A great tip I got from my broker when I started out in real estate was to send my closed clients of any given year a copy of their HUD Settlement Statement in January, so they would have it on hand for their tax filing.
Doing so fulfills several purposes. First, it helps the client in their tax preparation. If they have recently moved, they will not have to search through boxes to find the settlement statement from their home sale or purchase.
Secondly, it is a very easy way to make a touch point with your clients once the year-end holidays are over.
Lastly, it makes you look great! Your past year's clients will be thrilled that you are thinking of them and trying to make their lives easier.
To make this an automated process, here is what I do: In addition to all of the closing day activities (getting keys, final walk-throughs, buying closing gifts etc.), when I am at the closing table I ask permission to make a copy of the settlement statement for my files. I make two copies - one to file, and one to mail.
When I get back to my office, I slide one of those copies into an envelope along with a handwritten note that says, "Dear Client, You will need this for your tax reuturn. Thinking of you, Kathryn." I then address the envelope to my clients, affix the appropriate postage, and put the envelope in a special hanging folder that contains only these mailings.
Around the second week of January, I mail out all of the envelopes to my clients of the previous year. Since I addressed the envelopes the day of the closing, it is not a cumbersome mailing to execute. I hope others of you find this hellpful. May you have many closings this year!
Putting Today's Technology Tools to Work for You
Text and photos copyright Kathryn J. Acciari unless otherwise noted.
All rights reserved.
Kathryn Acciari, RSPS, SRS, RESE, CFA
Century 21 MetroWest
45 Lyman Street Suite 14
Westborough MA 01581
Serving the Route 9/20 Corridors of Central Massachusetts
Sturbridge to Westborough
Cell: (508) 982-0686
Email: kasellshomes@gmail.com
Web site: kathrynacciari.com
Blog: Real Estate Blog
Twitter: @kacciari
