients after they have settled in their new home. Do not go shopping for a new blender or knife set. It’s better to be thoughtful. You could give them a token or piece of art that represents their new neighborhood or a nightlight for the nursery.
6. Stay connected
After closing, your relationship with the client does not end. You can do this manually or with a contact management system. Add them to your list of holiday cards. Send a handwritten message on the anniversary of their closure date. Keep in touch with your former clients by sending them an email newsletter.
Some agents don’t show gratitude to the people who helped you to get where you are. Any experienced Realtor will tell you not to do that.
Nevarez stated that her team strives to contact clients at least three times a month via phone calls, emails, blog posts, and short personal notes sent over text or Facebook. She added that it’s crucial to stay in touch with clients.
“Did you see that they announced that their dog had died? Send them a note after you comment on their post. Nevarez stated that it can be as simple as systematizing the process.
In conclusion
Real estate is all about relationships. Even small gestures made after the deal has been closed can have a greater impact on building a relationship than any actions you took during the sale. Try out some of these techniques to establish trust and lay the foundation for future business.