It may seem old-fashioned, but a Thank You card — the kind you actually drop in the mail — is a remarkably powerful relationship-building tool in real estate sales.
That may surprise you in these days of email, text messaging and social networking sites. However, when you think about it, a Thank You card is effective because it isn’t a popular form of communication. How many “Thank You” cards do you receive each month in the mail?
The magic of a Thank You card is that just about everyone who receives it reads it. Many will keep the card for a period of time, perhaps even posting it on the family place of honor — the fridge door.
Using Real Estate Thank You Cards
How can you use Thank You cards to build stronger relationships with past clients and referral sources in your real estate sales career?
Say “Thanks” with a card when:
- A client or other referral source gives you a referral.
- A client asks you to recommend a contractor, florist, interior designer or other home professional (you’re thanking them for putting their trust in you).
- A prospect calls and invites you to make a listing presentation. Here’s an example: “John, thanks for inviting me to your home to explain my services to you. I look forward to meeting you and your family.”
- You have completed a listing presentation (no one ever complains about receiving two Thank You cards).
- A client attends one of your client appreciation events, such as a home improvement seminar or neighbourhood picnic.
- A client has been great to work with (and hopefully, all your clients will fit that category).
Don’t be tempted to send a card with a cookie-cutter message. It will come across as insincere. Take the time to write a personal message, in your own handwriting.
When done, make sure to use your IXACT Contact Realtor CRM to make a note in the contact’s profile that you’ve sent them a card and the reason.
Takeaway point: Real estate Thank You cards get noticed. So use them!
Do you send out Thank You cards? If not, do you plan on doing so in the future?
IXACT Contact helps you build lasting relationships with past clients, hot prospects, and important referral sources, keep in touch with clients the right way, generate high quality new leads, and manage the transaction side of your business, keeping you organized and in control.
Thank You! No pun intended. This is a great reminder of what we all know is a great practice , but rarely do. I appreciate the reminder. I am sending 5 out today.
That’s great! Thanks Nancy.
Very good advice and a Great Reminder!!!
Thank you Beverly. Glad you enjoyed the article!
I just started my real estate career 5 month ago and added this to my business plan as a way of building long term relationships. I send cards out (before reading this article) both to the client and co-operating agent. I believe it is a great way to build long term relationships. Thanks for confirming
Glad to hear that! Thanks for your comment. By the way, we offer six months free for new Realtors: https://www.ixactcontact.com/RookieRealtorCRMProgram.aspx. We definitely encourage you to take advantage of our Rookie Realtor Program!