Someone on another forum asked what should be included and wanted to know what the rest of us do - below is my response as posted. Thought the "farmers" might find it useful.

Home Buyer Kit Includes:

Buyer Agency Contract
Buyer as Customer instead of Client forms (for double dip)
Confirmation of Co-op and Representation (repeat of what is in the
contract - different form)
Acknowledgement that they have read and understand "agency"
A list they need to fill out for "must have" - "would like to have" - and
"optional" preferences
A house comparison list where they can fill in what appeals to them in each
house.
An article about Home Inspections and their value; what to expect
A disclaimer regarding square footage and room sizes - they must sign that
if it is important, they need to verify and check for themselves, since MLS
does not guarantee and neither do we; other liability disclaimers when
required.

References and kudos
Closing costs topics (anticipated)
What does MLS mean
How an Offer Works; and a copy if they care to read it at their leisure.
Moving Tips Article
Moving Check Lists and Important Phone Numbers
Any local information regarding specific areas where homes are located and
associated amenities
Copies of listings anticipated showings to choose from - my choices hi-lited
CMA's where appropriate to specific locations relative to my choices
Maps and directions to specifics for each client
Full size lined pad of paper and pen
Small calculator
Complimentary measuring tape; flat, slips into pocket
All in a "catch-all" plastic packet, like the kind that comes with the
organizer

If they are staying at a hotel and are away from their family, they get a
bachelor (or batchelorette) basket of things they may have forgotten to
bring - toss away shavers, wet wipes, extra travel toothbrush and
toothpaste, floss, small emergency kit (Band-Aids, aspirin, polysporin, burn
cream, etc.), button sewing kit, upscale snacks. A small knife (to peel
apples,etc.) a small flashlight; portable iron & wrinkle spray; small hair
dryer; small curling iron. Collapsible umbrella. Toss away camera. A couple
magazines for bedside reading, if I know their particular interests, along
with a portable alarm clock; a mini one-cup coffee filter & plug-in water
boiler. If they are airborne, and cannot take all this stuff home, we store
it in a personal box until they come back next time, then drop it off at the
hotel/motel when we know their next scheduled date, or bring it to their
house when they move here.

Stamps, envelopes & writing paper; also a few local postcards. Gift
certificate for a couple meals out, compliments of (I don't like eat with
them). Info for local dry cleaners, pharmacy, shoe repair, fast food
restaurants, coffee and donuts, and better restaurants, if they are staying
at a motel, instead of a big hotel. Walk-in clinics for doctors. My own
dentist and doctor numbers in case of emergency. List of lawyers; moving
companies; building inspectors, and such.

Confidential service: Access to use our fax number to receive private
business materials, or to send them, free of charge, and a phone card that
will permit them to bill our number up to a maximum of $. rather than pay
the hotel extra fees - if they are regular residential folks not being paid
relo bonuses, just happen to be moving from one town to another.

If they are business people - Board of Trade info, business papers,
magazines, and such. Lots of other little items, as per my feelings of the
moment related to the seriousness of the client. Basket comes with a
string-tie bag that can be used for dirty socks, laundry, etc. When they
leave they can toss the basket and bag into their trunk. I am looking for a
collapsible basket for folks who fly - light weight. For them at the moment,
I just use the "bag".

It's important not to include wine or other spirits, due to the number of
folks who do not imbibe. Better safe than sorry. If they are a corporate
client, fresh flowers are at the hotel, along with the basket when they
arrive, and a plate of goodies delivered by the hotel just prior to client
arrival - whatever is appropriate: fresh fruit, fresh squeezed orange juice,
etc. - chocolates, crackers and cheese - each hotel is different; if they
are big spenders and have indicated a liking for stage plays or such, I can
provide gratis tickets for nearby theatres. It all has to be assessed for
each situation.

I get paid top dollar, but I spend it back doing things like this. I rarely
do relo anymore - turned down too many - they want too big a chunk referral
fee, and I do all the work and provide all the goodies... so it's not an
equitable arrangement they have concocted. I have referrals that do not
require a relo payback fee. That is the first question I ask when folks are
coming here from out of town. Often they are real short on time, running
between meetings, and need to make decisions pronto once they get here.
Often they only have three days to make a decision. I need their full
concentration.


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Carolyne - Brampton real estate = http://www.carolyne.com
"Where'd I put my stuff ?" Search Key words - Tech Organizer
C . . . I Am Organized = http://www.MyBackUpBook.com/
You can't practice time management till you get organized
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Small Company but we're BIG in Brampton and Burlington ~ where it's the LITTLE things that count and our reputation is on the SOLD sign. Read "Carolyne's Clients Speak" at Brampton and Burlington Real Estate