How Can You Help Your First-Time Home Buyers After Purchasing?

Louisiana REALTORS • August 9, 2019

The homebuying process is a long one.  The culmination of all of this hardwork is seeing your client through their final walkthrough.  While the dotted line is signed and the ink is dry, it’s little steps like this that can turn a satisfied customer into a return client that is eager to recommend you to their friends and family.  Here are a few tips and tricks you pass along to your newly satisfied clients as they begin to make their new house a home.

Start with Painting and Repairs

Look for any updates, upgrades, or repairs that can be made before moving in.  Taking these actions while the home is empty will be much easier.  Whether it’s a new coat of paint, touching up scuffed up floors, or hanging new fixtures, take care of it before you have a house full of stuff.

Have Your New Home Professionally Cleaned

Hiring a cleaner to freshen up every square inch of your new home is great way to get off on the right foot.  This will allow the house to be thoroughly cleaned.  It may seem small, and is an added expense, but it can take quite a load off from the stress of moving.

Remember to Change the Locks

After moving in, changing the locks is a prudent idea.  Remember to address all of the access points to your new home.  This isn’t to say that there is a reason to distrust the seller, but you also aren’t aware of anyone else who may have a key to your house.  There are also new options for doors and locks.  Smart locks and home automation features may be an update you’d like to make, this is a great opportunity.

Be Familiar with the HOA

If your new neighborhood has an HOA you can save yourself a lot of time, money, and headaches if you are familiar with their policies.  You can get off on the right foot by having the right paperwork ready and anything else you may in your neighborhood.

These are only a few tips that can go along way in making for a smooth transition.  Another helpful suggestion for going the extra mile is to put together an easy to use reference guide, especially if your clients are new to the area. Include local takeout menus, automobile service companies, attractions and more. 

Consumer Guide Update: Buying Land and Building a New Home

By Louisiana REALTORS® • April 17, 2025
As previewed last week, NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on buying land and building a new home. This guide covers how to find land for sale, explains construction loans, and weighs the pros and cons of building a custom home. As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow a few days for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Buying Land and Building a New Home Deeds and Titles Alternative Listing Options Navigating Multiple Offers Homeowners Associations Thank you for continuing to engage with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients to ensure they have the information they need to find success in their homebuying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. Be on the lookout for next week’s guide on Wednesday, which will cover property title theft.
5 Negotiation Secrets Smart Buyers Use to Get Better Deals

5 Negotiation Secrets Smart Buyers Use to Get Better Deals—And How a REALTOR® Can Help

By Louisiana REALTORS® • April 16, 2025
Negotiating a real estate deal can be overwhelming, especially for buyers who don’t have experience with the process. Here are five key negotiation strategies smart buyers use—and how working with a REALTOR® provides a competitive edge.

Consumer Guide Update: Deeds and Titles

By Louisiana REALTORS® • April 11, 2025
As previewed last week, NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on deeds and titles. This guide covers the difference between a deed and a title, common types of deeds, and title searches and insurance. As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow a few days for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Deeds and Titles Alternative Listing Options Navigating Multiple Offers Homeowners Associations Marketing Your Home Thank you for continuing to engage with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients to ensure they have the information they need to find success in their homebuying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. Be on the lookout for next week’s guide on Wednesday, which will cover buying land / constructing a new home.
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