Gift Giving by Realtors at the end of a transaction is a good idea, period.
I was amazed and surprised at the position taken by some members of this community. I could not believe, that some thought it was not “professional” to give closing gifts.
Someone, even said that those who give gifts are “insecure”, well I broke out laughing even though I was annoyed at the comment.
The reason it made me laugh is, I am probably one of the most secure people you will meet. I am an Airborne Ranger Infantry Captain form a previous career and I had to adjust my black and white positions to being somewhat more in the gray area. (It is a work in progress)
Those of you who read my blog posts and comments, or met me in person know I am not afraid to take a stand, especially if I disagree with the person’s position. Those people with whose ideas I disagree, I learned to say politely that ’I respectfully disagree and will write a post expressing my position’ later. Some get offended, some agree with me and others understand and still disagree with me.
There were comments, that attorneys, dentists do not give gifts to their clients once the transaction is completed. Others claimed it was unprofessional. I just shook my head as I was reading the answers.
Ask any successful agent what makes them successful? Not surprisingly you will often get the answer that they have mastered ‘the Art of Relationship building’. Many Realtors even develop long term friendships with their clients. Gift giving is part of successful relationship building process. Most of my clients appreciate a gift and reciprocate in turn many ways.
Gift Giving goes a long way with relationship building and it is professional. Over the years, I have given gifts to my buyers, my sellers, Escrow Officers and Transaction Coordinators and even agents who were involved in the transaction. In the long run, I have also cultivated friendship and I can directly attribute it to the gifts I gave or the gifts I received. Keeping in mind there are over 10,000 real estate agents in the Greater Los Angeles area and by giving gifts to the sellers and the agents is just saying “thank you” period. No hidden meanings, no insecurities, just a simple “thank you”.
In my 20 + years practicing real estate in the greater Los Angeles area, I have only had a handful of transactions with the same agents, so the odds are slim that I will get a “ financial benefit” from them for my gift giving, outside of maybe developing a friendship in the long run. It is simply a way of thanking them.
During the time, I have been on Active Rain I have even received gifts from fellow members and I have given gifts as well.
Just to give examples: I have four cookbooks that were gifts from Active Rain members, because they understood my passion of cooking as well as that I am a collector of cookbooks and noticed I did not have those books. I have also received, chocolate from parts of the country that do not market or distribute to the Greater Los Angeles area. I have also received coffee cakes and even pies from fellow members. I am grateful for their thoughtful gifts and the kindness which they have shown to me over the years. I cannot thank those members enough privately.
I think they are the ultimate in being professional and I look up to them as expert in their field and in their niche markets. So what are your thoughts about this subject? Keep in mind I even do Closing Dinners with some of my clients because we connected and became friends.
If you are considering buying or selling a home, a luxury home, luxury investment real estate, luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu, feel free to contact me at 310.486.1002 (m) or homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at http://www.endrebarath.com. I am a Pet Friendly Realtor and I contribute a portion of my commission to local animal rescue organizations.
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