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KEEP IN TOUCH - THE RIPPLE EFFECT

By
Real Estate Agent with Majestic Properties 3061802

Most real estate agents' main source of income is repeat clients.

 

It is so important to maintain contact with past customers and there are many ways to do it.  Some print companies offer customer follow-up programs where you can order 5 years worth of personalized postcards (with the customer as well as agent's names) and send them every 3 months. These postcards can include any holiday, birthdays, house anniversaries, etc.

 

  • We have used http://www.colorforrealestate.com/ (AGENT-FOR-LIFE) in the past.  The only down side to this system is that you have to be organized and have to remember to send the cards before each holiday.
  • Top Producer also has a client follow up program where you can send personalized letters.
  • Some mortgage companies will use a follow-up system for their real estate agents and send hand written cards periodically on the agent's behalf.

The key is to constantly remind your past real estate customers that you are still around.  It's important for them not forget you because you never know when their next move is, and more importantly, they will refer you to their family and friends.

Another important factor to remember is that nothing beats personal service.  As great as these automated systems may be, face-to-face contact is always best.  Rick and I make a point to know our customers' birthdays and always make a personal phone call on their special day.  Who does not like to get a phone call on their birthday?

For Rick and I to keep in touch with most of our customers is easy, we live in the area that we farm, and we see our customers at the grocery store, at the park or walking their dog.  Many times our customers become our friends; it's not hard to keep in touch when customers become your close sphere of influence.

If you are a new agent, establish a system from the beginning.  If you are an experienced agent you understand the importance of keeping in touch, and your customers really appreciate it.

Comments(32)

"The Lovely Wife" The One And Only TLW.
President-Tutas Towne Realty, Inc. - Kissimmee, FL
I figured it out because that is the heart and soul of a caring woman...Takes one to know one babe. LOL...TLW...ROAR!
Nov 12, 2006 09:55 AM
Chris Tesch
RE/MAX Bryan-College Station - College Station, TX
College Station, Texas Real Estate

I think that's the best part of real estate...really becoming a part of that persons life!  The phone calls, the visits in the store!  They beat any printed material

Nov 12, 2006 12:26 PM
Steve Tesch
Chris Tesch & Company - College Station, TX
I'm more the stay at home and send a card type!  How many cards do you send out a year?
Nov 12, 2006 01:05 PM
Rick & Ines - Miami Beach Real Estate
Majestic Properties - Miami Beach, FL

TLW - "caring" I am - thanks for the compliment

Chris and Steve - nothing like seeing your customers all the time, we send out at least 4 cards per year, plus a monthly brochure with the local chamber of commerce, and a couple of phone calls.  We also keep our photo updated so that people know who we are when they see us.

Nov 12, 2006 11:35 PM
Leo Namiot - LeoLends.com
Canopy Mortgage - Leo Namiot - Saint Augustine, FL
More than just great rates

I could not agree more. Too many people think they spend money on a mailing 4-6 times a year and it's a waste of money. They could not be more wrong! You need to stay in front of your old clients and circle of influence.

Nov 13, 2006 01:29 AM
Mykael Marinelli
American Caribbean / Christie's International Real Estate - Key Largo, FL
The Florida Keys Real Estate Conchquistador

ines,

You are so very right. As almost all of my busines is referral based, I as well make it a point tyo contact my past clients at least once a month, by phone, just to quickly say hello and follow up as a freind.  I rarly ask for business, though quite often we do chit chat about the market. For me it is the battle of "presence of mind" as their real estate pro that I am after, which is what actually leads to the referrals that they give me..And you are Right they WILL give you referrals, you just have to let them know you are out there.

Great post!

All the best!

Nov 13, 2006 01:52 AM
Scott Gormley
Oak Valley Mortgage-California Home Loans and Refinancing - Chico, CA

Hey Guys,

I couldn't have said it better myself. I like to focus on birthdays :)

My goal...give you a call before your own mother does..lol

Scott

Nov 13, 2006 02:25 AM
n d
Naoma Doriguzzi - Virginia Beach, VA

Great advice!  I like the website too with great marketing ideas! 

