Good customer/client service is essential for Realtors who want to grow their businesses. You've got to stand out from the crowd and go the extra mile to bring about a successful transaction for your people. Sometimes going the extra mile means doing things that don't fall into the normal Realtor job description. I have had to do some pretty odd things for my clients...but, I do whatever has to be done to help close the deal!
HOUSE CLEANING 
Yep, you can add housecleaning services to my job description. I've been known to help my clients clear away the clutter, mop the floors, wash the windows, dust the furniture, and even paint. Some Realtors would scoff at doing things like that for their clients, but if it means getting the listing on the market sooner, I'll do what I have to do.
COUNSELING
There have been times when I felt like I was a marriage counselor. I once had a client call me two days before closing to tell me she thought her husband was cheating on her, and that she would not sign any papers at closing. We talked on the phone for two hours. The next day she called me to apologize. She showed up at closing, signed all of the papers, and smiled really big when I took their picture with the keys to their new house. Whew!
TRAVELING CLOSER 
I had to arrange and attend a closing in the maternity department of a hospital for a client who went into labor on the morning of closing. Baby came earlier than expected, so right after the delivery I arrived at the hospital with a title company notary, the closing papers, and a baby gift...and we closed the deal with my client still in the hospital bed. Mom and baby got to go home from the hospital to their new home!
CHAUFFER
I have provided chauffer service for my clients...and I don't mean just driving them around to look at houses. I had one once who did not drive at all. She was in town to look at homes, sign paperwork for her new job, and to attend a family wedding. I picked her up at her hotel and took her out to look at homes. While we were out and about, she asked me if I would take her to buy a wedding gift for the wedding she had to attend that weekend. She also needed some dressy shoes to wear to the wedding. So...we went shopping! Then I dropped her off to meet with her new employer, which was thankfully within walking distance of her hotel.
PET SITTER
When sellers leave their pets at home during the day, and a last-minute showing is scheduled, I have had to go get the dog and take him home with me, or out for a really long walk, while the house is being shown. Better to do that, than risk getting a potential buyer who doesn't like dogs!
WAIT FOR AND MEET THE CABLE GUY
After one closing, my client told me that the cable guy was coming to install her cable and internet the following Monday, but she had to start her new job that day. She asked me if I could be there during the 4-hour appointment window to let him in, and then lock up afterward. I didn't mind doing that for her, and I actually enjoyed the quiet time to get some reading done.
BE A FRIEND 
We all like to become friends with our clients...but sometimes you get a client who needs a friend more than most people. I once had a sweet 85-year-old grandmother as a client. She had recently lost her husband, and often just needed someone to talk to. She called me once a day just to chat, or to tell me about her beauty shop appointment, or what she bought at the grocery store. Once, she called me to ask directions to her new doctor because she had gotten lost and couldn't find the right street (she was still driving at that time). Even after her house sold, and she bought a smaller one near family members, she continued to call me for many months, just to talk when she was lonely.
I'm sure all Realtors have gone the extra mile at one time or another to help their clients. If you have an interesting story about going above and beyond for one of your clients, please share it in the comments below!
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