Let’s face it – people want to buy from people, not a computer or mobile device. Even though we all make those online purchases, it’s still nice to know there’s a human behind the machine (somewhere). The buying process is emotional for most, particularly when it comes to real estate. People are looking to make a connection with the agent best able meet their needs, one who stands out among the crowd, who can understand where they are in life and lead them to the property of their dreams. Are you reaching above and beyond the average, delivering all you have to offer?

Personalize Your Efforts

The more personalized you make your marketing efforts, the more genuine you’ll seem to buyers and sellers. But what do you really offer, apart from finding and showing potential properties? Are you extending your reach, going beyond the competition to deliver services most others don’t? Do you strategically position yourself within the market to stand out among your colleagues? Here are a few ideas for expanding the breadth of your services, and increasing your chances for attracting new clients:

• Offer tips, little-known-facts or interesting information on a property, neighborhood or location in question. The more positive attributes people know about the properties they’re considering, the greater appreciation they’ll feel towards their new purchase.

• Provide a relocation packet. Even if simply moving from one neighborhood to the next, it’s nice to know the highlights and hot spots of a new place. Listing helpful information such as parks, schools, restaurants, daycare centers, kid-centered activities and phone numbers or website addresses of utility providers is going the extra mile.

• Post on social media about local goings-on and topics of interest. Be ever-present on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn or your very own blog, reminding everyone of your talents and experience in the real estate field.

• Send holiday and birthday cards to current and previous clients. This little extra touch can go a long way in keeping the lines of communication (and referrals) open with clients.

• Offer freebies (but things people actually use). Tumblers, coffee mugs, pizza cutters, reusable grocery totes and portable power banks emblazoned with your name and contact information are hot giveaways right now.

• Stay active and visible in the local community. Volunteer for or sponsor charity or other events, or run that 5K you’ve always promised yourself you’d do.

• Send a monthly, quarterly or year-in-review newsletter. Keep all of your clients in the loop with real estate or other news, and remind them all of the wonderful things that happened throughout the year.

The more you do to give your potential and existing clients a more personalized experience, the better your chances of being the one they call or refer to when real estate needs arise.

As a real estate agent, you make it your business to know the distinct details surrounding a property, as well as the specific needs of each client. You may even have a good idea of the inner workings of settlement, a factor important for seeing your clients through the entire purchase process. In truth, the more you know about title and escrow services, the better equipped you are to deliver the ultimate in customer service to your clients – and be the one people turn to when looking to buy or sell.

Know These 6 Key Settlement Facts

1. The process of searching and rendering a clear title varies among title companies and attorneys, and even from state-to-state. Experiences from one closing process to the next may differ for both you and your clients.

2. A Lender’s Policy and Owner’s Policy serve different purposes. It’s important to make certain you know what each entails, and pass this information on to your clients.

3. To follow up fact #2, an Owner’s Policy is the only thing protecting your clients in the event problems with title are discovered after closing. Strongly encourage your clients to purchase an Owner’s Policy to avoid having to pay for someone else’s error.

4. Though not required, obtaining a survey reveals specifics of the property in question and is highly recommended for the buyer. Since many buyers are unware of such benefits, it’s a good idea to initiate this conversation and encourage them to request a property survey to protect their interests.

5. Disclosure of final closing figures is very much lender-dependent. Each lender differs in how and when they release the amount needed for closing, typically until the day before or even the day of closing. Though often a stressful time, prepare your clients to be flexible (and patient) until those final numbers are released.

6. Funds cannot be held in escrow pending issues or needed repairs detected during a walkthrough conducted the day of closing. To prevent final hour escrow concerns, avoid waiting until the last minute to schedule the walkthrough. The title company or closing attorney needs any and all invoices for work/repairs to be completed at least 48 hours prior to closing.

At Linear Title & Escrow, we are always ready to answer any questions, no matter how simple or complex. Contact us today at (757) 340-0340 to learn more about our settlement services.