To me this whole closing gift thing is so silly and out of this world. At the risk of offending some, it's ridiculous. I don't get it - where does that come from? It's not very professional business-like.

I can't recall ever getting a gift from my accountant, attorney, physician, mechanic, investment advisor.... or any other professionals that provided me with a paid service.

I never did, never will. I provide a professional service and clients pay for it. If anyone gets gift, it's usually yours truly from clients. Over the years, I received checks over and above for thousands of dollars, airline tickets, dining cards, free use of vacation properties ...

So the gift thing is always the other way around.

Is there a backstory to this?

yes, I did.... I actually brought the buyer (decades ago) to a home listed by another agent.... and that agent was "lost in action" on the day of closing.... I finished both deals and felt sooo badly for the seller/buyer client of the other agent.... I gave her a gift and she, in turn, directed many deals to me....

No... they are not my client and I would want to appear to be stepping over another agent's boundaries at closing. Not a big closing gift giver, in any event.

Yes, when I've double-ended the deal.  I'm creating advocates through my relationships. It's fun to give gifts. No one expects it and no one forces me to. And it should come from the heart, not technique.

I believe in showing gratitude and building relationships. As I commented on another post...

"While we live in America, all are free to run their businesses as they see fit. I was raised in a givers gain business world, we show an attitude of gratitude and I just feel there are reasons why Virgin wows passengers and Nordstroms impresses their customers and then there's Spirit Airlines and Walmart. Fortunately there are enough clients for all types of business models. To each their own."

If some feel negatively about being givers of gifts and joy, it just makes those of us who do give, all the more appreciated. 

No, would expect to be punched out by the BA in our area.

I have given a Celebrate Our Town Basket to a number of buyers of homes I had for sale -- this is a basket that is put together by the area businesses and I usually would stop by the house 1-2 weeks after closing to "Welcome them to their New Home" -- Every buyer was overwhelmed with the generosity of the community businesses and I was honored to be the one to bring it to them.

No... I would expect to be punched-out by Lyn Sims.

Keys, Deed, land, a home.

Fairly significant gifts...

Not that I recall. 

No.  I know a few agents that do.  

Closing gifts have not been one of my regular practices.

A hand written card of congratulations without a business card enclosed would be fine - but, I think a gift is over-stepping a bit -

Yes, time to time.

Sometimes.

No, I did not. It is rarely I ever even meet a principal represented by another agent. 

No, we have not, and I'm actually conflicted about a gift to our client, too Nathan Gesner.  Many are snowbirds (and do not live here permanently), and others relocate to a facility (meaning space is limited).  Clients who are neither of the above have gotten Gift Cards in the past, depending on their situation.  Some that we knew would be doing home repairs got different Gift Cards, than those that had a favorite restaurant in town.  For me, it would seem awkward to gift someone who wasn't my client, and in some cases, we never even meet the other client.

Yes....

I have not.

Never, and if it was someone we knew...why wouldn't they have hired us???

Nope, and only very occasionally given one to the party I represent!

NO

Nina Hollander nailed this one!

Nope! Never.

No way. I think that says you are trying to usurp their agent at least in their minds.

No, but I have kept in touch with buyers of my listings & earned new clients for the future.

I have not - I've not been present when the other party signs - it's how they do things here.

I've truly liked many buyers on my listings but nonetheless there is no closing gift given to the other side.

No but it is not out of the question

No.

No, never. I've given closing gifts in the past, but only to my client(s).

I'm not a fan of the closing gift thing, although I've done it once or twice.  I would NEVER give a gift to another agent's client.  That is very rude/tacky and majorly crosses the line!

I represent my builder husband on his spec home sales and he always provides a move in gift to the buyers.

I have.

It should be noted it was a very special situation that applied directly to what I observed when the buyer and agent visited the house.

Be also aware, I did discuss this with the buyer agent.

On in one case, I witnessed a gathering poolside of the huddled masses musing what do do about the Long Pine needles that were suspended in the screening. At closing a presented a specially engineered tool that would cut the needles so they could be easily blown away with a leaf blower. NO I DID NOT GIVE THEM A LEAF BLOWER.!

No. I've never been a fan of closing gifts.

I have given them the gift of staying in contact with them after the closing.  

When I represented local builders, I would send a really nice house plant in a decorative planter to the buyers about 2 weeks after Closing. Other than that, no.

Nathan Gesner Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR 's answer make a whole lot of sense.

Yes and even to the agent representing them. 

Nope, no way

No.

No, I do to the client I represent.

No only you I represent.

Sure the keys passed across the closing table to the selling agent, then to his clients.

Nathan,

We did not do closing gifts.  Often we were invited ot a grand opening party, and we brought wine, plants, or something else that was appropriate. A

No, I give closing gifts to MY clients.. as a token of my appreciation for placing their trust in me as their agent... I have never given a closing gift to the Buyers, thaet would be crossing the line in the area of conflict.

  Not lately.

No