I was sitting at my desk, trying to think of what a real estate agent could offer clients, when my eyes fell on my IRA statement from Smith Barney. That's when it hit me.

Wouldn't past real estate clients like to receive an annual statement (CMA) letting them know the value of what is likely the largest investment in their portfolio, their home?

Of course this year's statement might not evoke positive feelings toward the real estate agent, especially if this large investment had depreciated and the client was underwater.

That's when it hit me again. That client probably hasn't heard from the real estate agent asking for referrals. In fact, the agent might not even be returning that client's phone calls.

Why not make that client your client? Why not earn that client's loyalty and future referrals by reaching out with the perfect item of value for the underwater homeowner?

Let that client know that it is possible to appeal to have their property tax assessment reduced to reflect current market conditions. Click here for more information (PDF).

Personally I'd rather get that information from my previous agent than from another agent, but if my previous agent hadn't kept in touch, I'd be ready to find a new agent.

Thanks for reading!

Frank Jewett