When you all shake hands at the closing table (or virtually, as the case may be), your primary job is over. Sure, you need to update your buyer’s or seller’s info in your CRM so you can keep in touch, but, at closing, you drive away feeling good about a job well done.
Your client, on the other hand, has the crummiest task of all looming in the near future: moving.
We know many agents who feel that their job doesn’t end at closing, but after ensuring their clients move on to their next adventure. They offer their branded moving truck or van, free of charge, to these clients.
It’s a brilliant idea for agents who can afford not only the vehicle but the insurance headaches that go along with it.
There are other, less expensive ways to show your clients that you care about them on moving day.
Let’s dive into some of the less-pricey services that agents have passed on to us.
Offer to take on the small stuff
If you have an assistant this one is for you. Offer a concierge service that includes ensuring the utilities at the old home are turned off and then turned on at the new home.
Other services you can offer include:
- Pet licensing and updating of the address on the microchip.
- Cancelling services, such as pool cleaning and maintenance, landscaping, housekeeping, pest control, etc.
- Having cable or satellite service transferred to the new home.
Give them peace of mind
Offer to have the locks changed on the new home and install a smart lock.
Not only is this a task that movers often neglect, but you’re installing your closing gift at the same time.
It’s a twofer.
Get-acquainted-with-the-neighborhood list
Here is another job for an assistant. Have him or her research your client’s new neighborhood for points of interest and everyday type of services.
Do some sleuthing on Yelp.com to find the best-rated:
- Parks
- Yoga classes and gyms
- Restaurants
- Drycleaner
- Hair stylist
- Handyman or handywoman
- Landscaper
- Pool service
- Doctor
- Dentist
- Veterinarian
Then, make a list with the company’s website URL, phone number and address.
Boxes, boxes, boxes
It’s the one thing most folks don’t seem to have enough of on moving day. If you have the money, consider purchasing moving boxes emblazoned with your branding.
Let clients know before closing that they won’t need to haunt the local grocery store for boxes because you have some for them.
The moving day essentials basket
Many people don’t even think to box up a few essentials to use when they first get to the home, so it’s a very welcome addition to your customer service list. Consider buying a basket and fill it with the following:
- Postmates, Grubhub or Uber Eats gift card (so they don’t have to drag out the pots and pans to make dinner)
- Trash bags
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Light bulbs
- Cleaning products, sponges and a scrub brush
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Pet treats or toys to keep them occupied
- Anything else you can think of that they may need upon arrival in the new home
Hire some help on moving day
It’s typically that first day in the home, with no furniture present, that new homeowners find stuff wrong. Whether it’s something aesthetic or non-functional, they want it fixed.
Offer an hour or two of handyman or woman service to your clients so that they can get fixed what will eventually drive them nuts.
Or, consider offering a professional cleaning the day before your clients move in. The home should be broom swept so there shouldn’t be too much cleaning left to do.
Customer service after the sale is the most impressive of all. Find a way to help your clients on moving day and they’ll remember.