Special offer

Keeping My Littlest Clients Happy

By
Mortgage and Lending with First Heritage Mortgage NMLS #: 938761

We often have surprise children visitors in our First Home Mortgage office in Richmond, VA 
and I’ve found they aren’t amused with conversations about interest rates, tax returns, bank statements, and letters of explanation—go figure!  

So, I decided to create a Bucket O' Fun for them where I’ve put in all the go-to items: coloring books, crayons, bubbles, go-fish, and stickers. It has come in handy on many occasions (especially the one when my daughter’s daycare was closed, and I needed to pop into the office for an hour to do a few things). 

Two weeks ago I had a real estate closing at Shaheen Law Firm in Richmond, Va, where they have taken this concept to the next level.  My client had an eight year old daughter, and they asked her if she wanted to go pick a toy from the toy closet.  When they opened the door, it was like we had been transported to FOA Schwarz.  The closet was filled to the brim with brand new games, puzzles, coloring supplies…you name it, and they had it!  I was so impressed.  She was content and quiet for the entire closing, and, a little sad when it was over as she had to return the game to the closet.

With summer just around the corner, I’m sure we’ll be having more children visitors at our office as school will be out, and I’ll be heading to my local Walmart or Dollar Tree to refill my Bucket O' Fun! Do you guys keep anything on hand, in your office or car, to occupy your littlest clients while you write offers or review comps?  Sometimes these small touches can go a long way with clients.

Bryan Beckstead, KOmKards, Care-Connect-Communicate, on auto pilot, 24/7.
Start MAXIMIZING the Internet.... Kommunicon.com - Priceville, ON
Become a KOmKard owner today,

Whitney, Sometimes it s the little touches that make all of the difference .

Two things that make people REALLY happy, look after their kids and pet their pets !!

Have a great day.

May 15, 2014 01:39 AM
Rob Marken
Bend River Realty - Bend, OR
25+ years experience in Bend

Such great points, so many times our clients have kids that they bring along on their signings, showings or appointments.  Thanks for sharing. 

May 15, 2014 01:45 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Having something to keep the little ones occupied is a great idea.  I'm curious as to whether the crayons have been used on any furniture or walls yet?  LOL!

May 15, 2014 03:01 AM
Whitney Watson
First Heritage Mortgage - Henrico, VA

Bryan-I can tell the parents appreciate it when they come in!

Rob-It does happen often and it's great just to have something to offer for them to play with. 

Sharon-It hasn't happened yet!

May 15, 2014 03:59 AM
Tamra Lee Ulmer
Arizona Resource Realty - Payson, AZ
NRBA ~FORCE~ Over 1000 REO Assets SOLD!

Whitney, that's an excellent idea and not only to entertain our precious little ones but it also makes the Parents feel good and welcome too. Yes, we have Coloring books and WASHABLE Crayons here, and plenty of scrap paper for drawing.  

May 15, 2014 06:12 AM
Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

This is a nice approach to little children who will, naturally, get bored with nothing to do.

May 15, 2014 07:06 AM
Jane Chaulklin-Schott
TEAMCONNECT REALTY - (407) 394-9766 - Orlando, FL
TeamConnect Luxury Homes - Orlando, Florida, 32836

Whitney, this is a great idea and worth implementing. That is what I like about ActiveRain Members - they share these great ideas.

May 15, 2014 09:42 AM
Robert Vegas Bob Swetz
Las Vegas, NV

What can I say Whitney ... Great post for the little ones, many AR members have posted to this group but not all have found a feature. But the story and photo of the Angry Bird book is pulled me in! Your post has been featured to the group:

EXPRESS WITH PHOTOGRAPHS AT ACTIVERAIN

VB 

May 15, 2014 10:32 AM
Whitney Watson
First Heritage Mortgage - Henrico, VA

Tamra-I do agree it puts the parents at ease. They might come in thinking that bringing a child is a nuisance in a work place, but when we have activities waiting for them they see that we don't mind at all!

Carla-True. It's my way of helping them stay out of trouble with mom and dad

Jane-I'm glad you enjoyed this idea. It's such an easy & quick thing to put together!

VB-Thank you for the feature! Glad you enjoyed it!

May 16, 2014 01:08 AM
Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR
Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA
(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Whitney,

This is such a good idea and preparing for children to visit will keep them quiet while you are conducting business. Suggest!

May 19, 2014 06:30 AM