 

Nov 13, 2006 03:12 AM
Rick & Ines - Miami Beach Real Estate
Majestic Properties - Miami Beach, FL

Leo - it's never a waste of money - but try to make it personal.

Mykael - we're right around the corner from you - welcome to Active Rain.  I'm not the type to add at the end of every conversation "...and by the way....if you know of anyone who is buying or selling......." - it's about contact and letting them know you remember and appreciate their business.

Scott - a call before your own mother - now THAT'S A CHALLENGE!!

Naoma - Welcome to Active Rain as well - you'll see incredible advice here in AR- thanks for stopping by.

 

Nov 13, 2006 08:02 AM
Mykael Marinelli
American Caribbean / Christie's International Real Estate - Key Largo, FL
The Florida Keys Real Estate Conchquistador

Ines,

Thank you for the very nice welcome.  Yes like you I have always found the "if you know anyone" schpeel not at all my style. Have very much enjoyed many of your posts.  Thank you for sharing.

Nov 13, 2006 09:50 AM
Deb Salkeld
Diversified Data Solutions, L.L.C. - Macomb, MI
Your Real Estate Virtual Assistant
I've always found it funny if I get something from a past agent or mortgage broker with my name mispelled.  My favorite is being called Debra Klipfel Jr - I was widowed, and from some reason, the credit card companies etc still list my old married name and his suffix of Jr. I've since remarried, and feel that any agent or broker who cannot remember whether I'm male or female, obviously is not providing the "personal touch". Just another name to give to their mailing campaign, then never checking back to see if the company has it right...... Will not mention names - but it's happened. The personal touch is ALWAYS best as long as it's sincere and not intrusive.
Nov 13, 2006 01:37 PM
Eli Magen
New World Mortgages,(Mortgage Company) - Orlando, FL

I agree. Past clients are my number one source. Not my free newspaper listings advertisements, and not any other free-bees I'm giving away.

These days, just for the example, I have some excellent opportuinities for real estate investments which will generate good profit...for all parties involved...and some of my past customers are loving it...

Repeat clients are main source for a mortgage broker as well.

Nov 13, 2006 02:25 PM
Rick & Ines - Miami Beach Real Estate
Majestic Properties - Miami Beach, FL

Deb - misspelling a name is a big NO NO - what were those people thinking?  That's called negative publicity.

Eli - repeat business is what we all strive for - I'm sure your customers are happy you stayed in touch too.

Nov 14, 2006 01:18 AM
Christine Adler
FindAHomeWithMe.com - Fort Lauderdale, FL
SE Palm Beach, Broward & NE Miami-Dade Counties FL
Dave Beason has a great seven year follow up letter program. It can be added to top producer and sent both my snail mail and email.
Nov 14, 2006 01:47 AM
Rob Wills
Gilpin Realty Inc. - Everett, WA
You hit it right on the head! I will book mark your blog.
Nov 17, 2006 01:49 PM
Rick & Ines - Miami Beach Real Estate
Majestic Properties - Miami Beach, FL

Christine - I took a look at Dave Beason's program, it's excellent, thanks for sharing

Rob - thanks - I will also add you to our associate's list.

Nov 17, 2006 11:38 PM
Anonymous
Steve Harper

As the author of a book called The Ripple Effect I always enjoy seeing how other people put the power of the Ripple to good use in their life and business.  I enjoyed your post and and based on the number of comments that were made so did other people.

Ripple On!!!

 

Steve Harper

www.ripplecentral.com

 

Apr 10, 2007 01:23 AM
#29
Rick & Ines - Miami Beach Real Estate
Majestic Properties - Miami Beach, FL

Steve - thanks for your comment on my post, I will certainly have to check out your book.  Anything you can tell us about it?

Ines

Apr 10, 2007 04:50 AM
Monica Bourgeau
Portland, OR
Authentic Marketing for Heart-Led Agents
Great suggestions, thanks for the link to the site for cards. We are working on a plan to stay in contact with our sphere.
Feb 28, 2008 12:14 AM
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

 

Earning clients loyalty is very important, and not during transaction, but for years after that. 

Dec 04, 2017 10:46 PM