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What is the best way to thank Realtors for recommending staging?

By
Home Stager with HouseSetters Home Staging Services

I have tried different ways of thanking Realtors and have not come up with one good way. Initially, I offerred to treat them to a virtual tour, but found that many of them did their own tours. I then switched to gift cards to Bed, Bath and Beyond but didn't think it was a very "creative" gift. Most recently, I have offered to help with a broker breakfast or cocktail party. Unfortunately, many agents still bring me in after the house has been on the market for months so there is a good possibilty that the house has already been seen by most area agents and a party doesn't always appeal to the agent. (Although I like any reason for a party and a way to show my work!).

Does it seem tacky to just give Realtors a money gift so they can decide how to best use it on behalf of the client?

Comments (4)

Andrea Swiedler
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties - New Milford, CT
Realtor, Southern Litchfield County CT

Linda, I think money might be a no no, I would not accept it from you. How about a coupon for $ off for their next client?

Check local laws, I just think that might be a no no.

Mar 23, 2009 11:40 PM
Linda Esposito
HouseSetters Home Staging Services - Rhinebeck, NY
NY Expert Home Stager, New York Home Stager Blog and Instructor

Thanks for your feedback, Andrea. I am not a Realtor so I am not sure of what is a Realtor no-no and what is not. That's why my favorite thing to do is help cater a party. I enjoy putting together yummy and attractive platters, I love meeting Realtors and I LOVE showing my work! I tell people that staging is my art form. I have been in other lines of work, but never anything that had a creative compoment like staging.

 

Mar 23, 2009 11:48 PM
Janet Brown
Re/Max Aerospace Realty - Rockledge, FL
"Making A Difference One House At A Time"

Linda, I agree with Andrea on the money thing.  I don't always give gifts to realtors, it just depends on the situation.  The best gift you can give the realtor is your ability to transfer a home so that he or she can sell it for top dollar. : )  If the realtor continues to bring more work you way, then most definitely reciprocate with a small thank you, maybe a gift card from Starbucks.  If you want to give a gift to say thank you, why don't you put together a portfolio of your work for your realtors so they have something that they too can enjoy looking at. I read another blog from a stager that creates before and after books from shutterfly.com.  She gives these as thank you's.  The realtor then can enjoy your work, and may even use your services again for staging maybe for herself too.

Hope this helps.

 

Mar 24, 2009 12:13 AM
Linda Esposito
HouseSetters Home Staging Services - Rhinebeck, NY
NY Expert Home Stager, New York Home Stager Blog and Instructor

I love the idea of the book from shutterfly. Thanks everyone for the feedback-Linda

Mar 24, 2009 12:27 PM