Betsy, Dan Cummings in CT did a post with some great ideas for closing gifts.  If you search his blog I'm sure you'll find it.  It was top notch.

Betsy,

If your clients were sentimental about their home a good idea my wife thought of was when you are taking the pictures of the home take some unique shots and present them with a scrapbook of the home they are selling.

Doug

I feel that every client is different. If you ask enough questions and build that rapport then you will know their favorite sport, hobbies, wine, movies, etc...and then base your gift off of that.

Betsy,  what types of gifts are you looking for? There re several companies that sell post closing gifts. E-mail me I have a few good companies if I know what you are looking for?

Dinner?  How about a gift certificate for dinner, or to a home improvement place like lowe's or home depot??

If the home does not have a mailbox or has an old mailbox, put up a mailbox for your buyers.  Every time they pick up their mail, they think of you.

If they already have a great mailbox for the home and there is a place to plant a tree or plant that will add to the yard landscaping for years to come, then put in this plant or landscaping.  Once again, this buyer will think of you each time they see this landscaping. 

I just sold a home to a couple who are going to have to put in their yard so they are getting a gift certificate to Home Depot because I know that they will use it and appreciate it.

THanks for the great ideas.  I know some agents in my office try to give gifts that keep them in their clients' minds.  The photos albums sounds like a great idea, especially for someone who is moving out of their home after living there for many years.  I like the mailbox as a gift too -how difficult is it to install one?

Over the years I have talked to many realtors about the gifts they have given and one has stuck in my mind and that is to have a basket of food delivered on the day they move in so that they do not have to worry about dinner that evening.  Just make sure you give them a card letting them know not to worry and to expect it.

I try to figure out things the home needs or special intrests of the buyers. Maybe if your seller is moving out of state something that is useful in the state or area they are moving too. I will also agree with Carrie that is another great idea I have heard from a few realtors.

I give my clients a welcome mat and a customized basket. I buy the welcome mats at Bed Bath & Beyond or Linen 'n Things when I get the 20% off coupons. I give the client the mat when we do the final walk through and bring the basket to the closing. My friend has a basket business (Mysozo Gift Creations) and she interviews me about my clients' likes, dislikes and hobbies. She creates baskets based on our conversation. Prices are totally up to me. I spend $10-$20 on rental clients (a $15 basket of pasta, sauce, and bread sticks is nice to first meal in the new home). I spend more for purchases and sales based on the price of the transaction.

I also take advantage of the Realtor benefits through Lowe's on-line for client discounts and coupons. 

Hi Betsy,

I am will be obviously biased to you, but I hope you will take a look anyway.

I market closing gifts at www.wevemovedgifts.com and I think you will find them unique and memorable. All of my gifts are personalized with an artistic rendering of the home. I recently added Botticini marble coasters that are just beautiful. And I will soon be adding glass cutting boards and mugs.

The real value added with my gifts is that I take great pains to retouch all photos that I receive. The before and after shots are remarkable.

I hope you'll take a look and let me know what you think.

Good luck!!

I'm a real estate agent also. I too struggled trying to find a great closing gift that my client would use throughout the time they lived in their home, but also would also allow me to keep my name front and center so that I could more easily get referrals and repeat business. Then I got the idea to develop The Ultimate Home Book & Organizer. The Book allows homeowners to organize all of the information about their home (everything from their paint colors, measurements, mortgage rates and all those phone numbers). The Organizer accordion storage system is for warranty booklets, design samples and there are places to store any newsletters or mailings that you provide. There are plenty of places to include your information and it even comes with referral postcards. I have lots of agents that give them for every closing! You can see more at www.ZingPress.com.

What professional gives a closing gift? When's the last time you got a gift from your attorney, doctor, dentist or other professional? You got paid by the seller, give them the gift.

If you must give a gift, try a carvel cake with a picture of the house with your SOLD sign in the front yard or try a picture of the same in a puzzle, it's a waste of money and not very professional.

My 2 cents

http://realtybydan.com

Here's a list that I've pulled together based on other AR members feedback. 

I go with something they will use every day and use for a long time.  I like a gas grill.

I'm over in the Danbury Office. I recenly had a closing for a nice young couple that purchased their first home. I got them $75 to a very nice restaurant but not the fanciest restaurant in town as well as a windchime for their new front porch and 1 for their backyard patio.

I agree that every client and real estate transaction is different.  I sometimes find it difficult as well to come up with a unique closing gift.  I think the best thing is to find out what your buyers interests are.  A gift certificate to a nice fancy restaurant is always an excellent idea. 

Thanks for all the good ideas.  It gets overwhelming trying to think of a meaningful present for each client - and all while staying in budget!

The members site at Sotheby's Realty has some great gifts including a wonderful new cafe cookbook.