Happy House Hacking Podcast EP 47: Your Realtor for Life: 10 Ways We Provide Value After the Sale

Link to full podcast episode here:

Your Realtor for Life: 10 Ways We Provide Value After the Sale 

For many people, a realtor's job seems to end at the closing table. You sign the papers, get the keys, and that's it. But we see things differently. We believe that closing is just the beginning. The best real estate professionals don't just facilitate a single sale; they become your trusted advisor for years to come, a realtor for life. 

At The Schwaegerle Team, we believe real estate is about more than a transaction; it's about the relationship you build with your real estate agent. On a recent episode of our Happy House Hacking podcast, we shared our post-closing services that can add value to our clients' lives long after the sale is finalized, using real examples and stories.

Contesting Real Estate Appraisals and Property Taxes

One of the most valuable post-closing services we offer is helping you with property valuations. It's frustrating when real estate appraisals come in lower than expected or property taxes seem too high. In these situations, we can help by providing a detailed broker price opinion (BPO) to challenge the valuation.

For example, we had a client concerned about a low refinance appraisal. They knew the appraiser had missed an off-market sale in the neighborhood. As Camille Schwaegerle shared, our client, with our guidance, presented this information to the appraiser, who agreed and adjusted the appraisal. This increased the home's value by tens of thousands of dollars. As Owen Schwaegerle said, "You have to be an advocate for yourself and you need to have good counsel and solid advice from your real estate professional to know what to do."

Assisting with Estate Planning

Dealing with a death in the family is incredibly difficult, and handling the real estate can be a sensitive and complex part of that process. A realtor for life can assist with estate planning by providing a broker price opinion (BPO) for an estate sale or other purposes. This can be a huge value-add. Owen is a licensed real estate broker with the ability to provide a true BPO, a service that can be expensive if you go to a third party. 

We have also provided a retroactive broker price opinion for clients who needed a home valuation for a specific date in the past, often for tax or legal purposes after a loved one has passed. This commitment to being a realtor for life means we are with you every step of the way, even during the most challenging times.

Home Warranty Assistance

We believe in protecting our clients' investments, which is why we always try to negotiate a one-year home warranty for our buyers. It's a small detail that can make a huge difference. 

We recently had a first-time home buyer call us in a panic after they moved in. As Owen recounted, "The lights aren't working. What do we do? Who do we call?" We were able to remind them about the home warranty we had secured for them and guide them through the process of filing a claim. The warranty company came out, fixed the lights, and even discovered and replaced a failing water heater.

This service, which can cost upwards of $1,500, ended up costing the client just a $100 service fee. This is a perfect example of why we prioritize being a realtor for life. We are there to remind you of the protections and services you have and guide you on how to use them.

Contractor Connections

After you close on a home, you might have a long list of projects you want to tackle, from a minor kitchen refresh to a full-scale renovation. Finding reliable, quality contractor connections is a huge hassle. That's where our network comes in. We have a robust list of tried, tested, and true contractors and vendors that we've personally worked with and trust. As Camille said, we're like your "personal Yelp."

We can connect you with the right professionals for any job, including electricians, plumbers, roofers, landscapers, and general contractors. We even have referrals for specialty services like house organizers and EV charger installers. As Owen explained, "...most of the vendor recommendations are people we've used personally," so we know their work firsthand. 

Our vendor list is always vetted and updated to ensure our clients get the highest quality service. We are always happy to make contractor connections for our clients with the right people for the job, helping to make their homeownership journey smoother and more enjoyable. 

Transactional Details

It's common to need access to old transaction documents for tax purposes, refinances, or other reasons. You may have misplaced your original settlement statement or need a copy of a disclosure from years ago. As Owen said, "We have that file reserved for you for, I believe, seven years is our holding requirement." We keep detailed records of all your transactional documents, including:

• Purchase agreements
• Disclosure statements
• Settlement statements 
  
  
  
  

If you ever need a copy, we can get it to you quickly. This is especially helpful at tax time when you're trying to track down a specific document to file your return. Our commitment to being your realtor for life means we're here to provide ongoing support and access to critical information whenever you need it.

Annual Home Value Check-ins

To keep you informed about your biggest investment, we provide annual updates on your home’s market value. These regular check-ins help you track your equity and stay current with local market trends. By providing you a snapshot of recent comps in your neighborhood, we ensure you always know what your home is worth. Proactive communication is a key part of post-closing services.

Neighborhood Updates

We are committed to helping our clients feel connected to their community. We provide ongoing value by sharing updates on local market trends and community events through newsletters and social media. This service helps you get to know your neighborhood better and stay informed about what’s happening around you.

Client Appreciation Events

One of the most rewarding parts of our job is our annual client appreciation events. These gatherings are our way of saying thank you and celebrating our relationships with you. It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with clients we haven't seen in a while and for you to meet other homeowners in the community. These events reinforce our philosophy that a real estate relationship is about people and community, not just property. As we always say, it’s “relationship over transaction.”

Advisory and Consultation

The true test of a trusted advisor is their willingness to put your interests above their own. A great realtor will serve as an honest consultant, offering guidance even if it means no business for them. We have advised clients against selling their homes when the market or their personal situation wasn’t right for it. This commitment to your financial well-being, even when it means advising you to wait, is what sets a true realtor for life apart from other realtors.

Your Real Estate Partner for Life

The key to a successful homeownership journey is having a trusted professional by your side. A realtor for life provides crucial post-closing services that offer financial protection, valuable resources, and ongoing support. This commitment to being your trusted partner will make all the difference, helping you navigate every step of your homeownership journey with confidence.

At The Schwaegerle Team, we believe that choosing the right real estate professional is one of the most important decisions you'll make in the home ownership process. Listen to the rest of our Happy House Hacking podcast to learn more about how we can guide you on your path to happy homeownership!