Real Estate Closing Gifts: The Ultimate Guide for Agents
Building lasting relationships with clients is key to your success. One way to show your appreciation and cement bonds with clients is through closing gifts. Selecting thoughtful gifts for buyers and sellers demonstrates that you value them, not just the transaction.
This guide will provide tips to help you determine appropriate closing presents based on your budget and clients' personalities. Discover creative ideas that make your clients feel special while promoting your brand so they'll recommend you in the future.
With the right closing gift, you make meaningful connections that lead to repeat and referral business down the road.
Why Give Closing Gifts?
Giving closing gifts to your clients is an impactful way to show your appreciation for their business and build goodwill.
Providing a thoughtful gift at closing leaves a lasting positive impression and reminds your clients of the great experience they had working with you. It helps cement your relationship and keeps you at the top of their mind for referrals or future real estate needs.
Do Realtors Give Closing Gifts to Buyers and Sellers?
It depends on the agent and the situation. Whether or not you provide closing gifts to your clients depends on your business practices and the relationship you have built with them.
Some agents provide small tokens of appreciation, while others do not provide any gifts. There are benefits to both approaches.
Providing gifts can be a way to show your clients you value them and appreciate their business. It leaves them with a positive last impression of you and your service. However, gifts are not always expected, and some clients may see them as an unnecessary expense. Agents must determine what is right for their own business and client relationships.
Gifts for Buyers vs. Sellers
If providing closing gifts, agents will often give separate gifts to buyers and sellers. For buyers, common gifts include a welcome mat, keychain, bottle of champagne, or basket with home-related items. For sellers, agents may provide a card or small memento to thank them for their business and the opportunity to sell their home.
Most Popular Real Estate Closing Gift Ideas
Housewarming Gifts
Housewarming gifts are one of the most popular closing gift ideas for real estate agents to give their clients. Some excellent options include:
Gift cards: Give your clients gift cards to their favorite home stores so they can pick out items they need for their new home. Stores like Bed Bath & Beyond, Home Depot, and Target are always appreciated.
Essentials baskets: Create a basket filled with home essentials your clients will need in their new place like kitchen tools, bathroom items, cleaning supplies, etc. You can find many of these items at dollar stores to keep costs low.
Decor items: Simple decorative accents like candles, art, plants, or throw pillows make great housewarming gifts. Stick to neutral, versatile options that will match any home decor.
Appliances: If you have a larger budget, small kitchen appliances like a coffee maker, blender, or slow cooker are very useful housewarming gifts. However, be aware of your clients' tastes and the overall style of their new home first.
Closing Keepsakes
Closing keepsakes make memorable gifts that your clients will appreciate for years to come. Some thoughtful options include:
Photo books or framed photos of the new home: Put together a photo book or framed photos of your clients in their new home. This personalizes the gift and provides them with a keepsake of this important milestone.
Customized address signs or plaques: An engraved house number sign, address plaque, or doormat embroidered with your clients' new address makes a useful but sentimental gift.
Scrapbooks or journals: Provide your clients with a scrapbook or journal where they can document memories, photos, and home projects in their new place. Leave some space in the front for them to place a photo and for you to write a personal note.
Decorative boxes or key holders: A decorative storage box, key holder, or entryway cabinet gives your clients a place to store items in their new home while also serving as a reminder of you and your company. Have their names or addresses engraved on the item for an extra special touch.
Creative Closing Gifts Ideas for Buyers and Sellers
Personalized Stationery
Photo Album or Frame
Gift Card
Custom Doormat
Engraved Cutting Board or Serving Tray
Family Portrait Session
Home Improvement Consultation
Move-in Cleaning Service
Gardening Service
Bottle of wine or champagne with a custom label
Etc.
How Much to Spend on Real Estate Closing Gifts
Determining an appropriate budget for real estate closing gifts is an important consideration. Spending too little may seem unthoughtful while spending too much could be seen as inappropriate by clients or your brokerage.
Two things:
Set a Per-Client Gift Budget
Consider the Transaction Value
When to Give Closing Gifts in the Transaction
Giving gifts at the wrong time can seem misplaced and disingenuous. However, presenting gifts at strategic points in the transaction will make your clients feel valued and build goodwill.
At the Signing of the Purchase Agreement
Once your clients have signed the purchase agreement, giving an initial closing gift expresses your gratitude for their business and commitment to the transaction. An appropriate gift at this stage would be a welcome basket with snacks, a coffee mug, or a gift certificate to a local business. This small gesture shows you appreciate this first milestone in the process.
