How to Write a Great Thank You Note

It has been said that one of the reasons people don't write thank you notes more often (among other things) is that they don't feel they can find the "right words" to express their appreciation. Make it a point to send out at least 1 to 2 thank you cards, each and every day. They simply make an "appointment" with yourself and the entry in the calendar says "write thank you notes". The more you tell people how much you appreciate what they have done for you, the more they will do for you. (Yes, you can quote me on that!)

Read this article and you will learn exactly what "supplies" you need to have on hand; the basic outline for writing great thank you notes, sample thank you notes and suggestions on who you can send them to. Yes, I believe that you CAN find 1 to 2 a people a day who have helped you each and everyday.

Suggestions on who to write thank you notes to:

• Wholesale reps
• Underwriters
• Appraisers
• Home Inspectors
• Real Estate Agents
• Builders
• Title Reps
• Closing Attorneys
• Anyone who referred you a prospect
• CPA's
• Financial Planers
• Closed loans
• Anyone and everyone

Six-Point formula to write a great thank you note - that will never fail you:

1. Greet the person by name (or nickname). Dale Carnegie said that people love to hear their own names - even when written. Each note needs to be handwritten - even if your handwriting is poor. Do not type it or use a word processor.
2. Express your gratitude. Don't worry that it sounds "too simple". The point of writing the note is to create a simple expression of heartfelt sentiment.
3. A short discussion on why you were grateful is the follow up to the simple thank you. Say something nice and let them know exactly what they did to help you out. If you can't say something nice (especially to a difficult client you just closed a loan for) try to find at least ONE thing about them that is nice - it may be their children; or even acknowledge the difficulties you have had in closing the loan.
4. Mention the past - allude to the future. Let the person know what they did and how it helped you. In alluding to the future, mention how you can work together in the future; maybe see each other at an associating meeting; maybe go out to lunch.
5. Say it again. "Thanks again for your help (business, kindness, etc.)."
6. Give your regards and sign your name.

• Best Regards,
• Yours truly,
• Here's to your success
• With appreciation

Sample Thank You Notes:

Post Closing Thank You Note

"Thanks for trusting me with the financing on your new home. I enjoyed working with you and please let me know if I can help you in anyway. If you hear of any of your friends who might need a mortgage, I would appreciate your mentioning my name."

General Thank You Note

"Thank you so much for helping to close the Smith loan last week. I appreciate your going above and beyond the call of duty. Hope we can work together on future transactions."

Specific Thank You Note

"I want to thank you for doing the rush appraisal on 123 Maple Street. It helped us close the loan on time. See you at the next Realtor breakfast."

Thanks for the Referral Note

"Thank you so much for referring the Smith's to me. I don't know if I can help them or not, but appreciate your thinking of me when you hear of someone who needs a mortgage. Please let me know if I can help you in anyway."

Supplies Needed To Write Your Thank You Notes

• Note Paper (3" x 5" or 4" x 6")
• Envelopes or Post cards
• Ink Pen (blue-black ink is recommended by the experts)
• Supply of 1st class stamps

Mail It!

Timing is important here. Write and mail the thank you note within 24 hours of the favor. For closed loans, mail within 30 days. On purchase transactions, it gives your client time to move into the home and get their address changed to the new address. For refinance deals, anytime within the 30- days will work. Use 1st class stamps and not the postage meter. One of the reasons we resist sending thank you notes is that we don't want to run to the post office for a supply of stamps. Buy a roll of 100 stamps to keep on hand. 1 note per day. 5 per week. 260 per year. Here are the numbers when you work your way up:

• 5 notes per day. 25 per week. 1,300 per year.
• That's 1,300 simple expressions of your gratitude!