What do you give as closing gifts to your buyers and sellers?

Profile picture for CallChrisToday
Do you always give closing gifts no matter how much the contract? And what do you usually give as a gift?

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March 04 2011 - US

Replies (15)

Profile picture for Mike Satterlee
Usually a check for several thousand dollars.
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March 05 2011
Profile picture for CallChrisToday
At what contract price would you be able to afford giving a check for several thousand dollars? At $150,000 your commission of 3% would be a gross of $4,500. Surely you don't give 45% of your commission back to the buyer or seller at this price point. And how do you give a "check" for that amount of money legally?
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March 05 2011
Profile picture for shasta_steve
My last agent gave me a $100 home depot card so I could change the locks.  Really he did not have to do it.  It was nice but just doing a good job for me was all I really expected. I in turn recomended him to a friend of mine who later bought a house using him.  I don't remember any other agent actually giving me anything but then again I do not think it is necessary. 
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March 05 2011
Profile picture for Helen Edwards
Closing gifts are given by considerate agents. Experienced agents may feel this is a grand way to be remembered for future referrals or repeat business. I think finding a gift to suit the new homeowners with a special personal touch is nice. Cost is up to the giver. Homemade gifts are nice too. Way back when I purchased by first home, the agent gave me a birdhouse he'd made. It was The thought that counts as with any gift from the heart.
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March 05 2011
Profile picture for Carrie Graham
You can give gift cards to places they frequent (grocery store/favorite restaurant, drinks, spas, apparel), or flowers.  It really depends on the client and their needs.
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March 05 2011
Profile picture for CallChrisToday
I'm still eager to hear how Mike gives a check for "several thousand dollars" as a closing gift. I'm having a hard time believing this. Or was that post supposed to be sarcastic?
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March 05 2011
Giving gift cards seems to be a perfect idea. Gratitude goes a long way.
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March 05 2011
Chris -
I just love humor (Mike) when your asking a serious question :)
Depends - I usually base it on the client. For example I handled the purchase for 2 Bend OR police officers - my gift was having a vintage BW photo from the early 1900's of Bend law enforcement enlarged and framed - it was a big hit.
If the clients are social - I throw a house warming party at their new home for 10 to 20 of their friends - I cook, wear a smile and meet new potential clients.
For sales - a pending party - make large framed print of home and have friends/neighbors sign the border.
Just this last week - I presented a 20 page Snapfish photo book of a custom home that we listed and sold - beautiful and memorable.
just a couple ideas
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March 06 2011
Profile picture for PhilipARoy
Hi Chris,

I give a nice thank you card with an enclosed gift card that is relevant for the particular client's needs and the amount of the gift card is 5% of the commission that I received.
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March 06 2011

I provide a 10% discount at Lowe's on the client's next purchase up to $10,000 & a $100 gift certificate from Budget Blinds for window treatments for being my client.
 

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March 06 2011
Profile picture for HarjGill
What is the LEGAL maximum amount you can spend on a closing gift for a client
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March 18
Profile picture for keyholder

A great gift I've given a seller for a closing gift was a flower pot with a hand painted picture of the house, done by a local artist.  It cost about $35 and the clients were thrilled.  This is of course for a seller who was very emotionally tied to their house. (Not for everyone!)  I've also seen paintings dof the house done on Xmas ornaments.  It's a gift they'll cherish.  I don't always give a closing gift.  It depends on the situation and how my personal finances are at the time.

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March 20
A finger licking home cooked Mexican meal with fresh ingredients!
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March 20
I always give a closing gift to my seller or buyer.  I feel that a small gift is appropriate with a hand written, personalized note of thanks. We do love referrals and a remembrance for each client shows appreciation for their confidence in our Quality Service as their chosen Realtor.  Doesn't ever hurt to show a little appreciation for their business...after all they had lots of other realtors from which to choose!
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March 23
I am a Scentsy Consultant and several of my customers are real estate agents who prefer to give Scentsy packages as a closing gift. It is not your typical candle since they are wickless and there are over 80 scents to choose from. The quality is great and lasts forever. Agents will even receive free product from ordering from me :) If you are interested in giving a great gift I would love to send you a catalog. We ship all over the US!

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March 28
 
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