During the Inspection Period
The inspection period can be an anxious time for buyers as they await the results of the professional inspection of their new home. Providing a gift at this point, such as a candle or book by a local author, can help alleviate stress and demonstrate your support. Let your clients know you are there to answer any questions or address any concerns they may have.
At the Final Walk-Through
The final walk-through before closing is an opportune time for a closing gift. Your clients are about to take ownership and possession of their new home, so a housewarming gift is ideal. Consider a decorative item for their new home like artwork or throw pillows featuring the city or neighborhood. You can also give a more practical gift like a toolkit, fire extinguisher, or carbon monoxide detector.
At the Closing Table
The closing table is the pinnacle moment in any real estate transaction. Providing a thoughtful closing gift at this time will create lasting positive memories of their experience working with you. Ideal gifts include a framed photo of their new home, a bottle of champagne for a toast, or a Visa gift card to help them purchase any last-minute items needed for their new home.
How to Marketing Closing Gifts
Post about the closing gift program on your company's social media profiles, including images of some of the more popular gift options. Feature the gift program prominently on your website's homepage, services page, and testimonials.
Make your clients smile with gifts and take photos and videos. Encourage them to give you a review on Google or other platforms. These tactics will spread the word about your closing gift offering to the widest possible audience.
Thanks for reading, do you want more ideas? Check out these two:
Real Estate Email Address Ideas
Real Estate Slogan Ideas
To view the original article, visit the Realtyna blog.
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RETECHNOLOGY PREMIUM MARKETPLACE RELATED PRODUCTS | WEBINARS | SPECIAL OFFERS
[Best of 2021] Best Closing Gifts Under $100
We're continuing an annual tradition of counting down our top 10 articles of the year. The following article was originally published in August and is #9 in our countdown. See #10 here.
It's no secret that referrals are the bread and butter of our business. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, more than 42% of new clients came to agents by referrals, including renters and buyers. Giving your clients a small token of appreciation at closing is a thoughtful and effective way to complete your transaction on a high note while teeing up a referral ask.
Closing gifts are a meaningful gesture that go a long way in maintaining a long-lasting client relationship and generating referrals.
Closing gifts don't need to break the bank to be valued and appreciated. Whether you are looking for a gift card, treat basket, or anything else to give your clients as a housewarming gift, we got you covered. Here are a few affordable options that are big hits with clients.
Personalized Cheese Board or Throw Blanket
Cheese boards and throw blankets are long-lasting, memorable gifts that, especially if personalized, show that there was a great deal of thought put into the purchase.
Options:
Personalized Cheese Board with Name
Watercolor House
A custom watercolor house portrait is a digital painting that can be the perfect housewarming gift for a new homeowner. It's simple to order and will leave a lasting memory for your client.
Options:
Watercolor House Paintings
A Welcome Plant or Tree
If your client has a knack for nature, a potted plant or fruit tree could be the perfect gift. Placed in pots for indoor use, or planted outdoors, these inexpensive gifts are a living reminder of the service you provide.
Options:
Small Plants
Small Trees
Pet Gift Basket and Treat Subscription Box
Gifts for a furry family member are always appreciated by pet lovers. Small gift baskets with toys and treats show pet owners you care by helping them pamper their fur babies!
Options:
Pet Lover Gifts
Here are some tips when choosing the best gift for your client:
Avoid cookie-cutter gifts or perishables like fruit baskets. Instead, find lasting, usable objects or art with a hint of personalization. Monogramming and engraving are easy to order and relatively inexpensive and can elevate even the most simple gift.
Assume every client will close, keeping a mind's eye to identifying a meaningful closing gift. Ask questions about their hobbies and after-work activities.
Pro tip: Don't spend money adding your brand to closing gifts. Most people do not want brand-based products in their brand new homes and will often throw them away. Make it about your client, not you.
To view the original article, visit the Rental Beast blog.
MORE >
Best Closing Gifts Under $100
It's no secret that referrals are the bread and butter of our business. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, more than 42% of new clients came to agents by referrals, including renters and buyers. Giving your clients a small token of appreciation at closing is a thoughtful and effective way to complete your transaction on a high note while teeing up a referral ask.
Closing gifts are a meaningful gesture that go a long way in maintaining a long-lasting client relationship and generating referrals.
