It may seem old-fashioned, but a Th
ank You card — the kind you actually drop in the mail — is a remarkably powerful relationship-building tool in real estate sales.
That may surprise you in these days of email, text messaging and social networking sites. However, when you think about it, a Thank You card is effective because it isn’t a popular form of communication. How many “Thank You” cards do you receive each month in the mail?
The magic of a Thank You card is that just about everyone who receives it reads it. Many will keep the card for a period of time, perhaps even posting it on the family place of honor — the fridge door.
Using Thank You Cards in Real Estate
How can you use Thank You cards to build stronger relationships with past clients and referral sources in your real estate sales career?
Say “Thanks” with a card when:
- A client or other referral source gives you a referral.
- A client asks you to recommend a contractor, florist, interior designer or other home professional (you’re thanking them for putting their trust in you).
- A prospect calls and invites you to make a listing presentation. Here’s an example: “John, thanks for inviting me to your home to explain my services to you. I look forward to meeting you and your family.”
- You have completed a listing presentation (no one ever complains about receiving two Thank You cards).
- A client attends one of your client appreciation events, such as a home improvement seminar or neighbourhood picnic.
- A client has been great to work with (and hopefully, all your clients will fit that category).
Don’t be tempted to send a card with a cookie-cutter message. It will come across as insincere. Take the time to write a personal message, in your own handwriting.
When done, make sure to use your IXACT Contact Realtor CRM to make a note in the contact’s profile that you’ve sent them a card and the reason.
Takeaway point: Thank You cards get noticed. So use them!
Not using a real estate CRM? Sign up for a FREE 5 week trial of IXACT Contact’s Realtor CRM now!
Do you send out Thank You cards? If not, do you plan on doing so in the future?
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8 Comments on The Amazing Impact of a Thank You Card in Real Estate
I agree - taking the time to send a personal note can make a big, positive impression.
Rich, Last month, I received hand written "thank you" letters from my students in the mail and it's a wonderful feeling! I believe it's the same thing when we send personal "thank you" cards to our clients.
In our business, we need to get all the tools to keep that business relationship with our past and present clients, as well as with the referrals.
Great post!
Regina P. Brown
Hi Rich. I couldn't agree with you more...it is just plain manners...something we often take for granted. Well said.
Wende: Absolutely!!
Regina: It's a great relationship-building tool to have in your arsenal that's for sure :)
Cheryl: Thanks Cheryl. It's often overlooked but at the same time, so important.
Rich, I have received "thank you" emails in regards to my "thank you notes" - which is almost borderline ridiculous. But is shows that more than ever, in today's market, a handwritten Thank-you will stand out! Thank-you's are probably the most underused and understated piece of marketing ever.
There is nothing more powerful than a sincere thank you. It is a gift that keeps on giving.
Hi Rich! It's too bad that thankyou cards are going by the wayside. There was a day when people sent then not only for gifts, but for good service, a nice meal at a friend's home, or an unexpected kindness. Good for you, for promoting this lost art!
Tanja: I can't agree more!!
Jennifer: So small, yet so powerful :)
Rose: Thanks!