This isn't completely unique to the current market conditions, but we have had many, many clients this year approaching us about helping them to either find properties to rent, or with help in renting out their own property. 

Some want to buy, but can't get financing quite yet.  Some are relocating to the area and wanted to check out the area before committing.  Some are unsure of their job security and hesitant to buy.  Some can't sell for the price they need, or can't sell at all, and want to cut their losses by renting out their place.

In all of of these circumstances, even if it means we lose a listing or a potential buyer at the moment....we have done whatever we can to help.  Our local Keller Williams office is quite large, and the office email list has proven invaluable in helping our clients find rentals or renters.  We even create attractive flyers and Craigslist ads for them, just like we do for our listings.

Our team has even discussed the desirability of owning our own suite of rental properties, both as a way to help clients we already we have, and also as a way to cultivate future clients.  When one of our team members periodically advertises their own rental, she has the opportunity to talk to a large number of people who are potential future homebuyers.  If we had multiple properties, this would be a great source of lead generation.

It's all about helping our clients, and we also believe that this is a good long-term strategy for us.  Although we are not getting any compensation for this service, it is laying the groundwork for future business.  It shows our clients that they can trust us do to the right thing for them, not just for us.  Maybe they will use us in the future, maybe they won't.  But, either way - we can feel good about helping people today, which is why our team is in this business.

We would love to hear from other agents - are you providing this type of service as well?  What do you think of this approach?