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Closing Gift For Your Buyer

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner CalBRE# 01433049

Shurlok LockboxClosing Gift For Your Buyer

I read a blog post that was recently written by Kathleen Daniels called: Simple Question: Closing Gift to a Cooperating Agent. The comment thread on that blog post generated a plethora of fantastic ideas when it comes to closing gifts.

I used to give my buyers a bottle of champagne and champagne flutes, or a nice bottle of Sonoma County wine. For those who don't drink alcohol, they would normally receive a house plant.

Not anymore. About two years ago a buyer client of mine closed on a foreclosure that needed a lot of work. I let my buyer "borrow" one of my contractor lockboxes. About 6 months later, I called to ask if she wanted me to remove my lockbox from her side garage door. The response was "no, I'm still using it!"

So I called again another 6 months later with the same question. I received the same response. I said "I'm never going to see that lockbox again, am I?" The answer was "nope".

I haven't met a buyer yet who didn't plan to update their new home. Having a contractors lockbox on a side or back door is the simplest way for a contractor to gain access to your home while you are not there. After the work is done, you can easily change the combination and keep it as a spare key holder for when you inevitably lock yourself out of your home. I know this from personal experience. I have this same lockbox on my gas meter. I'll never be locked out again!

 

 

Posted by

 

Cynthia Larsen (707-332-2560) is an independent real estate referral broker in Sonoma County, California as well as a Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist.

CA Broker License #01433049

Comments (8)

Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

I don't believe in Settlement Day gifts . The better pattern to evolve to is a House Warming Gift  POST Settlement, demonstrating the continuing of the relationship !

Dec 22, 2015 02:48 AM
Cynthia Larsen

Good idea, Michael. If you haven't already, you should write a post on how you accomplish this. I'm assuming you are the one who organizes the house warming party?

Dec 22, 2015 02:50 AM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

Hi Cynthia - a contractor box would make a great gift for home buyers. Now, if it could be engraved with our name and contact info -- even better!

Dec 22, 2015 03:07 AM
Cynthia Larsen

Lottie, what a GREAT idea!

Dec 22, 2015 03:34 AM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

PS -- wishing you a Merry Christmas and happy holidays. I hope our paths cross in 2016 - we're not that far away from each other.

Dec 22, 2015 03:08 AM
Cynthia Larsen

It seems we are close yet worlds apart! Merry Christmas to you too!

Dec 22, 2015 03:34 AM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

I gave my daughter one.  She has a dog and works 24 hour shifts.  She can usually get by to let her out a few times since she lives just a couple of blocks work her base of operations, but when she can't we all know where the lockbox is and can do it for her.

Dec 22, 2015 01:03 PM
Cynthia Larsen

Tammy, there are so many reasons to have a spare key in a lockbox and not under the potted plant on the porch. I really like the ones that you can "reprogram" to a different code after a contractor has been in your home to do repairs. Just to be safe.

Dec 23, 2015 01:08 AM
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

 Good morning Cynthia. It seems as if folks today will take advantage of the goodness of others. Sorry to hear that.

Dec 22, 2015 07:31 PM
Cynthia Larsen

I actually thought it was funny, Michael. After I realized I wasn't going to get the lockbox back, I bought a case of them and have been giving them out ever since. They really are VERY popular.

Dec 23, 2015 01:07 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Cynthia, I left a lockbox on a listing that closed in November, and haven't gotten mine back yet either.  

Jan 15, 2016 10:17 PM
Cynthia Larsen

Buyers are so funny! I have 15 contractor lockboxes in my office right now, they will not go to waste! I recently bought some heavy duty outdoor combination padlocks and I have a feeling they will be just as popular. Thanks for stopping by Joan!

Jan 15, 2016 10:27 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

I love it Cynthia, I clearly missed Kathleen Daniels  post on this subject I have given Campaign as well or 100 pt wine...depending on the likes of the buyers... I have also give Home Depot as well as Gardening Gift Cards....Endre

Aug 23, 2016 12:10 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

I love this idea, Cynthia!  I have one that goes on and off when we need it to but, never thought about leaving it on all the time - or giving them as gifts!  I love it!

Oct 06, 2016 02:05 PM