Do you remember the Realtor who sold you your house? You should. It was a stressful time in your life. Don't you think you should remember the name of the person who put everything together for you and got you to the settlement table?

You have your family doctor, your mechanic, your hairdresser, your accountant and maybe even an attorney and you should also have your Realtor who you can contact should a need arise. You wouldn't just change doctors every time you fell ill or switch hairdressers every time you needed a hair cut. So why would you want to chance calling different Realtors when you are dealing with the most valuable asset you own?

If you do not remember who your Realtor was, that Realtor didn't do their job. If you are the type of person who thinks that once settlement is over, so is your relationship with your Realtor, you are wrong and misguided. It is my belief and practice that a Realtor's job only really starts after settlement. A Realtor's responsibility is to be there for every client not only during the transaction but most importantly, after the transaction is over.

Just as a consumer has the right to decide who they wish to work with when selling or buying a home, Realtors also have that same right. I make it a practice to decide if I would like to continue a relationship with a client before I get involved.

Since I run my business by referrals, I count on my clients to refer me to people they know who are like them. If I do decide that I want to continue to be their Realtor after the transaction is over and I also would like to work with their friends and family, I put them into my Client Appreciation program. I ask the client to complete an enrollment form at settlement which tells me personal details such as their favorite home design store, sports team, music and birth-date as well as a letter of introduction into the program. Then, once a month, the client will receive an item of value from me which could include information on how much it would cost to do various home improvements or a coupon to their favorite place to shop.

I also do what is called a "pop-by." A pop-by is when I stop by the client's home every few months or so when I am in their area to say "hello" for a few minutes. I like to find out how the home is and if they did anything new to their property. While there, I also answer any real estate questions they may have or see if anyone they know anyone who may be in need of my services. I also call them every other month.

It is vitally important to show clients how much I appreciate and value their business. Since not every client of mine is enrolled in my Client Appreciation program, my clients realize that I personally chose them and that I actually care about them. They were not just simply another transaction. I prove that I am there for any of their real estate needs, always just a phone call away. My clients will not ever forget my name because I am always around.

There are Realtors out there who do not keep in touch with their clients after the sale or only call their clients when business is slow. I think that that gives Realtors a bad name and consumers believe that all Realtors only care about making a buck. Selling real estate is my business but I also do it because I love to help people.

If its been years since you've heard from your Realtor, it is time to find a new Realtor. Don't wait until the last minute when you may not have the proper time to find a good Realtor who will work for you and who meets your expectations. Start calling Realtors or ask your friends if they are still satisfied with their Realtor. If so, give their Realtor a call and have them come out and meet with you. Have a check list of your needs ready.

In a time when good customer service is almost non-existent, isn't knowing that your Realtor is always looking out for you comforting? I don't know any doctor who makes house calls these days or who calls you to see how you are feeling. In fact, I do not know of anyone in any profession right now, who takes time to personally stop by their client's homes while in the area or who calls their clients just to say "hello." Something to think about, right?

If you do not wish to work with the Realtor after your transaction is over for whatever reason, just be honest and tell the Realtor. You wouldn't want the Realtor to keep you on their mailing list or to keep calling you if you were not happy with their services.

If you do remember your Realtor's name but haven't heard from them in a while, why not pick up the phone and give him or her a call. You could have them out to your home to give you an up-to-date home value report and to find out what price homes are selling for in your area. Or you could call just to say "hi" and see if he or she is still there for you.

I love when my clients call me to say "hello." Even Realtors need love.