The search is over, the offer has been accepted, and the closing is complete. Your work is done, right? Wrong.
We work hard to give our customers a comfortable and unforgettable experience during the home-buying process, but there’s a lot to be gained from continuing your relationship after your sale. By implementing a few of these tips, you can create lifelong customers who will provide valuable feedback and future referrals.
Offer no-fee consultations
Your first impression is important to any future customer. Start on a good note by offering no-fee consultation. Owners and sellers are looking for more than a real estate agent. They need a financial partner who can help them with these important investment decisions. If you make yourself available to answer a few quick questions, you make yourself invaluable to your customers.
Create a pleasant closing experience
The closing sets the tone for the continued relationship. Consider getting your customers an appropriate housewarming gift to show you care about this new experience – something like a book on home maintenance and gift cared to a local hardware store, or a list of your preferred vendors. Providing a closing statement close to tax time will be helpful and a possible opportunity to touch base again. By closing with a personal and helpful touch, you leave your customers feeling valued and taken care of.
Continue providing value after closing
Think through your client’s needs. What will they need to do every year to avoid penalties, take advantage of tax breaks, or grow their house’s appreciation? If you can reach out to them during these important milestones and offer support or resources, you’ve established yourself as the partner they can trust in their home owning adventure. For example, maintaining a home is a pivotal part of homeownership. So, you might consider sending them monthly reminders of important tasks to do around the house. These are areas where you can continue to help them keep or improve their property value – something every property owner will appreciate.
Use complaints as a learning opportunity
You will never be able to please everyone. However, it’s important to consider what a complaint may offer you and your business. In one instance, it offers you a chance to make things right with an unsatisfied customer – gaining their respect and loyalty. It also may open a window into the way you’re running your business. Consider the root cause of the complainer’s problem and see if there’s a way to change your business for the better.
Take care of yourself
Studies have shown that people who get the recommended 7 hours of sleep per night are more likely to be successful. Think about it. You’ve been around people who aren’t getting enough sleep, and those who appear fresh and well-rested – who are you going to trust with one of the biggest investments of your life? If you’re getting enough rest you’re not fatigued during the day, you have laser focus on your tasks, and your memory is stronger. Taking care of yourself is an important step in taking care of your customers.
Written by guest contributor Elise Morgan
Share this story