One of the best ways a real estate agent can add value to their clients is by maintaining a long-term relationship that can provide amazing benefits for both the agent and the client.
Gone are the days when agents are limited to the simple buy or sell arrangement, rather agents need to preserve and protect their connection with their clients.
With the rise of technology and inter-connectivity, doing such is never a problem and makes communication easier and faster.
Adding value to clients
Agents need to go the extra mile than simply helping their clients buy or sell a property. The tangible benefits of adding value to your relationships with them are key to ensuring that you will continue to stay relevant and top of mind for clients when they think about real estate.
Giving your clients tips and sound advice is one way of adding value to your professional relationship, especially with ideas that can help improve their homes or increase the value of their real estate or investment property, among others.
Simple but brilliant ideas
Here are some ideas homeowners may not be fully aware of but does have the great potential of not just boosting the property value but also helps improve their lifestyles and quality of life.
While some of these ideas may do require some out of pocket investments, many of these are simple and can be done DIY.
Fresh walls
Make no mistake, but walls are among the key areas of a home that is likely to catch a buyer’s attention so share ideas to your readers or clients that putting fresh paint on walls could increase a property’s value.
You may be able to get faster returns on your investment property or make a quick sale by investing in several cans of high-quality paint to refresh your walls.
Not only will it look clean, but it will also impress upon buyers that the house is being cared for.
Changing your lights
Homeowners may get some good value added to their homes by installing new and energy-efficient light bulbs and fixtures. Replace old or defective lighting systems that have gone out of style or are no longer functioning properly.
Installing a new lighting system may be a practical and wise investment, but at the same time provide you with a good measure of safety from accidents caused by faulty electrical systems or stripped and worn-out wires.
Increase your curb appeal
Studies have shown that curb appeal can impact your property value upwards of up to 10%. You can do so by having clean and well-trimmed hedges or a blooming garden.
For a flat and unappealing front or back yard, planting trees can help provide shade and some colour contrasts that will add more appeal to the property.
Caulking old or cracked bathroom tiles
Damaged tile caulking is not only visually repulsive, but it can also be a health risk. Constant moisture could turn the exposed caulk yellow and produce moulds that can be harmful when ingested or inhaled.
With a trusty putty knife, old caulk can be removed then washed down with a bleached water solution for disinfection and replaced with a new bead of silicone caulk.
Clean or fix all fans
Vent are among the major culprits of rattling noises at home and can also increase energy consumption when dirty or worn out. Defective or old vent fans can be easily replaced with new ones or fan motors replaced, when possible.
There are a wide variety of brands in the market with different price points so you can choose and find what’s best for your home.
Dirty but still working? Simply find the time to clean up the fans from debris or dust that can clog or disrupt its operation.
Use a smart thermostat
Switching to smart thermostats can help reduce your heating or cooling system energy consumption by 8%.
Thermostat products cost between $25 to $40, so you get to pay less on upgrading your heating or cooling system and at the same time minimise the usage of power during lean times of the day.
Upgrading doorknobs and locking systems
Matching the doorknobs or decorative lock systems on doors and entrances can make a big difference. Not only that, but it will also add another layer of safety and security for the home.
Clean or fix decking
Cleaning, repairing, or brightening up the stone pathways or decks can also help beautify and avoid health hazards, as well. With a power sprayer, you can do a power wash but just make sure to observe proper jet pressures to avoid damaging areas that are being cleaned.
Replace damaged wood boards or cracked stone parts to avoid causing progressive or extensive damage over time. It will be less expensive and easier to accomplish.
Upgrading the storage hardware
Unpolished or damaged cabinet or drawer knobs can be eyesores and turn-off buyers. Make sure to have those handles polished or replaced with matching designs.
Old and cranky slide rails can be easily replaced with new ones using a screw or power driver and can be easily done.
Check the water heater
Draining several gallons of water from a centralised water heater in your rental property or commercial property can save you money and avoid plumbing problems that could cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars when left unchecked.
This can be done every two to three months to prevent sediment buildup and allow homeowners or property managers to see concerns such as leaks or sensor issues that can cause temperature or shut-off problems.
With these simple yet practical tips, your audience and clients will find it valuable in staying engaged and interact with you for real estate matters that they need help with.