You just finalized the transaction. Your clients are very pleased with their new home. Smiles abound.

It seems as though everything went according to plan, but how can you truly seal the deal and ensure that you will have a lifelong relationship with your client? Here are three strategies to consider:

1. Tokens of Appreciation – Saying “thank you” is one thing, but offering tangible signs of appreciation is undoubtedly the way to go. For instance, send your clients a hand-written note after they move in to their new home that thanks them for their business and wishes them luck in their residence. Offering them a gift from one of your area’s many local businesses and restaurants (we detail several options here) is also a great way to stand out and make your appreciation clear.

2. Be a Consistent Resource – There are an endless supply of resources nowadays for news about housing, but you can establish yourself as the go-to expert for any questions your clients may have. A weekly newsletter or blog, for instance, are both terrific way to both demonstrate your knowledge of housing and remain a presence in your clients’ future housing decisions; the next time they need to buy or sell, they’ll remember not only your past interactions, but also those excellent newsletters you provide that inform them about the marketplace.

3. You’ve Got a Friend – Finally, treat your clients not as walking dollar signs, but as true friends. Take note of birthdays and anniversaries and send cards on the special day. Know when their children are graduating from high school, and send them a note of good wishes. The better you get to know your clients, the more opportunities you have to check in and keep the personal relationship alive.