Gifts To Give Your Realtor After Closing

Image shows top closing gifts for your realtor like referrals and reviews, wine, flowers, gift baskets, and gift cards.
Photo:

The Balance / Melissa Ling

You're not required to give your realtor a gift after closing. In fact, realtors and other real estate agents rarely get gifts at closing. It's not that their clients don't appreciate their efforts, it's that most home sellers and buyers are too busy moving after closing to think about realtor closing gifts. Many realtors are pleasantly surprised when a client sends them a gift after closing, because it's not expected; however, it's greatly appreciated. If you're wondering what type of gift to send your realtor that will adequately reflect your gratitude, here are our top 10 closing gift suggestions.

Key Takeaways

  • Referrals and reviews are great gifts that can help your realtor get more business in the future.
  • Common gifts such as gift certificates, gift baskets, flowers, and bottles of wine are also appreciated.
  • If your realtor really went above and beyond, you may consider more involved gifts, such as jewelry or custom engravings.

Referrals and Reviews

The reason real estate agents don't turn into one-hit wonders and quickly go out of business is that they receive referrals and reviews from satisfied clients. Referrals are the backbone of an agent's business. Without referrals, agents may be scratching in the dirt for clients.

Note

If you found value with your agent's services, pass it on. Referrals are the gold standard of gifts.

The same goes for posting a positive online review for your realtor. It's the gift that keeps on giving, long after your transaction has closed. Go to your agent's Google business page, Yelp, Zillow, or Facebook, and post a nice review about your experience. Agents want this more than almost anything except a referral.

Gourmet Gift Baskets

Busy agents may lack time to sit down and have consistent meals. If anything is going to be placed on the back burner during a busy day, it's likely food. Gourmet gift baskets are a mix of edible delights such as nuts, crackers, cheese, cookies, fruit, candy, chocolate, baked goods, and more.

Gift Certificates

Gift certificates are a perfect universal gift. They are available in almost any denomination and can be issued from online stores or retail outlets such as department stores, bookstores, gas stations, or local restaurants. Restaurants are excellent choices because not every agent is lucky enough to have someone cook dinner for them.

Flowers

Flowers make great gifts, especially when the delivery is unexpected. The choices are abundant, from seasonal bouquets arranged in unique vases to exotic plants such as miniature palm trees or bonsai. Best of all, most can be delivered on the same day they're ordered.

Spice Sets and Condiments

Quality spices, herbs, and specialty condiments, such as hot sauces from the Caribbean or barbecue sauces, are delightful closing gifts to receive because they are useful and unique. After your agent samples fresh, quality gourmet spices, traditional grocery-store brands will never hold a candle to your gift.

Wines or Tea

If your realtor appreciates wine tasting and fine wines, a bottle of wine is a thoughtful, perfect gift. Some great selections include Ports, Chateauneuf-du-Pape from the French Southern Rhone, California Cabernet, Italian Pinot Grigio, or Australian Shiraz. If they don't drink alcohol, consider teas or coffee gift sets.

Jewelry and Trinkets

You don't have to give a diamond tennis bracelet or anything extravagant, but pins, brooches, charms, or sliders are appropriate. Choose from cufflinks, key chains, or money clips. Valets or jewelry boxes also make good gifts.

Digital Picture Frames

Digital picture frames contain an onboard memory that holds dozens of digital photographs and can be set to display them in a slideshow. They either are battery operated or use a plug-in adapter, and they can be wonderful additions to someone's desk or hallway table.

Custom Engraved Gifts

You can engrave or monogram a wide variety of items that are suitable for realtor closing gifts. From candle sets, pens, and desktop clocks to coffee mugs, the possibilities are endless. If you want to personalize the gift more, include a thank-you message that conveys your appreciation for their services.

Collectibles

If you know your real estate agent harbors a passion for a particular hobby or interest, a figurine, sculpture, print, or novelty item reflecting that hobby or interest will show personal consideration. This shows you were thoughtful and paid attention to their interest outside of their career.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can realtors give gifts to clients who offer referrals?

Realtors have to be careful when giving a gift to a client who referred friends or family to their services. Gifts are legal, but paying someone for a referral can cross into illegal territory. As long as the gift comes from the heart and was not considered or discussed before the referral was given, there shouldn't be an issue with giving a small gift as a "thank you" for the referral.

What are the rules for giving a gift to a realtor?

There aren't any rules that prevent you from giving a gift to your realtor, but it certainly isn't expected. The only time special rules apply is when the value of the gift exceeds $15,000—in which case, gift taxes come into play.

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