A thank–you note is an easy way to create a sense of goodwill that will make your residents more likely to be responsive, respectful and loyal. Here are some tips on how to quickly craft notes that will go straight to your residents’ hearts.

What should your resident thank-you note say?
First, remember you’re writing a note, not a letter, meaning it should take you five minutes or less from start to finish.  The marketing software firm Hubspot says a great customer thank-you note has six basic parts, including the greeting and the close. The most important part: Include a specific detail on what you appreciate. For a resident, that could be keeping the front yard clean, or calling you for a fix-it job before a situation turns into a disaster.

When should you send a thank-you note to a resident?
We’re trained to send thank-you notes promptly. But a Wharton business school professor makes the case that waiting weeks or months may be best for people who make your life better in informal or non-specific ways, people such as mentors, colleagues and tenants, who make your investment their home.
Still stumped for words? Dear Abby can help.

The advice columnist has a “How to Write Letters” booklet you can order via snail mail. It was written for people who don’t write thank-you notes because they don’t know what to say or are afraid they’ll write something wrong. Sample letters you can customize are included.  And Dear Abby says a thank-you note sent via email is just fine.

The bottom line, your residents will appreciate a thank–you note from you, if it’s short, specific and authentic. Here’s an example to get you started.