Closing gifts don't need to break the bank to be valued and appreciated. Whether you are looking for a gift card, treat basket, or anything else to give your clients as a housewarming gift, we got you covered. Here are a few affordable options that are big hits with clients.
Personalized Cheese Board or Throw Blanket
Cheese boards and throw blankets are long-lasting, memorable gifts that, especially if personalized, show that there was a great deal of thought put into the purchase.
Options:
Personalized Cheese Board with Name
Watercolor House
A custom watercolor house portrait is a digital painting that can be the perfect housewarming gift for a new homeowner. It's simple to order and will leave a lasting memory for your client.
Options:
Watercolor House Paintings
A Welcome Plant or Tree
If your client has a knack for nature, a potted plant or fruit tree could be the perfect gift. Placed in pots for indoor use, or planted outdoors, these inexpensive gifts are a living reminder of the service you provide.
Options:
Small Plants
Small Trees
Pet Gift Basket and Treat Subscription Box
Gifts for a furry family member are always appreciated by pet lovers. Small gift baskets with toys and treats show pet owners you care by helping them pamper their fur babies!
Options:
Pet Lover Gifts
Here are some tips when choosing the best gift for your client:
Avoid cookie-cutter gifts or perishables like fruit baskets. Instead, find lasting, usable objects or art with a hint of personalization. Monogramming and engraving are easy to order and relatively inexpensive and can elevate even the most simple gift.
Assume every client will close, keeping a mind's eye to identifying a meaningful closing gift. Ask questions about their hobbies and after-work activities.
Pro tip: Don't spend money adding your brand to closing gifts. Most people do not want brand-based products in their brand new homes and will often throw them away. Make it about your client, not you.
To view the original article, visit the Rental Beast blog.
MORE >
[Free Download] What NOT to Do Before Closing
You've either heard of or worked with homebuyers who found a home they loved, got approved for a loan, got their offer accepted, and then made a big purchase, quit their job, or otherwise jeopardized their home purchase. Make sure your clients know what not to do if they don't want to lose their loan at the last minute.
Share this brandable flyer with your clients to let them know six important guidelines to make sure they make it to the closing table. Click below to download.
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Efficiency in the Closing Process with 3D Tours
Taking a property listing from posting to closing can be a complicated process. Creating efficiencies in each step can be simple and is essential to completing it with consistent success
Whether you're an agent or client, the process of listing a home and searching for one is a multi-stage effort. This is something we realize at The Kite Team as a part of the larger Keller Williams Infinity Group, and in our first post of this series we covered maximizing the client and agent connection where they meet in the first stage of closing a deal.
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[Best of 2018] Top 5 Greatest Real Estate Closing Gift Ideas
We're continuing an annual tradition of counting down our top 10 articles of the year. The following article was originally published in January and is #6 in our countdown. See #7 here.
Just because the transaction has ended, doesn't mean that the relationship is over—and it's always a great touch to commemorate accomplishing the final goal with a gift. It never has to be something expensive, but a meaningful gift can go a long way in solidifying a healthy working relationship going forward—and to keep you top of mind when someone is looking for a referral or to make another splash in the market.
If you're challenged in the creative gift-giving department, we're here to help you with a list of the best real estate closing gift ideas. It's quite an emotional journey that both parties take part in, so with that being said, here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a gift for your real estate client after the deal has gone through.
MORE >
Top 5 Greatest Real Estate Closing Gift Ideas
Just because the transaction has ended, doesn't mean that the relationship is over—and it's always a great touch to commemorate accomplishing the final goal with a gift. It never has to be something expensive, but a meaningful gift can go a long way in solidifying a healthy working relationship going forward—and to keep you top of mind when someone is looking for a referral or to make another splash in the market.
If you're challenged in the creative gift-giving department, we're here to help you with a list of the best real estate closing gift ideas. It's quite an emotional journey that both parties take part in, so with that being said, here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a gift for your real estate client after the deal has gone through.
MORE >
4 Ways to Supercharge Your Closing Activity Plans
It's the home stretch of the home-buying process. All the back and forth and hard work in the trenches has paid off and just a few John Hancocks stand in the way of all parties walking away happy. However, now isn't the time to take your eyes off the ball and start celebrating an early victory. Think of it as a marathon and you're in the last 100-meter sprint – and instead of mailing in the last little bit, it's important to stay focused right through to the finish line to make sure nothing catches up to you.
