Special offer
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers, Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty (Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area)

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Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

If its chef Boyardee...probably under a dollar

Jan 08, 2016 11:53 PM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Tony,

It depends on the chef.  In my opinion, it is way too extravagant, and too personal.  These days you have people with all kinds of food allergies, etc.  Our niece cooks 5 different meals for the family.  Each of the three kids has a different allergy...and she is gluten free, and her husband is not.  A

Jan 08, 2016 11:49 PM
Rainmaker
1,661,936
John McCormack, CRS
Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM
Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!

In our area it would be expensive.  I don't give closing gifts anymore.

Jan 08, 2016 11:35 PM
Rainmaker
7,836,164
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

That would be a very nice gift. Most of my first time home buyers would rather have a more practical gift like a gift card.

Jan 09, 2016 12:06 AM
Rainmaker
1,543,823
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

I've hosted parties with professional "healthy" chefs for my A+ clients; but I've always used networking partners. I get a deal in exchange for them getting the exposure and a small commercial at dessert. The agreement was I covered the cost of all the food and I only invited people likely to hire a chef themselves: higher caliber clients. It was typically a dinner for 6 and cost me $200-$300 in food & drinks. Have not hosted one of those in a while though, due to my bride traveling so much for work. I do restaurants last 4 years now, when I host.

Jan 08, 2016 11:47 PM
Rainmaker
1,231,853
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

Great idea Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers 

That chef might be my husband and he is priceless.

Jan 08, 2016 11:36 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I haven't and I have no idea what it would cost. But it wouldn't be inexpensive, I'm sure, as you'd need to cover clean-up. 

Jan 09, 2016 01:51 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I have not and since so many of my clients are starter buyers and very down to earth I don't think this is a good fit. Upper end buyers would warm to this idea.

Jan 09, 2016 01:04 AM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

No I haven't but it sounds like a great gift for a high end home.  I have no idea what it would cost.

Jan 09, 2016 12:32 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

I have not used a Professional Chef as a closing gift.

Although I did look into it and found the cost, on a commercal basis to align with that of caterers, around $50 a person (variable by menue), in the Tampa Bay area, with a minimum.

As I think about it, hosting such a event, with an affiliate partner, as a 'meet your neighbors' catered social time has merit on multiple levels.

The private dinner at home........there would have to be more benefit behind that gift. There are, I percieve, ways to create beneift, but that was not part of the question.

 

Jan 09, 2016 12:21 AM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

That sounds like the perfect thing for moving day!  They sure won't feel like cooking themselves.  I'd say it depends on the chef and city.  Here, it would probably be a around $300, and because it's food and entertainment, you can deduct the entire amount.

Jan 09, 2016 12:05 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

No...My area does not have that kind of home value to be able to do that

Jan 08, 2016 11:46 PM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I don't know how much it would cost, but I bet it would go over really well.

Jan 09, 2016 04:48 AM
Rainmaker
617,935
David Gibson CNE, 719-304-4684 ~ Colorado Springs Relocation
Colorado Real Estate Advisers LLC - Colorado Springs, CO
Relocation, Luxury & Lifestyle residential

So then they tell all my clients I didn’t do that for and I’m in trouble. I’ll stick to the Jack in the Box coupons.

Jan 09, 2016 04:42 AM
Ambassador
1,452,819
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

I stopped with closing gifts many years ago.  It was like giving someone an unexpected gift at Christmas and they didn't have anything for you!  It embarassed them.  The only thing I provide now, and not to everyone but usually first time buyers, the gift from It's a Wonderful LifeHousewarming Present

Jan 09, 2016 03:28 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

I like it but would be ignorant of the cost involved. I hope you adopt me

Jan 09, 2016 02:07 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I do not believe that closing gift would be appropriate for all buyers/clients.  No clue what it would cost. It is not something I would do.  I would take clients to dinner ... maybe even have a limo pick them up.

Jan 09, 2016 01:52 AM
Rainmaker
432,957
Shanna Hall
Real Estate Solutions - Kirkwood, MO
I love selling houses!!!St. Louis, MO 314-703-1311

Not sure the cost but one of my friends does this.  Sounds like a cute idea.  I prefer to give a tangible item- then they remember longer!

Jan 09, 2016 12:38 AM
Rainer
42,670
Fred Hafdelin
Weichert Realtors - Mountain Lakes, NJ

I think an amex gift certificate would be more appreciated. That way they can plan when and where they have dinner.

Jan 09, 2016 12:05 AM
Ambassador
2,178,603
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

That would be an awesome gift.  There used to be a Chinese agent in town who was an excellent cook and she often provided food at her Open Houses and special events.  I suspect she may have done such things for clients. 

Jan 08, 2016 11:48 PM
Rainmaker
655,940
Jeffrey Jones
AZ Home Seekers - San Tan Valley, AZ
AZ Home Seekers, azhomeseekers.com

Thats great alot better than just sending pizzas on moving day.

