Here's an oldie but a goodie from a last year's post that bears recycling.

Each time you have a closing make 2 extra copies of the closing statement.

Write the buyer and seller each a letter dated January 2^nd of the following year that says something like:

Dear Tom and Denise,

Before you know it tax time will be on us again.

To save you some time (and hopefully some money) I'm enclosing a copy of the closing statement from the real estate transaction we had this past year.

As you probably know some of these expenses could be tax deductible; your accountant or tax preparer can best advise you as to which ones.

I hope this is a benefit to you as you prepare your 2007 tax returns.

If I can be of further service to you or your friends & family in any future real estate transactions please give me a call or e mail

Thank you once again for your business in 200X.

Best regards,

Jim Lee, REALTOR®"

Sign the letters and put them along with the closing statements into a large folder each time you have a closing. When January 2^nd of the following year rolls around just get them out, put the appropriate postage on them, and drop them in the mail.

This is usually good for 1 or 2 extra pieces of business a year.

And yes, I send them to both sides of the transaction whether I was their broker or not. It is not unethical to solicit someone's future business just because they may have had an agency relationship with another licensee in a past transaction.

Additionally I can almost guarantee you the other side won't be sending them copies of the HUD 1 anyway and they will appreciate you for remembering them.

The Knoxville Area Association of Realtors released the February 2007 sales report yesterday.

The DOM (days on market) have increased from 91 in January to 94 in February and new listings dropped from 2,697 in January to 2,455 in February.

Knoxville area 2007 Febuary Sales Report

So less listings for sale and they're taking longer to sell. That tells me we're still in a buyer's market and it's getting stronger.

If you're in the market for a new home or investment property in the greater Knoxville Tennessee area it's a great time to buy. Interest rates are still very attractive, selection is great, and motivated sellers are making some great deals to move their homes.

Visit my website, KnoxvilleMLS.com to view all Knoxville's Realtor listings and then give me a call to talk about buying a new home or investment.