Gifts for clients

$100 or so is usually fine. I usually listen to my clients or get them a BBQ!

I wrote about the same blog yesterday. I usually give gift cards or house warming gifts. I try to get a feel for what they need or don't have.

Chris, this sounds good. never really thought about it, but i guess it's a nice gesture. so even a $100 gift or gift card sounds good.

I usually give a gift card from a home improvement center. That way they can get something then need for the new house.

Chris,

WELCOME to Active Rain!  This is a great community.  For a visual of what I do for my clients, please take a look at the luminarias in the photo on my post Please Welcome My Friend Robin Chlad. 

Mike in Tucson

I usually give out gift cards, but it really does depend on the transaction and the relationship between you guys. I hope thats helped a bit. Good luck!

I used to give Home Depot or Lowes gift certificates but I have stopped doing it.  I just don't think it's necessary.

Thinking about this from prior experience when I was not in this industry but buying and selling property, my first instinct was that I would have rather had a better deal on the commission if there was enough money to get me a gift.  However, upon reflection I realized that the commission structure was well established in the local market and that a gift was appreciated if it was reasonable. 

If buying, a home improvement gift card is very appreciated.  If selling, perhaps an Amex gift card (good about anywhere).

Amount? Well too much (over $100) says to me that the Realtor either made a killing on this or does not know how to manage their own money.  The best thing a great Realtor can do for me is add value and make enough to stay in business for next time.   Less than $50 for a gift card can look a bit cheap.  If you wish to spend less than $50, send a purchased gift that you think matches the situation.  Can be more personal... IF you know that much about the person.

Should you decide on a gift card from a Home improvement company you may want to check out  www.lowesrealtorbenefits.com  just a suggestion.

Chris, I like giving leather bound binders to keep all their documents.

This was a good question. I am working with buyers and was wondering what type of gift to give when we get to settlement.

Thanks

Melinda

I do Pauls idea with Lowes.  It seems to be an added benefit but to be honest no one has said so.  Such a shame.

Chris-

When I purchased my home, our realtors had a blanket "throw" made for us, with our names weaved into the stitchwork of the throw.  It was absolutely beautiful and looked GORGEOUS!  They included the names of our family and a small saying about "home".  It was a very nice and UNFORGETTABLE gift.  I've found that you can get those made at most malls, and are not that expensive, but do look elegant! 

Cheryl Lee Anderson, Notary

I know this question was posted some time ago but as a new agent, I have been wrestling with this question myself.  The home improvement center gift card was what I purchased for my buyers on my first sale.

I recently closed on a couple of leases and wasn't sure if the same gesture was necessary.  Both of my clients were new to the area so my idea was to purchase something from one of the local business establishments so that they would be interested in looking into what other businesses in the downtown area have to offer.

Since they aren't staying in this location permanently, it didn't seem logical to purchase something for the home as a gift.  My thought is that they just need to know that you appreciate that they chose you to help with their transaction.  There are a lot of agents out there - and we should all be grateful when a client chooses us.

I have given gift certificates for a massage.  Gift cards, baskets full of cleaning supplies, mailing labels, etc.  It depends on the client and I like to change it up.  So I will keep checking on your comments from this post.

Chris, I used to do closing gifts and I still do a stamp pad with the new address for buyers, a picture (pencil drawing) of the house for my sellers if they were emotionally attached to their old home and sometimes windchimes (Hallmark has a nice set for around $75.00).  But, over the years, I have moved away from anything else and asked my clients to pick a charity that they support and then I donate part of my commissions to the charity in their name.  It helps the charity, and everybody feels good about it!

I do gift cards to popular restaurants in the area. I try to stay well below $100 since there may be restrictions on how we spend money on clients and I dont wants anybody thinking im doing something wrong. I know its a bit paranoid but better safe than sorry.

Hi Chris, something cool is getting them a copy of the grant deed to their new home and frame it for them. Pretty special and not expensive.

Over the years, I have given anything from gift baskets, to gift cards, to Christmas presents, to door knockers, and on and on.  I stopped giving gifts years ago - doctors, dentists, attorneys don't give out gifts, and I've sorta followed along that rule.