The inspections have been done, papers have been signed and you have the keys to your new home in your hand. Movers are coming and you are busy getting settled into your new home, new neighborhood and, quite possibly, your new community. Your REALTOR® has called to make sure everything is ok and to check and see if you need anything else. You are probably thinking, "Well, we don't need anything from her anymore!"

WRONG.

Even though our business has concluded, your agent can still be a great wealth of information for you. I always tell my buyers, "Just because the deal is done doesn't mean I stop being there if you need anything. Please call me and let me know if you need anything." Thankfully, many have called with what they call "little questions" like "What was that phone number for the guy who came out to inspect the pool?" or "Can you recommend a good vet?". 

The part of the job after the deal is done is continuing to be your advocate and helper...especially when the scammers start showing up. Yes, unfortunately, chances are you will get a letter in the mail, saying that "XYZ Company can help you get the deed to your home" (That's a real scam) or "As a new homeowner, call this number for a no-obligation home security system check" (actual scam) or more. Trust me - there are plenty out there. Some of them will be pretty obvious, others sound quite legitimate.

When you get these letters/emails or even phone calls, and you aren't sure if it's legit or not, pick up your phone and call your agent to ask. We get alerts via email from our companies regarding the latest scams and shams. They are counting on you to be 'winging it' and 'not wanting to bug your agent with post closing questions'. This is especially true if you are a first time homebuyer of mine. PICK UP THE PHONE AND ASK!!

We're here.

(PS: The Home Deed scam, as I said, is real. You don't need to pay $75, $100 or more for a copy of your home deed. You can get that at your County Recorder for a cost of as little as a buck a page.)

Tierra Antigua Realty
216 E Congress
Tucson AZ
cell: 520.329.0400
email: emmary@tucsonkent.com
blog: The Gadsden Girl
website: The Gadsden Girl

 

AND

Steinborn Referral Associates
Las Cruces & Mesilla
cell: 575.201.3410
email: emmyinlc@gmail.com
blog: Emmy In LC
Neighborhoods of Las Cruces

 

     

 
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41 Comments on Congratulations on your new home! My work here is done...NOT!

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

AUG
30
275,890 Points 17 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I love it when my clients want to call me first when they have a question and am a little sad when they gradually become acclimated and ween themselves off.
5:03am • #22
942,022 Points 26 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

I always encourage my clients to call me on any real estate questions going forward to protect against scams.
5:37am • #23
803,901 Points 20 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

It is part of the long term relationship we all try to develop with clients.... a resource for life!
6:21am • #24
3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Great words of encouragement for new owners. Keep in touch with your Realtor with any questions. Good Realtors welcome those. I even build emails around the questions and share them will all my clients (names withheld). I also send out hints and updates to past clients so it encourages continued dialogue. I'd far rather get the "I hate to bother you" call before they've made a fateful decision. Great post!
6:24am • #25
731,093 Points 15 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Emmary, very good point! An agent can be a very good resource long after the closing. Funny how the scammers seem to come out of the woodwork.
6:27am • #26
184,317 Points 6 Featured Posts Hit Router Attended Rain Camp

Clients for life means just that. I have found that a real estate business relationship often leads to a warmer and more meaningful bond well beyond the conference table.

In my opinion it's one of the top perks of this profession!
6:30am • #27
535,983 Points 71 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I enjoy helping folks as they settle into the community. The calls that scare me are when they ring me up AFTER signing some bogus agreement.
6:35am • #28
114,707 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

This is great advice for staying in touch, especially if you want referral business (and who doesn't).  I am not familiar with some of these scams, thanks for letting us know.
6:40am • #29
255,758 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Emmary- Great post! The home deed scam is alive and well here. I always tell my clients if they receive something in the mail and aren't sure about it to just give me a call. Going to closing is never the end of the relationship.
7:01am • #30
293,173 Points 66 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Emmary, Great advice. I do the same once I perform an inspection. I want my client to have a resource to help them with their investment. Like you I can usually steer them to the appropriate parties to take care of them.
7:34am • #31
620,207 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Once buyers are in their new home, the relationship isn't over, it just changes to being a resource for information about the community, housing, etc. I encourage those calls, or will make them myself periodically.
7:50am • #32
484,084 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I've had new home owners call me about the Deed scam as well ... how low can a person go?
9:16am • #33
141,343 Points Attended Rain Camp

Dear Emmary,

So true. I also have requests for CMAs, when people want to refinance & many other little issues.
9:49am • #34
3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Every phone call is an opportunity to ask for a referral.

 
10:50am • #35
1,024,215 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I am always there for follow up for my clients.  Thanks for the post.
11:06am • #36
851,625 Points 183 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

If we want to be their agent for life, we need to be there long after the sale.
11:22am • #37
2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Hi Emmary.  Although the homeowner will receive a free copy of their recorded Deed of Trust in 1 to 2 months after they close, the deed scam is still alive and well here also.
11:54am • #38
499,366 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Emmary, as soon as we close, they get marked as a past client in our database and go on a past client follow up plan.
2:17pm • #39
Outside Blog

I couldn't agree more!!! Another reminder I love to tell my buyers is to remember to always check with their home warranty on ANY problem that comes up (minor or major) before calling a repair man. There is so much going on at the time of purchase many buyers forget they have home warranties or what exactly they cover. If they call me first I always remind them to check and 9 times out of 10, it is something that's covered and they thank me for saving them a big repair fee. A good agent is there forever, not just till the close! 
6:56pm • #40
AUG
31
474,759 Points 12 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Emmary, this is good information for buyers.  There are so many unscrupulous people lurking around. I always tell my clients that they can call me anytime and I stay in touch with them to reassure them that I am available. 
3:14pm • #41

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