The Post-Closing Problem No One Talks About
You’ve just closed on your new home. The keys are in your hand. It’s exciting—and overwhelming.
That leaky faucet? The outdated ceiling fans? The need for a landscaper before the HOA notices? All of it hits fast. So you do what most homeowners do: Google it. Or you post in a neighborhood Facebook group and hope for a decent reply.
But what if the best answer was already in your corner? What if your real estate agent’s vendor list was more trustworthy than the top search result?
Online Reviews Aren’t Always Reliable
Home service review platforms can be helpful—but they can also be noisy, inconsistent, or biased toward paying advertisers. You might find 300 five-star reviews for a plumber who no longer returns calls—or none for a quiet local pro who’s booked solid through agent referrals.
In a world of paid placements and fake reviews, homeowners are turning back to what’s always worked: a recommendation from someone they trust.
Your Agent Knows Who’s Worth Calling
Real estate agents spend their careers building relationships—with roofers, electricians, painters, cleaners, you name it. Not because they’re paid to. But because their clients need good work done quickly and reliably.
In fact, a recent industry survey found that nearly half of homebuyers said vendor referrals were one of the most valuable things their agent provided—more than help negotiating price.
Agents know which pros:
- Show up on time
- Communicate clearly
- Stand behind their work
- Handle sensitive or urgent jobs with care
And unlike online platforms, they’re not recommending vendors because of ad dollars—they’re doing it to protect your trust.
After the Sale Is When You Really Need Help
Data shows that in the first year of homeownership, 74% of homeowners tackle at least one major repair. On average, people complete nearly 10 home-related projects—ranging from emergency fixes to lifestyle upgrades.
It’s during this time—after the sale, after the handshakes, after the moving boxes—that your agent’s vendor list becomes gold.
Not sure who to call? Ask your agent.
How to Use It (and What to Look For)
If your agent shared a vendor list, don’t let it sit in your inbox. Use it. Bookmark it. Ask them for updates if you don’t see the service you need.
Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Look for vendors marked as “recommended” or “personally used”
- Choose pros who match your project size and urgency
- Ask your agent for context: How many clients have used them? What was the feedback?
Some agents even share their list via QR code or mobile app—making it easier to search, sort, and save.
Your Agent’s Job Doesn’t End at Closing
The best real estate agents know that relationships don’t stop once the deal is done. They want to stay helpful—to be your “home guide” even after the paperwork is signed.
So next time you’re tempted to dive into a sea of online reviews, pause. Reach out to the person who helped you buy the house in the first place. Chances are, they’ve already got someone who can help.
