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Where is the Closing Gift my Realtor is Suppose to Give me?

By Cheryl Dukes . . . . . Intown Atlanta

Real Estate Agent with Guaranteed Offer for your Home - eXp realty 274930

March 20, 2012 01:30 PM

Why didn’t I get a Closing Gift from my Vinings, Georgia Realtor?

Realtor Gift for selling my Vinings GA home? With the recession in full swing, you might come across some real estate agents who have cut back on buying housewarming or closing gifts for their clients. But recession or not, do you still secretly hope to receive a gift from your Vinings, Georgia real estate agent once your sale is complete?

As a home buyer in the Vinings, Georgia area, what would you like to receive from your agent as a housewarming gift for your new home? Once you sell your Vinings, Georgia home, are you expecting something from your Realtor as a ‘thank you’ or ‘token of appreciation’?

Do you want something for the home like a doorknocker or outdoor plant, or would you prefer a gift certificate from the local Smyrna, Georgia Home Depot store?

Vinings GA housewarming gift Do you prefer a gift you can eat like a popcorn maker (with popcorn of course), or a bottle of champagne, or a cookie tin filled with gourmet cookies?

Or do you want a bucket full of tender, juicy chicken nuggets, or would you enjoy a gift card to your favorite restaurant?

Or do you think your Realtor should pay for a housewarming party where you can invite all of your new friends?

Do you even expect your agent to buy you a housewarming or closing gift at all? Are you disappointed when you don’t receive one?

Has it occurred to you to give your Realtor a gift for a job well-done?

When you purchase or sell your Vinings, Georgia home, what type of gifting – if any – do you think should take place?

To Sell your Vinings Georgia home, call me at 770-475-1130 x4486.

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Richie Alan Naggar

people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA

agent & author

Now a days, just getting what we all agreed to is sufficient...Anything more than that is us telling each other that something special took place....I have the perfect gift too if and when it is appropriate

Mar 20, 2012 11:52 PM

Christina Brinker

William E. Wood and Associates - Courtland, VA

I had a closing last week where I was on the sellers side. They moved from their home to an RV for the short term, since their house went under contract in less than 2 weeks after listing. I gave them a few local dining gift cards to help out with meal times and to give them a break from cooking in the RV. I do this will all my clients, I think it is a way for them to remember that you went that little bit of an extra mile to help them out.

Mar 21, 2012 12:07 AM

Ron Cooks

The Real Estate Marketplace - Killeen, TX

Texas Real Estate, Ft Hood/Killeen Homes for Sale

BLiz (#10) what a great idea, donating to charity in the name of your client. I had a couple of clients that would've really appreciated the gesture. I'll keep that in mind for future deals.

Mar 21, 2012 12:11 AM

Margie Kopp Sorrell

Coldwell Banker Lake Oconee Realty and Lake Country - Greensboro, GA

Lake Oconee Real Estate

Cheryl- Love the Vinings! My husband and I talk about moving to that area of Atlanta in the next few years.

As for closing gifts, something small if anything. A bottle of wine if they like wine. It's a nice gesture but not neccessary, and never should be expected, in my opinion.

Mar 21, 2012 12:14 AM

Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner

Karen Parsons-Fiddler, Broker 949-510-2395 - Mission Viejo, CA

Orange County & Lake Arrowhead, CA (949)510-2395

It always feels so good when I'm met with a present when I hand over the keys. Means they really do appreciate what I did to make the transaction come together.

Mar 21, 2012 12:42 AM

Morris Massre

Pembroke Pines, FL

Real Estate Instructor Broward County Florida

Boy, you finally got it right. Why don't I get a gift for all of the hard work? Buyers are always expecting something from us, especially money, and now we want to reward them as well?!!

Mar 21, 2012 01:28 AM

Kathryn Maguire

GreatNorfolkHomes.com (757) 560-0881 - Chesapeake, VA

Serving Chesapeake, Norfolk, VA Beach

I always give something to a buyer as a house-warming present. It is always different, suited to the individual client. For a pure seller, they always get a bottle of my favorite French Champagne. In return, I have had clients who make lunch or dinner for me in their own home....that is the best gift of all!

