Your Realtor Shouldn’t Disappear After You Sign the Contract — Here’s What I Do Differently

Robert Rutkowski
May 27
5 min read

Let me speak to you directly! When you hire a realtor, you’re not just hiring someone to unlock a door or fill out forms. You’re choosing someone you trust to help guide you through one of life’s most personal and financially important moments. Because let’s be honest: a home — especially a custom home — is not just a collection of walls, a roof, and a floor plan. It’s where your family will gather, where your routines will unfold, where memories will be made. It’s the backdrop of your life. But time and time again, I hear the same story from people who come to me, frustrated and disappointed:“We signed the contract… and then our agent disappeared.” If you’ve been through this, or if you’re worried you might, you’re not alone. And I want you to know — that’s not how I work.

I’m Robert Rutkowski, a Texas Custom Home Specialist. Before I entered the real estate world, I spent over fifteen years working directly in the construction industry. That experience shaped the way I approach every client relationship in the custom world. I don’t just understand the housing market — I understand how homes are built, where costly mistakes can hide, and how to anticipate the challenges that can arise between contract and closing. When you work with me, you’re gaining a partner who knows how to navigate both sides of the process: the deal and the build.

The Reality: Too Many Agents Step Away After the Contract

In today’s fast-paced real estate world, it’s easy for agents to treat the contract like the finish line. Once the deal is signed, they shift focus to their next client, trusting that the lender, the builder, or the title company will take it from there.

But here’s the truth that many buyers discover too late:The moment you sign the contract isn’t the finish line. It’s the start of the most detailed, complex, and (sometimes) stressful part of the journey.

From that point on, you’re navigating:

Shifting construction timelines
Design decisions you didn’t expect
Change orders that affect your budget
City and county permits and inspections
Final walkthroughs where rushed decisions can cost you
Closing-day logistics that require precision

Without someone experienced and present by your side, it’s easy for small oversights to turn into expensive delays, headaches, or long-term regrets.

What I Do Differently — and Why Clients Value It

When you hire me, you’re not just hiring someone to “help you find a home.”You’re bringing in someone with years of real-world experience, a network of trusted partners, and a deep understanding of how to guide you through every phase — start to finish.

Here’s how that plays out in real life.

My Work Starts Before You Ever Buy the Land

You’d be amazed how often people fall in love with a lot simply because of its view or location, without thinking about the technical side — slope, drainage, soil conditions, access to utilities, and local building restrictions. That’s where I come in. Before you commit to anything, I walk the lot with you, alongside one of my trusted builder partners. We look past the surface beauty and evaluate the details that can add tens of thousands of dollars to a project if they’re missed. I’ve had clients who saved huge amounts of money and stress simply because we caught those red flags early. This isn’t about scaring anyone — it’s about arming you with the information you need to make smart, confident choices.

I Stay Involved Throughout the Entire Build

This is where so many agents fall short.

Once a home is under contract, many step back, assuming the builder will handle everything from there. But the truth is, that’s when you, the client, are most vulnerable to misunderstandings, timeline issues, and costly missteps. I stay actively involved — visiting the site, communicating with the builder, and sending you updates so you’re never left wondering what’s happening. If you’re relocating from another city or state, this becomes even more important. You need someone local, someone you trust, to keep eyes on the ground and help make sure nothing is overlooked.

I Represent You — Not the Builder

Let me make something clear: the builder’s sales team works for the builder. Their job is to protect the builder’s bottom line. My job is to protect yours. I carefully review contracts, help negotiate when challenges arise, and advocate for your goals, making sure you’re getting exactly what you were promised. Having someone in your corner, who knows the terrain, can make all the difference — especially when the unexpected comes up, as it almost always does in a large custom home project.

I’m With You for the Final Walkthrough

The final walkthrough is one of the most critical parts of the entire process. But too often, it’s rushed — you’re handed a checklist, asked to sign off, and pushed toward closing.

I’m there with you, walking room by room, double-checking details, and making sure every promise has been fulfilled. If anything’s missing or incomplete, I make sure it’s properly documented and that a plan is in place before you sign anything.

My Support Doesn’t End at Closing

Many agents vanish after closing day. I don’t. After you move in, I stay available — whether it’s helping you understand your home warranty, recommending trusted local tradespeople, or just checking in to make sure everything’s going smoothly.For me, a client relationship is never “one and done.” It’s the start of something long-term — a professional connection built on trust, service, and results.

Real Clients, Real Results

I’ve helped families relocate to Texas from across the country — families who were frustrated after working with agents who vanished mid-process, first-time custom home buyers who didn’t even know where to begin, and seasoned homeowners who simply wanted a specialist by their side.

In every case, my goal has been the same: to help them feel supported, informed, and confident — not just at closing, but for years to come.

Final Thought: You Deserve a Realtor Who Stays With You

At the end of the day, building your dream home isn’t just about square footage or finishes. It’s about creating a space that reflects who you are, what you value, and how you want to live.

You deserve a realtor who doesn’t disappear once the paperwork is signed.You deserve someone who stays engaged, who fights for your interests, and who helps you navigate every challenge and milestone with confidence. That’s what I do. And it’s why so many of my clients trust me, recommend me, and return when they’re ready for their next chapter.