The unique things we do….
There’s certainly a lot to be done before the keys are handed over to the new owners. This is the enjoyable part and it comes together totally naturally because by this stage the buyers have become like members of the family and I know them so well that I know the sort of things that will make the difference on move in or first arrival at the property day. This is the bit that is really fun – making a stressful time actually enjoyable – making a difference.
A vendor’s agent once commented with envy that I was so lucky, as I really get to know my clients so well.
I remember my very first client’s years ago. I went and picked up their 2 girls, picked up 2 girls that I thought they’d get on well with and set off home for a playdate, which lasted all day. Not only are two of the girls still besties but my client has been consulting to the parent’s business on a regular basis. I was so happy the day the girls started school – they were so confident and excited after having had a coffee morning with some members of their new classes.
It’s fabulous to see new people in town hit the ground running and have the ability to share in my insights of the places the locals use – petrol cards, takeaways, shortcuts, Facebook trading pages. Trying to get clients up to speed with festivals and events that are coming up and likely that they will need to get in and get tickets for – has anyone thought to tell the newbies on the block that?
My pre-settlement inspections have made me realise that so many sellers take advantage of the new owners. I have had to roll up my sleeves and clean a house before now and sort out broken dishwashers. I thought that every seller would spend ample time preparing the home for the new owners and be proud of the way they leave a property, but not so, sadly. Once bitten twice shy – I am very careful when it comes to pre-settlement expectations now.
Great time to get the carpet cleaned – shall I arrange that before the furniture arrives – doesn’t cost an arm and a leg and no better time to do it.
Each of my new owners gets a personalised portfolio of business cards and contacts based on their potential personalised needs. These are based on my preferred providers. I may even be overseeing some of my tradespeople redecorating or getting some repairs done.
Gas, electricity, digital and postal services have been discussed and organised so that there’s a hot shower on the first night not to mention milk in the fridge and the essential supplies for the first night.
The first months with absentee owners are usually associated with meeting delivery trucks as the interior furnishings take shape. I might add that this is probably one of the most frustrating tasks of being a buyers agent – the drivers just will not give you an exact time and there are no cell phone numbers given out.
I had the stressful job of choosing where a clients fabulous art collection was dispersed throughout the home once. I haven’t got an experienced eye at this, but the works are still hanging in threw same spots so – ?? job well done??
Neighbourly relationships and introductions are important. Do I know the neighbours already? Do they need reassuring that these are lovely people coming without a yappy dog and the property isn’t going to be put on Air BnB. Could they give me a call if they see any lights left on or anything untoward happening?
The tenants that are inherited with the property – don’t want them feeling unsettled – shall I take them around a case of beer and “introduce” their new landlord to them – they’re going to be really happy they can stay on.
I try to put myself in everyone’s shoes right from the first moment I get that enquiry phone call – in this job there are no recipes – it’s 100% about hearing what the other party is saying, aiming to put myself in their shoes and setting out to make a difference. It makes the job so so rewarding – best one I’ve ever had.