I am sitting here texting back and forth with the Realtor on the other side of my transaction. Home Inspection items? Contingencies? You would never guess...pricing for furniture that my sellers want to sell and his buyers want to buy. For this moment in time, I have become a used furniture sales-rep!
Earlier today I was doing some on-line research for another client about painting ceramic tile.
Two days ago, I met a prospective Piano purchaser at one of my clients homes when they were unavailable to be there.
All of these activities are a day in the life of a Realtor, as far as I am concerned. I regularly help my clients cover service appointments and find contractors. I help them with resources and recommendations. I do what I need to do to make their transactions happen.
I am sure that there are those who don't see their job this way, but when I went into the business, I always planned to do just a 'little bit more' to make the process of buying and selling their home as stress-free as possible. I know that my clients appreciate it. When I am working with a client, they know that they can ask me to help out and that I will.
It isn't always easy to be this supportive, but I believe in the long run it makes my clients loyal and helps them to believe in the value of a Realtor and more importantly, the value of ME as a Realtor! After all, no matter what I spend in marketing, it proves out year after year that I still get most of my client through referrals. We all know that the best way to get referrals is to keep your clients happy. So all these little things I do to help out...turns out it is all marketing.
So I will see you later--after I help my client by meeting the HVAC company.
If you like what you've read, please consider subscribing to my blog: 
I believe that buying or selling real estate should be a GREAT EXPERIENCE. If I can help you, your friends or family buy or sell their next home in Northern Virginia, please let me know!
If you need help with a home outside of Northern Virginia, I have an extensive network of referral agents and will make sure you are working with the best!
The contents of this blog may not be copied or reproduced without the permission of Holly Weatherwax.
Wonderful sentiment and way of working. Real estate is never dull.
Full service means just that. We're not just Realtors, we're psychologists, a referral source for varying trades, and in many cases, the only friends our buyers have in their new town! And that's just the on the surface. Our jobs entail so much more than just selling homes.
Very proactive stance...good for you! You have just outlined the "long tail" way to true success.
Holly...Realtors have many titles and do many tasks to get the house sold and to make it less stressful for the buyers...never a dull moment!
Hmm interesting I've thought that too before - I'm not so sure anymore - I have not found that to generate more business or client loyalty - what I have found is that repeat and referral business comes from clients who believe I'm a professional Realtor - not necessarily someone they give there 'honey to do list'.........But I do appreciate your perspective and ultimately we define our own job description don't we? I'm sure your clients love you. :-)
After all your contributions, suggest asking for immediate referral on letterhead, in writing, to add to your tool box for future customer cultivation and satsified cleints!
I have done a yard sale for a client before. That extra effort actually got me another listing from a neighbor who was impressed at my services.
Wow! Holly, you do give 'full' service!! You must by your client's realtor for life!!
You are certainly doing what it takes to assist your sellers!
your friend in Charlottesville Virginia