It’s old fashioned. Hardly anyone does it. It’s really easy and takes only a couple of minutes.
A handwritten thank you card is so rare that any real estate professional who uses them immediately stands out as different from their competitors.
Why? Almost without exception, businesses everywhere use computers for fast and efficient communication. Time is money. Hardly anyone takes the time to pause and handwrite a thank you card.
When you do take the time, you’re immediately positioned in your prospective clients’ mind as genuine, caring and helpful.
I have to admit I don’t use thank you cards so much anymore but when I first started my business, and had more time on my hands, I did. I was actually surprised at how many times potential clients said “no”, then called back for more information, or referred me to someone else, after I sent a thank you card.
When during the sale process is it appropriate to send a thank you card?
You can post a thank you card at anytime, even multiple times, during the pre-sale, sale or post-sale process. Here are some suggestions.
1. After an appraisal or listing presentation
“Thank you for inviting me to your home this afternoon. I look forward to helping you with your real estate needs. I’ll be in touch again shortly.”
2. After a signed listing agreement
This helps to alleviate any remorse where the seller maybe thinking, “I hope we’ve done the right thing by selling,” “ I hope we picked the right salesperson”.
Include a small gift to make it even more effective.
“Thank you so much for trusting me with the sale of your home. I promise to keep your best interests in mind at all times and know you’ll be delighted with the end result.”
3. After an open home
“Thank you for making it so easy for me to show your home today. I’ll be in touch tomorrow with an update.”
4. When sale goes unconditional and/or after settlement
“Congratulations on the sale of your home. Thank you once again for using my services. It’s been a pleasure working with you.”
When else can I use a thank you card?
Here are a few other situations, aside from the sale process, in which you may also like to send a thank you card.
1. Referral received
When you take the time to thank people for a referral, they’re more likely to do it again.
“Thanks so much for referring me to [name] today. I really appreciate you trusting me with your referrals. I’ll let you know how I get on.”
2. Anniversary of settlement
This shows your client that you’re interested in an on-going relationship, not simply a transaction. People prefer to do business with people they know, trust and have a relationship with.
“It’s been a year! Congratulations. I hope all is going well for you. Thanks again for being a great client.”
3. For great service from another business
After you’ve received really good service from another business e.g. restaurant, mechanic, tradesperson, send a thank you card.
It’s a very simple way to show appreciation and expand your community of people who know, like and trust you, then call you when it’s time to buy or sell. You never know who these people could refer you to.
Design Your Own Cards
Design your own thank you cards (or have us do it for you!) with your photo on the front to make them more personal. Include contact details, testimonials and your offer of a free appraisal on the back. Have them professionally printed.
Start Showing Gratitude Today
Taking time to show appreciation is one of my favourite ways to stay in touch with clients and prospects and strengthen relationships. It’s a small touch of added value that helps you standout from everyone else.
HOT TIP: Keep a stack of thank you cards and envelopes in the car. Write the card immediately after the appointment and pop it in the letterbox.
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