Many builders have cut closing gifts from their budget. It is hard to believe that the customer has chosen them to incur the largest expenditure in their life without even a thank you. I decided to take a poll to see if my friends had any memory of what they received at closing from either their builder or Realtor. It did not seem to matter how long they had been in their home, not surprisingly, they remembered. They remembered the thoughtful gifts and the less than thoughtful gifts.

Finding the right gift can be challenging but will pay off in the end. The more unique and personal the gift is, the more it shows you care and appreciate their business. Today's real estate market is inundated with sophisticated and discerning buyers who have high expectations and are deserving of a higher level of customer service.

A gift can be used as a creative marketing tool and is designed to be thoughtful and caring, build and sustain customer loyalty, increase repeat business and enhance your referral program. Since the "Thank You " gift is the final impression, it has incredible impact on how the customer will remember their experience for years to come.

If you are looking for a unique and personal way to say Thank You to your customers and want to give the personalized attention that they deserve, please visit www.classycozycreations.com for the most unique and clever program out there today.

Lately as I have been driving around looking for open models (I do this often), I have noticed that many of the New Home Sales Centers are only open on Saturday and Sunday.

It seems as though this is for those using resale agents vs. New Home Sales agents.

Regardless of which way you choose to go as a builder, you need to increase your hours of operation. If you are a full time builder, then you should not be selling part time.

New Home Communities get traffic 7 days per week. Prospects come from your website and don't always want to visit on the busy weekends.

My suggestion... If you are a full time builder, Sell full time as well.

The shopper was greeted by the sales person and was told to walk on through the home and let her know her she thinks when she done.

The shopper came back to the office to let the sales person know that she loved the home. Asking the price, the sales agent responded. The shopper said, I love it but I am not sure if I qualify. Can you help me?

The sales person, said, I certainly can. Here is our lenders business card. Please feel free to call him and he will let you know if you qualify.

If you are reading this and your jaw is on the floor, I can't say I blame you. Unfortunately, this happens way to often.

If your sales people do not understand how to run numbers, work with them and teach them how to do so. They are losing sales because this.

There are fewer than 40 days remaining until the federal home buyer tax credit expires. And home builders and realtors aren't letting consumers forget it.

Home builder Lennar (LEN: 17.91*, -0.39, -2.13%) is touting its move-in ready homes in South Florida. Beazer Homes' (BZH: 4.79*, -0.01, -0.20%) web site encourages house hunters to "cash in on the tax credit," while KB Home's (KBH: 17.00*, -0.10, -0.58%) site declares "Time is running out," along with countdown -- to the second -- until the credit expires.

Time is, indeed, running out: Buyers must have a binding contract on a house in place by April 30, and the sale must close by June 30. But should you heed the call?

It is true that the tax credits, combined with low mortgage rates and overall affordability make buying a house tempting today. But there are other considerations that should factor into your decision.

The New Home Sales Connection works with many National and Regional builders, providing mystery shopping services, personalized sales training and consulting to generate impressive sales results.

Jay Schulman, founder of The New Home Sales Connection, has spent his 25-year career in sales, management and training. Over the last few years, Jay has personally shopped hundreds of new home sites and has provided both team training and one-on- one coaching to hundreds of community sales professionals and managers. His work with his clients in identifying needs, creating urgency, handling objections, closing the sale, and following up, has resulted in increased sales for their builders.

Contact us today!

1603 Edmondson Ave, Suite 200

Catonsville, MD 21228

443-341-6821