Jan 08, 2016 11:42 PM
Rainmaker
316,098
Robert Smith
Preview Properties, PC - http://www.RealEstateMich.com - Brighton, MI
SRES, Search for Homes Brighton-Howell-SE Michigan

Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers , that's a very interesting gift idea! 

I've never done it and I think it might be more appropriate for a true 'foodie' client than many others.  I'm guessing it would be in the $200 and up range, depending on proximity to client, and dinner chosen, but that's JUST a guess.

Jan 08, 2016 11:38 PM
Rainmaker
608,881
Mitchell J Hall
Manhattan, NY
Lic Associate RE Broker - Manhattan & Brooklyn

Sounds like a great closing gift. I'm guessing $500+? 

Jan 08, 2016 11:38 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

No, and I probably would not, since people are so picky in my area about what they eat and a good chef is a very expensive gift:) 

Jan 15, 2016 05:09 PM
Rainmaker
979,496
Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807
HomeSmart - Chandler, AZ
Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor

Tony and Suzanne - Sounds like something your clients would appreciate, but it might cost quite a bit.

Jan 11, 2016 02:51 PM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Interesting gift; buyers would have to agree. Cost will vary depending on quality of chef.

Jan 11, 2016 03:37 AM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

I have never done that.  In our market I would guess about $400.

Jan 10, 2016 11:36 PM
Rainmaker
5,868,554
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

This would be a good idea for our top end buyers, but have never tried it. 

Jan 10, 2016 05:07 AM
Rainmaker
4,936,705
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

I like it, but I will stick with my housewarming party I throw at there house and I do the cooking.

Jan 10, 2016 03:49 AM
Rainmaker
5,216,409
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Nope, never thought of it! Guessing it would cost more than I would be willing to spend!

Jan 09, 2016 10:47 PM
Rainmaker
2,759,812
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

 I have no idea what it would cost. That would be a rather lavish closing gift.

Jan 09, 2016 06:27 PM
Rainer
216,904
Sharon Altier
Coldwell Banker Realty - Elmhurst, IL
Luxury Property Specialist, CSC, SFR

No.  I think the cost would depend upon the area. 

Jan 09, 2016 01:33 PM
Rainmaker
2,182,552
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

I've seen this type of thing only in a Silent Auction .

Jan 09, 2016 01:20 PM
Ambassador
6,393,609
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Sounds rather extravagant, I think that my clients are happy when I do my job well and would be rather uncomfortable accepting something like this and wonder why I was doing this.

Jan 09, 2016 12:57 PM
Rainmaker
2,443,250
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

I have been to fundraisers like that and it was $100 per plate, split 50/50 with the charity and the Chef.

Jan 09, 2016 11:18 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

I never have, but I've seen it and I absolutely love the idea!  The cost does vary by the venue and number of people served, the level of service provided, number of staff needed, etc..  I used to watch an awesome show, "Private Chefs of Beverly Hills" where these chefs worked for an agency that contracted them out for particular events.

 

I would imagine that NOT in Beverly Hills, for a simple dinner, the cost could start at a simple $500 plus supplies and go to a few thousand if you're doing something super special and unique.

 

In decades past there were "welcome to the neighborhood" coupon booklets people got when they moved in.  I remember many a pizza dinner when moving into a new house from these books and it was always appreciated by all of us.  I think something like that for moving day might be more welcome and then something fancy at a later scheduled date.

Jan 09, 2016 10:58 AM
Rainer
223,831
LUXURYSOCALREALTY COMPASS La Jolla
Compass - La Jolla, CA
San Diego Partner - The Private Client Network

I think it's a bit intrusive especially if this thought was for a luxury home client.  Restaurant out with you would be more appropriate.

Jan 09, 2016 09:19 AM
Rainmaker
564,720
Women of Westchester Working Together
Women of Westchester Working Together - West Harrison, NY
Women helping Women get ahead

I think it's a nice idea, provided that your client is open to this.  It's more like to work in higher end homes.  I would guess around $500 or maybe more.

Jan 09, 2016 07:10 AM
Ambassador
2,161,048
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

No, a restaurant gift card would come the closest to that.  

Jan 09, 2016 06:16 AM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

I can't say I have!

Jan 09, 2016 04:16 AM
Ambassador
3,164,294
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

no, and I wouldn't dream of an invasive thing like that.  I wouldn't want a person to be send to come inside my home without an invatation.

Jan 09, 2016 03:08 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,183
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

I have not but I did enjoy the answer by Chef Richie Alan Naggar --- I hope the feast is not from his kitchen.

Jan 09, 2016 03:03 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

that sounds like a fantastic gift.... I'm sure very pricey...

Jan 09, 2016 02:21 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

In Oklahoma the cost could be your license.

Jan 08, 2016 11:38 PM