You never want to let any details fall through the cracks – so supercharge your closing activity plan to cover all of your bases.
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5 Seller Tips for Speedy Home Sales
It's every seller's dream to have their home listed under perfect conditions in order to sell quickly and for top dollar. While putting on a great open house and making a remarkable first impression are crucial to attracting buyers, there are other variables to consider when selling a home in 2017.
Luckily, 2017 is a great year for your seller clients:
Mortgage rates are still low
Inventory is shrinking
Home prices are rising
Job markets are strengthening
"Sellers have been in the driver's seat for the last two years, but this year is shaping up to be even better for several reasons," says realtor.com®. "Nothing is bad for sellers today."
2017 is poised to be the year of the home seller, real estate experts say. Here are the top five things for sellers to consider to list their home to sell in 2017:
1. Price the home to sell
Let your seller clients know how important it is to base the listing price on the market. What works in California will not apply to Michigan markets. Use local market reports to help your clients understand the market conditions and set expectations.
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5 Tips for Home Buying Negotiations
Your client has found their dream home, it's priced just right, and they're in a strong position to complete the real estate transaction. However, when it comes down to making that offer, you and your clients need to be prepared to negotiate if presented with a counteroffer. Follow these five tips to make sure the negotiations go well:
1. Act Fast
As soon as a counteroffer is made, it's crucial to act as soon as possible. Delays leave room for other buyers to step in, which can result in a bidding war. With other buyers interested, the seller will see that prospects are available who may be willing to pay closer to the asking price. If there is even a hint of a potential bidding war, an increase in possible selling price can occur, or worse, risk of losing the house. So, always act fast.
2. Let the Other Party Go First
However, if you have found yourself in a bidding war with another buyer, it could be beneficial to let them make the first move. Doing so allows you to set the mid-point in the negotiation, which will ensure that your client doesn't pay more than they have to in order to seal the deal. The other bidder's offer could also be better than your intended counter, which could result in a loss of sale. So, if other buyers are placing offers, let them make the first move—and then come back with a counteroffer that surpasses theirs.
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6 Ways to Get Buyers to the Closing Table
At the beginning of the recession, homes were selling like hotcakes and there were great deals to be found. Since we are working off of the back end of this economic downturn, you may still find a few homebuyers who believe that those smokin' hot deals of 2008 are still rampant across the United States.
Unfortunately, those deals are now few and far between. So, if you want to actually make some money and write some "good" offers that will get to the closing table in 2014, you've got to set homebuyer expectations accordingly.
Here are six ways to get buyers off the fence and writing offers that will actually get accepted in 2014 and not 2008.
1. Make a List
Before you tour properties with your clients, sit down and make a list. Have them tell you what they must have in the home they desire, and what might be an additional bonus. Note everything, and carry around those notes so that you can refer back to them as you tour local properties that meet your clients' specifications.
2. Provide Market Information
At that same meeting, provide prospective buyers with information about the local real estate market in the area that they have identified for their home search. In suburban areas, provide a list of homes sold in the last 3-6 months. In a rural area, you may have to go back a little further. You can even put your tech-savvy buyers on an email drip campaign so that they are constantly updated on the latest market information.
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5 Ways to Help Your Clients Through the Closing Process
The closing process can be a stressful time for your clients—homebuyers and sellers. Parties to a transaction are nervous and sometimes confused about the logistics of the transaction. Although consumers are more engaged in the real estate closing process than ever before, the information they’ve learned online or through friends and acquaintances may not always be correct or applicable to their transaction. This is a time when you can demonstrate your value as their trusted real estate professional by alleviating any confusion or misunderstandings with your clients. Here are a few ways you can make the closing process as pleasant as possible.
Tip 1: Communicate, Communicate, Communicate Throughout your relationship with your clients, you’ll want to keep the lines of communication open. But this is extremely important during the closing process, when homebuyers may feel stressed and emotional. Anxiety builds with uncertainty and anticipation, so keeping them informed is a great way to assure homebuyers that their transaction is moving forward as it should.
A new tool from First American Title, myFirstAm™ may help you do this. First and foremost, the new myFirstAm portal is intended to keep everyone informed throughout the transfer-of-title process. With myFirstAm, real estate professionals can receive notifications via email or text message when key milestones in the closing process are complete. You can then promptly notify your client, keeping them up-to-date and happy.
For more about myFirstAm, visit www.myFirstAm.com. You can also read the press release and check out our product description.
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