Mar 21, 2012 04:20 AM

Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional

Charles Rutenberg Realty - Clearwater, FL

Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor

I generally give Home Depot or Lowe's gift cards but have also given gift cards for dining. Some clients get personal gifts if I feel that I know them a bit better............and I have gotten gifts from clients before. It is always a great feeling.

Mar 21, 2012 04:39 AM

Anonymous

MEL

I don't agree with gifts between RE agent and client. You were hired to do a service. Service completed. You were paid. Done. Move on. You are not friends. Nobody did anyone a favor for which a thank you gift is protocol. It is a business transaction. Occassionally businesses give gifts to their clients. It's a good will gesture for an ongoing relationship. If that's what you think you have with your client, then knock yourself out and buy whatever makes you feel good. Please don't have your name and number printed on it.

Also, if you feel you must send greeting cards for whatever occassion, that's up to you. Your client may consider that to be junk mail. Holiday gifts are not required, expected, or even appropriate. Really, what are you going to put into a holiday gift, a few dollars for a seasonal decoration. You don't know what these people like. Save your money and your effort.

Mar 21, 2012 05:28 AM

#31

Bill Gillhespy

16 Sunview Blvd - Fort Myers Beach, FL

Fort Myers Beach Realtor, Fort Myers Beach Agent - Homes & Condos

Not really comfortable with the gift thing but understand it is somewhat of a regional issue.

Mar 21, 2012 05:43 AM

Ava Anderson

A-Z Atlanta Realty - Snellville, GA

Selling Atlanta from A-Z!

I never feel obligated to give a gift, generally providing good service is my gift. Occasionally I will give a client a home depot or lowes gift card since that buyers almost always need something from the new home. I've also had some clients give me a gift as a thank you at the end of my transactions, but I agree with all that a referral is the best gift.

Mar 21, 2012 09:33 AM

Cheryl Dukes . . . . . Intown Atlanta

Guaranteed Offer for your Home - eXp realty - Atlanta, GA

Ava - Good service is an excellent gift. How do you determine who gets a Home Depot/Lowes gift card and who doesn't?

Bill - regional issue? Is there no gifting done in the Fort Myers area?

Mel - are you being a "grinch"?

Barbara-Jo - Yes, it is always great fun to receive a gift.

Kathryn - Calling it a housewarming gift instead of a closing gift makes it seem more appropriate. By the way, what is your favorite French Champagne? That sounds like a nice touch.

Morris - Every now and then I get surprised with a bouquet of flowers from a client, but have always given a gift to my buyers. I think it makes me feel better than it makes them feel.

Karen - That's great to hear that some of our Realtors are rewarded for their excellent efforts.

Margie - Vinings is a growing and popular part of Atlanta where the properties hold their values fairly well. It would be a nice move from Lake Oconee. A bottle of wine is a very nice, classic gesture.

Ron - That is a nice conversation topic too when you are showing homes - to ask clients what types of charities they support and then surprise them with a donation in their name.

Well said Christina!

Richie - Making a sell nowadays is a special event! I sure am curious about what your perfect gift is.

Let's see Brenda, --- I can't think of one other professional who gives me a gift for doing business with them (except for the bank when I open a new account). Perhaps gifting can be us Realtors' own special trademark.

Lorraine or Loretta - You mean your clients looked a gift horse in the mouth? Reminds me of my 5-year-old - he gets a gift he doesn't like and then he doesn't want to send a thank you note. I'm trying to teach him how to be gracious in receiving - a lesson some of your clients must have missed.

Rob - Gifts all around. I wish I was one of your clients!

Bryan - You are brave to get something like a mirror that might not fit with their personal decor choices. Thanks for your suggestions. I guess a smaller gift might be better than no gift at all, if we have to cut back.

That's great Ginny! Do a good job for them and they will want to thank you.

Gita - Aren't flowers great?! I think that says as much about your clients as it does about you.

Richard and Jean - Isn't it always nice to receive an unexpected gift?

Cheryl - I'll bet the caricatures were lots of fun (and a nice keepsake)!

Very nice Vicki - What could be more valuable and memorable than giving your time!

Gabe - It's always nice to be appreciated.

Liz and Bill - A home warranty is a generous gift and I'll bet the referrals flow your way every time something in their home breaks down and they have your warranty to thank...

Doug - I'm beginning to think that giving gifts to our clients can come in many forms . . . sometimes it's just the thought that counts.

