This is not a new or unique idea, but if you have never heard of it, you may want to consider doing it.
Each year, at the very beginning of the year, I send an e-mail to everyone who bought or sold a home through me. That e-mail basically says "If you need a copy of your HUD-1, I'll be happy to get one to you". This is part of my closing plan drip campaign in my Trans-Plans.
It is a value added touch opportunity that is appreciated, even though it is rare that you actually need to send them the HUD-1. It's just the offering of the service that gets you some brownie points with your past clients.
First I created a "form e-mail/letter" called the "HUD-1 Letter". That can go something like:
_____________________________
Hello Bob and Mary,
Hope your holidays were memorable, and that this letter finds you in good health and spirits.
My services don't stop the minute closing is over. Please think of me as your resource for all things Real Estate. An example would be that if you would like a copy of your "HUD-1" or "settlement sheet", please give me a call, or shoot me an e-mail. You may need it come tax time to make sure you get all the deductions to which you are entitled. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to give me a call. I'm not an accountant, but I'll help in any way I can.
As always, please remember that my favorite source of new business is referrals from satisfied past clients and customers. So if I can help a friend, relative, or business associate, please give them my card. Better yet, give me a call and I will call them, and very briefly introduce myself. You can be assured I will give them the most professional and courteous service!
Warm regards,
_____________________________
Throughout the year when I close a transaction, I have several "Categories" I apply to my clients that come in handy for this. The ones I use for the HUD-1 letter are - "Settled 20xx". "Past Buyer", and "Past Seller". So now I do a search and get everyone who is a past buyer or seller from 2010, and then do an e-mail merge to them all using the above template. I actually used to just mail them all out, but that was a lot more work, and most people didn't really need them anyway.
After you do this the first year and have the form letter, and have the clients categorized, it takes all of 5 minutes to do the whole thing. It's an efficient effective way to stay in front of your past clients in a value added way!
Happy holidays!
Gary David Hall
http://RealEstateContactManagerBook.com
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