Post-Close Follow-Up for Realtors

The Importance of a Post-Close Follow-Up Process in Real Estate 

In the competitive world of real estate, first impressions matter a great deal. According to a report from the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), a staggering 77% of home sellers and home buyers decide to work with the first agent they contact! This statistic underscores the significance of making a strong impression from the outset. However, what happens after the deal is closed can be equally vital to the success of a real estate agent’s business long-term and how effectively it grows by leveraging on past success. Let’s explore the critical importance of a post-close follow-up process and how it can lead to retained clients, increased referrals, and more business opportunities. 

The NAR’s findings serve as a wake-up call for Realtors to realize the value of maintaining strong connections with clients even after the transaction is completed. A staggering 91% of home buyers who worked with an agent stated they would use the same agent again or recommend them to a friend. This highlights the tremendous potential for repeat business and referrals that lie in nurturing post-close relationships. 

Lost Opportunities 

Sadly, many real estate agents neglect the importance of a post-close follow-up process, leading to lost opportunities and potentially weakening their client base. Clients may be thrilled with their Realtor throughout the transaction but often lose touch after the deal is done and, therefore, are less likely to use the same agent for future transactions or recommend them to others simply because they’re out of sight – and thus – out of mind. In such a fiercely competitive industry, staying connected with clients is not just an option but an imperative! 

The Power of Purposeful Follow-Ups 

There are many agents who rely on annual events to stay connected to clients. This is a thoughtful gesture but given the fast pace of life and how busy people are today, they might not be able to attend. While such invitations create goodwill and provide a platform to connect for those who can attend, they often lack the personalized touch that clients may need to remember you when speaking to others. What truly sets real estate agents apart is their ability to stay in touch purposefully and regularly. 

Ritter’s Approach: Building Strong Relationships 

At Ritter, we understand the significance of consistent communication and the power of purposeful follow-ups. Our post-close follow-up process is designed to keep our clients engaged and informed, leading to lasting relationships and increased referrals. Among other touchpoints, we conduct quarterly update calls with our clients where we provide the latest information on rates, inquire about their home’s progress, and remind them to consider us when they encounter someone looking to buy, sell, or refinance a property. 

The Networking Advantage: Maximizing Referrals 

One of the most valuable outcomes of a robust post-close follow-up process is the generation of referrals. When clients are kept informed and engaged, they are more likely to refer their friends, family members, and colleagues to their trusted agent—leading to a chain of referrals. At Ritter, we go the extra mile by networking on behalf of our Realtors during these quarterly update calls. When referrals come in, we refer them back to the realtor who initially recommended our services. This approach not only reinforces our commitment to our clients but also strengthens our ties with our valuable referral partners. 

The importance of a post-close follow-up process in real estate cannot be underestimated. First impressions may open doors, but it is the post-close follow-up process that keeps those doors open and ensures lasting relationships with clients. Neglecting this crucial aspect can lead to lost business opportunities and diminish the potential for repeat clients and referrals. Let us support your post-close process. At Ritter, we believe in building strong relationships through purposeful follow-ups. The networking advantage we offer ensures that referrals generated through our follow-up process benefit the realtors who entrust their clients to us. 

This is all part of our proprietary process called, The NET. To book a strategy call or learn more, visit us online at rittermortgage.com/thenet or give us a call at 410-795-8900.