Many real estate agents work hard to facilitate transactions between sellers and buyers. And while this is certainly the main function of a Realtor®, the best real estate agents go out of their way to do more for their clients.
What Is Real Estate Concierge Service?
Most people think of hotel service when they hear “concierge”. A hotel concierge may do things for guests that are “above and beyond,” like scoring tickets to sold-out performances or sporting events; arranging taxi service or grooming appointments, taking care of dry cleaning, and more.
Concierge service in real estate is similar. Simply stated, it is putting the client’s needs first and providing higher-value service at no extra cost to the client.
Real estate agents who offer concierge services make sure you achieve your goals as stress-free as possible. They understand the apprehension that often overwhelms home buyers and sellers, and they take pains to ease that apprehension with clear and constant communication, their availability whenever they’re needed, and service that goes beyond closing.
What to Expect From a Real Estate Concierge Service
A skilled and trusted Realtor® will help you find the home that best matches your preferences, create a customized marketing plan for your property, negotiate hard on your behalf, and help you with the paperwork that comes with the transaction.
A Real Estate Concierge does all these – and then some. They add value to their services through various means, including:
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Giving You Access to a Reliable Network of Home Building and Home Improvement Contractors and Professionals
As a home seller, you might need to undertake repairs and renovations to make your property more attractive to potential buyers. A Real Estate Concierge will go through the property with you and identify these areas for improvements. They will then connect you with the needed suppliers, contractors, and professionals that they have personally vetted. They’ll help you negotiate fees and costs, and assist in overseeing your home improvement projects.
As a home buyer, you may have repairs to make on your own after closing. A buyer’s agent concierge can get estimates during the transaction so you can budget accordingly or ask for the proper credit from sellers. Of course, one of the most stressful things you have to handle as a buyer is moving. Not only will you need to sort, pack, and transport your belongings, you also have to prepare your new home for move-in. A Real Estate Concierge can help you find the necessary contractors and professionals to facilitate moving.
A Concierge Realtor’s® network typically includes:
- Suppliers
- Contractors/handy people
- Consultants
- Home inspectors
- Architects
- Interior designers
- Home stagers
- Movers
- Cleaning services
- Landscape architects/designers/contractors
- Roofing and flooring experts
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Helping You Get Familiar With Your New Neighborhood and Lifestyle
It can be difficult to adjust to new surroundings, and sometimes frustrating when you don’t know where to go for your basic needs and recreation. A Concierge Realtor® can not only provide you with information on where to dine, go to the gym, or find the best farm markets, they can also assist with lining up service providers and getting estimates.
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Assisting You With Your Financing and Insurance Needs
Financing is one of the most important aspects of home buying and selling. Your Realtor® can not only give you much of the information you need to make sound financial decisions, but they can also refer you to trusted and experienced professionals, including:
- Accountants
- Home assessors
- Mortgage brokers and lenders
- Insurance agents
- Attorneys
- Escrow agent
The Benefits to the Realtor®
So, what does a Realtor® gain from going the extra mile to provide these services while keeping their fees competitive?
Primarily, the Realtor® gains your trust and confidence. As you may well be aware, you tend to keep using the service or product that you’re satisfied with. In the future, when you decide to move and sell your home again, perhaps you’ll consider working with the same Concierge Realtor® because you know you can count on them to help you with all your needs.
Referrals are another benefit to the Realtor®. If you’re a satisfied client, you’re likely to refer the Realtor® to someone you know, or perhaps leave a good review on an online site.
I personally consider it a pleasure to help my clients whenever possible long after the sale is closed. If you want to know more about what I can do for you, contact me.