Consistent Clients – Real Estate Marketing

Some agents are fans of buying small gifts for their clients after closing. I think that’s a great idea for those that can afford it (does not need to be expensive – consider a marketing expense!). However, there may be some agents that simply do not have the budget in a slower real estate market, but still want to provide their clients with a token of appreciation and a bit of value after the transaction is over.

Consider a welcome pack!

Create a binder that can hold all their copies of closing documents, and fill it yourself with other useful information for them.

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Ideas -

• A Handy Web Tools doc:

Mint.com This secure financial management tool pulls data from your checking accounts, savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, and other loans to help you track expenses.

Inhabitat.com For home owners who want to go green, this eco-friendly design blog provides tips and inspiration.

Yelp.com If buyers are new to the area, send them here. Neighbors review local restaurants, spas, doctors, plumbers, and more.

Billshrink.com Discover hidden fees in your credit card accounts and cell phone bills, and get recommedantions for lower-cost alternatives.

GasBuddy.com Do some comparison shopping before you fill up. Get a listing of what the gas stations in your area are charging per gallon.

DesignSpongeOnline.com Do-it-yourselfers on a budget will love the easy home decorating projects and gift ideas.

• If your client just sold their home and is moving away, do a bit of research for them on their new area and include it. Ideas might be local schools, well-rated restaurants, local government, or things they should know. Even if they receive something similar from their agent there, they’ll remember that you thought ahead to help them out.

• Add in a gift certificate for take-out or a nice area restaurant to make moving night a little easier.

• Collect menus from area restaurants, laminate them and add to the binder as a reference.

• Include handy government documents, like change of address forms, applications for a new drivers license (if they’re from out of the area), numbers to call to setup gas, water and power accounts, etc.

• Partner up with local business and see if you can offer coupons that will be helpful on moving day – restaurants, grocery stores, hardware stores, even rental companies.

• Include a small handwritten card thanking them for working with you.

• Take some nice photo’s of their home and add to the folder. Also make them available online or through email so they can send to friends an family.

By putting together a collection of information that is helpful to them on moving day, and that they can refer back to later on (branded with your information, of course), you’re showing them you are thankful for their business and value it.

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