Home Realtors of Idaho - Pizza is a great idea - even the "bigger sales" might enjoy some pizza (after all, they already have everything they need - right?)

Aw Bruce - I think they expect the agent to buy their own gift with that big commission check they're getting ;-)

Lanre - Glad this is helping you get ideas - looking forward to reading your blog.

Fred - ah, yes that is the life!

Great thoughts, Jordan - that makes a lot of sense to me!

Winston - Referrals are the best. I used to give personalized gifts (not sure the clients appreciated them, so I stopped).

USM - Everyone loves a great gift, especially when it is an unexpected surprise!

Mar 21, 2012 01:51 PM

Christine Donovan

Donovan Blatt Realty - Costa Mesa, CA

Broker/Attorney 714-319-9751 DRE01267479 - Costa M

Cheryl - I give lots of small gifts throughout the process, and I've been fortunate enough to get quite a few gifts from clients.

Mar 21, 2012 05:11 PM

Kathryn Maguire

GreatNorfolkHomes.com (757) 560-0881 - Chesapeake, VA

Serving Chesapeake, Norfolk, VA Beach

Cheryl: My favorite Champagne is a Grand Cru from de Margerie. I used to like Veuve Cliquot but this one is even better!

Mar 21, 2012 11:06 PM

Beth Atalay

Cam Realty and Property Management - Clermont, FL

Cam Realty of Clermont FL

Cheryl, Most of my clients were surprised to receive a gift, they do not expect it, it's something I've been doing whether be a Buyer or Seller. It's a nice gesture.

Mar 21, 2012 11:24 PM

Anonymous

Patrick

When I was shopping for my first home a few years ago my RE agent kept repeating, in a joking (but serious) way, about how he deserved a dinner out in a nice restaurant for all the hard work he was doing for me. In the span of about three weeks he showed me 10-12 homes. I paid cash. I considered this a rather easy and painless sale and since I was lead to believe this was customary, took my agent and his spouce to dinner. I received no gift from my agent.

I am now about to close on my second home and was doing a search on the internet to find a suitable gift for my agent besides taking her out for dinner. (She did a terrific job for me and I have great respect for her but I can't imagine us sitting in a restaurant together trying to force casual conversation) Only now have I seen that it's more typical for an agent to give their client a gift. I won't expect anything from my agent but I do plan to show my appreciation and give her something like a bottle of wine or basket of gourmet cookies that she can share with the office or take home. (I personally enjoy receiving food baskets - as long as they have quality products and aren't some cheap low end food product).

Personally, receiving some sort of plastic thing with a corporate logo stamed on it is almost never appreciated. That's marketing and promotion for your company and not a gift. I work in a professional office and have been both the sender and recipient of many, mnay, many marketing items. How many beer can cozys or tote bags can a person have? This country is over saturated with that dross and a good portion of those marketing items go straight to the trash bin. I have a higher opinion and will be more likely to recomend someone if they do something personal rather than stick a plastic widget in an envelope and mail it to me.

Apr 04, 2012 12:14 AM

#39

Cheryl Dukes . . . . . Intown Atlanta

Guaranteed Offer for your Home - eXp realty - Atlanta, GA

Christinel - Are you saying it Tis better to give - and then you shall receive?

Kathryn - forget the gifting. I can't wait to try out some Grand Cru my own self.

Beth - I'll bet your clients think you are the greatest!

Great comments Patrick. Sounds like you are a great client (and gifter). I guess the best gifts are always the ones that come from the heart (and not from the marketing budget).

Apr 04, 2012 02:08 PM

Anonymous

Tara

I have a question for the relators, as a Scentsy direct sales consultant in a rural area of Pennslyvania, what would you think if I sent a letter to your office with an idea of giving scentsy warmers and scent bars as housewarming gifts? Or as an idea for the realtor to use for open houses? any thoughts from those who do buy gifts for their clients would be appreicated! thanks!

Mar 07, 2013 03:28 AM

#41

Anonymous

J Yenik

Check out www.newnestpillows.com. You can personalize the pillow and add your logo and contact info onto the sewn on tag. They are amazing, my buyers love them!!

Mar 02, 2015 07:43 AM

#42

Brenda Mayette

Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY

Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

Love it! Thanks for letting me know about them!

Mar 03, 2015 05:21 AM