Tips for Connecting with Clients During the Coronavirus Pandemic

The events of the recent weeks are truly unprecedented in our lifetime. As the spread of Coronavirus ramped up in the US, we have come together as communities and as a Nation to prevent infections by staying apart. This presents new challenges for all of us, personally and professionally.

Thanks to technology, much of our work as real estate professionals can be done remotely, but it remains important to stay connected to clients through this time. Whether you are self-quarantining by choice or restricted by a shelter in place or stay at home orders in your city or state, you are likely working alone in a home office, or among a skeleton crew in your office. Face to face meetings, open houses, and home buyer events just aren’t happening right now.

We in the real estate industry will do what we’ve always done when faced with roadblocks and challenges…innovate to find ways to provide excellent service to our borrowers. Here are a few tips you can put into practice right now to help stay connected to your clients during this uncertain time:

1. Pick up the phone
While a call may feel less personal than meeting in person, one can go a long way towards helping us feel more connected in these days of social distancing. Rather than respond to a list of questions via email, take the time to make a call and talk through them. Ask how your clients are holding up outside of the transaction, and if they are doing ok with the challenges facing them right now. It can be extremely uplifting right now just to know that someone cares, and to feel that we are all in this together.

2. Schedule a virtual meeting
Again, it’s not the same as sitting across from a client reviewing documents, touring homes for sale, or discussing financial goals over a cup of coffee, but a video chat meeting can start to feel very close. Utilize technology such as Zoom, Facetime, or Skype (there are many others available as well!) to meet over video. Be prepared to offer a little tech support to those unfamiliar with these programs. The fact that video meetings often inspire us to get out of athletic clothes and look a bit more “office-ready” can be a bonus, as getting dressed for the day can boost morale on another day working remotely.

3. Continue to celebrate successes
When the challenges are greater, the wins mean even more. Though you might not be there in person at closings right now, be sure to reach out to your clients afterward to share in their excitement. Ask about their plans for the future – how they hope to enjoy their new home, or what financial goals a refinance will support. If you generally give a small closing gift, consider a gift card for a local business or attraction to be enjoyed in the future. The Coronavirus can feel all-consuming right now, but we will get through this, and it this will pass. Remembering that can help you feel more connected than ever.

All of us at Luxury Mortgage Corp send our best wishes for strength, safety, and good health during this time. If there is anything we can do to support your business right now, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help!