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Which closing gifts work best to keep you top of mind?

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with ActiveRain

To celebrate the purchase of my first condo four years ago, my agent gave me a $50 gift certificate to a local tea shop and a plant for my closing gift. 

I appreciated the gifts because my agent listened to me and my interests and purchased accordingly (she knew how much I love tea). It was very thoughtful and left me feeling happy and positive about her.

I water the plant and see it every day and it reminds me of my agent. Was this a random or strategic, smart move to keep herself "top of mind"?

Do you always give a closing gift and do you think it is important to choose something to help make you memorable?

 

 

Comments (12)
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Kim Darling
Keller Williams Westland Realty BRE# 01864461 - Fresno, CA
CRS,GRI, "Your Home Team" Fresno/Clovis Homes

I agree, it needs to be personal and fit the client. I'm not a big fan of gift certificates because they aren't real personal and if it's for dinner or something, there's not much of a memory attached to it. It can be good for home improvements, if they are needed. I love the fact that the plant reminds you of your Realtor, that's the effect I want. 

Jan 23, 2011 08:14 AM
Paula Stills
Elite Realty - Rogers, AR
Full time Real Estate, Ready when you are!

Hi Lauren,  I have a partner and we just discussed a closing gift.  I thought we might cater our clients and five of their closest friends a lunch or dinner after closing.  Hopefully killing two birds with one dinner.  Prospecting o the five other couples and a nice gathering for you clients.....Make it a great day.

Jan 23, 2011 08:18 AM
Cameron Novak
The Homefinding Center - Corona, CA
Featured Corona Real Estate Agent Team

I'm always thinking of ways to stay in front of the client with closing gifts.  I also like something that gets delivered to the client's workplace.... lots of advertising when everyone sees how thoughtful their agent is.

Nice pic by the way (not the plant).

Jan 23, 2011 08:19 AM
Doug Rogers
Bayou Properties - Alexandria, LA
Your Alexandria Louisiana Agent

Get to know the clients as you work with them. Then purchase something they are interested in. It hurt my heart as a Saints fan to purchase an autographed picture of Matt Ryan. But my Falcons fan clients loved it.

Jan 23, 2011 08:23 AM
Lauren Bernstein
ActiveRain - Seattle, WA

Kim - you are right that it needs to be personally customized. Do you have specific ideas?

Paula - I love the idea of a catered meal - what a creative way to create an experience and make an impression to potential future clients.

Cameron - What are your favorite closing gifts?

Doug - That's a great story. Sometimes you have to go above and beyond in ways like this to make your clients happy.

Jan 23, 2011 09:05 AM
Bill Pohl
Tetra Homes, Inc. - Loveland, OH

We also like to use plants for our closing gift. Either bamboo or a money tree plant. Either plant has a nice story that goes with them.

Jan 23, 2011 10:13 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Lauren, I always try to give something useful and often I have given a gift card to Menards (like Home Depot) but after reading this I might start giving plants, even a certificate for a tree at a local nursery.

Jan 23, 2011 12:08 PM
Kim Darling
Keller Williams Westland Realty BRE# 01864461 - Fresno, CA
CRS,GRI, "Your Home Team" Fresno/Clovis Homes

Lauren-I have done personalized stepping stones for people, the garden flags and doormats (then I periodically leave a new garden flag on holidays with my business card on them), that has been the ones I like the most. 

Jan 24, 2011 09:25 AM
Brian L. Sirota, Esq.
Bristar Realty (Realtor/Attorney) - Orange, CA
For Solutions: (714) 501-7660

Absolutely Lauren!   I remember how apt a bottle of Piper Sonoma Champagne was for a buyer on Pieper Lane.

Brian L. Sirota, Esq., Broker/Attorney, BriStar Realty, Orange County, California

Feb 07, 2011 07:26 PM
Kathy Schowe
California Lifestyle Realty - La Quinta, CA
La Quinta, California 760-333-8886

I like to find something that I know they will like-- something personal.  I like to give music, homemade goodies, wine-- or something for their pets.  Kathy

Feb 09, 2011 03:57 PM
Lauren Bernstein
ActiveRain - Seattle, WA

Bill - I like that you give plants with a good story. Great thinking!

Bob - I'm sure a gift card to Menards is very useful.

Kim - Personalizing stepping stones? How cool!

Brian - Piper:Pieper  - very neat!

Kathy - It sounds like you have a thoughtful approach. Homemade goodies? Yum!

Feb 09, 2011 05:59 PM
Lee & Pamela St. Peter
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices YSU Realty: (919) 645-2522 - Raleigh, NC
Making Connections to Success in Real Estate

❧ Lauren I need to get my post out for the challenge on closing gifts.  Your agent was right on!  I actually heard from a past client that I too gave a plant to 7 years ago.  Said she still loves her plant and things about us all the time as she tends it...  sweet!
Pamela

Mar 13, 2011 04:39 AM
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