Ratliff Candy Company Candy Cane BasketSometimes The Best Gift Isn't Given At Closing

We've done various closing gifts over the years.   All the typical stuff and more, gift cards, embroidered afghans, various gift baskets, perhaps a bottle of wine if it fit the clients. 

But the closing gift we remember most was given BEFORE closing.  A few years ago we had a sweet older couple who were retired and ready to join their kids in Kentucky.  With five acres and a large home to take care of, it was time for them to downsize and get next to the grandkids!  A familiar story so far :)

They were ready, and they were anxious to make the move.  They listened to Liz's staging advice from the start, the pricing....well that took a little longer to be ready for....but we got to be where we needed to be.

Before the winter was over, we got an offer on their property that was acceptable, and proceeded through inspections....and that's when it happened.

The Mrs. had a basket made out of candy canes that held a lot of sentimental value for her, tucked away in the top of the closet, thought to be safe.  Somehow during the home inspection, it was knocked down and broken beyond repair.  The Mrs. was heartbroken and unfortunately neither the buyer's agent or the inspector had left any communication about the mishap. Considering that we were at a delicate point in the inspection process, we didn't press the point with the responsible parties.

What the Mrs. didn't know?  We'd recently watched a show on Food Network about the making of those baskets!  We had a pretty good idea that we could find a replacement, and we put the Net to work for us.  Sure enough, we found the candy cane basket at Ratliff Candy Company in Bristol, Tennessee and got one ordered.

Within a week we had our basket delivered and took it over to the Mrs.  We asked her to open the box and that what was inside was for her.  With no idea what was coming next, she opened the box and unwrapped her present.  Imagine her surprise!  We're not in the habit of making old ladies cry, but that day, we did!  She was happy beyond words that she had her candy cane basket again!

So although we didn't give this gift at closing, this was easily the best gift we've ever given!

You just never know when that TV show you're watching just might pay off later!



Making Happy Real Estate Sellers in Warren County Ohio!
Liz and Bill aka BLiz

REALTORS(S) Serving Warren County Ohio & Adjacent Areas

The Liz Spear Team of RE/MAX Elite
Elizabeth & William Spear
Ask for us by name if you visit the office!
EHO Two locations: Lebanon & Mason, OH
Liz direct:  513-265-3004
Bill direct: 513-520-5305     
Fax: 866-302-8418
MailTo:  LizSpear@Go-Concepts.com
Our Website:  www.LizTour.com

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33 Comments on Sometimes The Best Gift Isn't Given At Closing

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

MAR
21
2011
546,860 Points 18 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Bliz~ You're timing is always perfect.  Didn't you learn about some particular type of flooring from Debbie Gartner right before you met with a client that had that type of flooring?!
12:50pm • #14
238,110 Points 1 Featured Post Attended Rain Camp

for a minute there, I thought you were going to say that you made her one.  LOL

That was a great gift!
1:32pm • #15
238,110 Points 1 Featured Post Attended Rain Camp

are they intended for consumption?  I wonder.
1:44pm • #16
1,049,302 Points 284 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Donna, You remember well!  Debbie's distressed wood post came up within a day or two of a listing interview that had it!

Angelia, Afraid we don't have that skill set!  I suppose you could eat them, but I suspect you could buy more candy canes for the $20+ vs. the basket :)
3:03pm • #17
1,133,508 Points 151 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

OMG that is such a sweet story.  Such a thoughtful gift.  I love it.  Sometimes timing is everything.
3:17pm • #18
1,133,508 Points 151 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Oh, cool, thx Donna and Bill for the mention.  Love you guys.
3:18pm • #19
873,746 Points 48 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

awww.... normally I migght punch you for making a sweet little old lady cry, but in this case I am sending over (((BIG HUGS))). What a great little pay it forward. I wouldn't even call it a closing gift. It was a gift of the heart!!

P.S. The video was very interesting! It is the final touch on a great post!! Thanks!
3:47pm • #20
1,049,302 Points 284 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Debbie, You're welcome!  And timing is often crucial, and we had good timing on this one! :)

Joni, We don't NORMALLY make sweet old ladies cry, but tears of happiness....we can be okay with that! :)
4:19pm • #21
985,209 Points 48 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Bill & Liz - I didn't even know these baskets existed and it's great you replaced it, I'm sure your client will remember that for life.
5:50pm • #22
1,049,302 Points 284 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Michelle, Just a little serendipity!
6:07pm • #23
133,335 Points 7 Featured Posts

Even more a proof of the warm caring people you are. This goes way beying real estate.
11:24pm • #24
1,049,302 Points 284 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Good evening Maya!

It was hard enough for this couple to leave their long time home, at least we could try to alleviate one mishap :)
11:40pm • #25
MAR
22
2011
760,217 Points 69 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Way to go the extra mile, Bill.  That is the closing gift that keeps on giving.
12:06am • #26
1,049,302 Points 284 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Jane, We know they won't forget us :)
6:15am • #27
643,206 Points 111 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

BLiz that is such a touching story.
9:15am • #28
1,049,302 Points 284 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Amb from Bham, It felt great to make someone so happy! :)
9:18am • #29
564,433 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Bliz ~ you listened to the Mrs. and at one point she told you about the basket.  It doesn't matter what our clients talk about, what matters is that we LISTEN!  You two are the best!!
3:39pm • #30
1,049,302 Points 284 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Dawn, We knew that basket meant a lot to her, and fortunately we had the knowledge and the ability to replace it and make her happy :)
3:48pm • #31
MAR
24
2011
596,136 Points 70 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

BLiz - OMG!!! What a great story! I can just imagine how surprised and appreciative your clients were.  On another note, SHAME on the one who broke and made no effort to acknowledge and/or replace it. 
2:02pm • #32
1,049,302 Points 284 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Donne, They not 'fessing up part is the disturbing part.  Can't imagine breaking something in someone else's house and not trying to make everything right if at all possible.
2:28pm • #33

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Liz and Bill Spear RE/MAX Elite Warren County Ohio: Cincinnati to Dayton

Liz and Bill Spear

Mason, OH

More about me…

513.265.3004 www.LizTour.com

Address: 5720 Gateway Blvd, Suite 203, Mason, OH, 45040

Cell Phone: (513) 265-3004

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REALTORS(R) serving Warren County Ohio and surrounding areas. Observing and reporting on real estate and related topics to help your quality of life! And if you're asking where is Warren County Ohio? We fill the space between Cincinnati and Dayton. Perfect for enjoying the bigger cities without living in them. Places like Mason, Lebanon, Springboro, Waynesville, Franklin and more. Plus lots of rural properties available too. We work with both residential homes buyers and sellers.


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