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Marte Cliff, Your real estate writer (Marte Cliff Copywriting)

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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

Yes, because I have an attitude of gratitude and I love on my clients and turn them into advocates. They fly first class on my airline. Most I get quite friendly with too and it just comes natural to the Irish in me; we never show up to your home with empty arms, ones always shorter due to the thought gift...blame it on my roots.

Jun 01, 2018 09:40 PM
Ambassador
5,230,113
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Yes, Marte! They are given as appreciation - a token for the opportunity to have served them. I love gift-giving and each gift is tailored to each client.

Jun 01, 2018 09:12 PM
Rainmaker
564,494
Maria Sapio
Keller Williams of Central PA - Carlisle, PA
Real Estate Agent- Carlisle, PA. Mariasapio.com

Yes, I do - The reason?  I enjoy giving gifts

Jun 01, 2018 05:31 PM
Ambassador
2,684,109
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

        I take them to dinner at an upscale restaurant; my wife joins us.  Exception:  I recently worked with a single parent, I took her and her children to a hamburger joint.  

       Why?  To show appreciation; to reinforce our relationship.

Jun 01, 2018 05:12 PM
Rainmaker
1,052,211
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

Yeah, but not to clients as a rule. Clients get the best of me already.

Vendors involved in our transactions, I do like to gift with libations or dinner out. 
If there is something that is just perfect for a client, they may get it from me (at any time in our relationship) but I do not feel that closing gifts to clients is a must.
My first broker said clients who get closing gifts are less likely to sue . . . LOLLLLL
Not picking litigious clients makes it less likely!

Jun 01, 2018 07:00 PM
Rainmaker
4,572,183
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

I have given gifts at times.  Why?  Because I felt like it.  Why not?  Because I didn't.  

Jun 01, 2018 06:59 PM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

It is not a given.  Many factors go into a decision to give a closing gift to a client. I do not gift simply for the sake of giving a closing gift.

Jun 01, 2018 06:35 PM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

No.  The auto body shop gave me a bag of trail mix when I picked up my car.  That is the ONLY time I've ever gotten a gift from a service provider.  I do not understand why this closing gift thing became part of our culture as agents.  It is one piece of culture I am happy to stand against and not do.  I feel it adds no value and cheapens us as professionals.

 

Now with that said, if I'm representing a friend on the buy of a house I have given a HOUSE WARMING present.  But that was as a friend, not as an agent.

Jun 01, 2018 06:30 PM
Rainmaker
1,751,129
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Typically, I do. I try to pay attention to my clients throughout the process and create a gift that is something they've talked about during the deal. Sometimes, it's sending one of my electricians into their new home to make some repairs or upgrades after closing. Other times, it's a bottle of wine, a gift card to their favorite eatery, or it could be as simple as sending a gift basket. It's rare that I don't give a gift.

Jun 01, 2018 06:22 PM
Rainmaker
7,836,164
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

No. The best gift is a smooth transaction.

Jun 01, 2018 05:45 PM
Rainmaker
758,035
Peter Testa
Nationwide Homes - Danbury, CT
PETER TESTA

My old broker said that he doesn't because whatever you spend it won't look like enough considering how much you made. I usually get buyers something.

I take clients out to eat all the time. When I give gifts some are small, some are larger & sometimes I just can't get to it... no particular science to it, I try & sometimes it's wonderful & other times there is just nothing.  

Jun 01, 2018 04:57 PM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Hand written notes only.

Jun 01, 2018 06:12 PM
Rainer
57,917
Sandy Aslin
Remax - Fairfield, CA

Yes, well most of the time. Always try and do something personal and unique.  I found this great sight that personilzes gifts. Like a door matt that says Weclome home"new family" They have gifts as low as $!5 bucks to 200. They do champagned gift baskets that you can personalize to say congratulatiions So and SO". You can order wine in a box and they will put a lable on the wine and personilze the box. The site is personal creations and also try Gift Tree. And they deliver.

Jun 01, 2018 05:56 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

if I enjoyed working with the buyers of a new home, I'd give them a very nice gift....if they had teenage children and into sports, my favorite gift to give was a gift card to a sporting good store.... $500... the whole family loved it.... too much to deduct so I ate it...

Jun 01, 2018 04:47 PM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Pearls for the Soul book ...over 800 positive sayings. I discount bulk purchases and been doing this for years. People rave and request more copies

Jun 01, 2018 04:42 PM
Rainmaker
290,969
Allie Angeloni
Long Realty - Oro Valley, AZ

That answer has changed over the years, to be honest Marte Cliff!  Roger always gave a Gift Card that he thought was appropriate, and then I became a realtor, and wanted to customize gifts.  That has totally changed, and today we give a donation to our brokerage's Care Foundation that supports many wonderful, local, organizations in town, in our buyer's and/or seller's name.  It's a 'feel good' thing for me personally, knowing we are not just helping a group that works with Vets, or Animals, or Children, but doing it in someone's name works for me! 

Jun 01, 2018 11:24 PM
Ambassador
6,393,609
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

No,

Jun 01, 2018 06:30 PM
Rainmaker
2,220,654
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

Most of the time, a gift card to Home Depot.

Jun 02, 2018 07:18 AM
Rainmaker
2,182,552
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

Forget about Closing table gifts !!! Think HOUSE WARMING at the new location you placed them in !

Jun 02, 2018 03:28 PM
Rainmaker
1,311,397
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

I give a closing gift to thank my clients for chosing me to help them. They had choices and they chose me and I am pleased and proud that I had their trust and conficence during their transaction.

Jun 02, 2018 07:51 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I generally prefer to gift a client regardless of "when" if I see something that I know is just right for them. At closing, I give a pretty, house-shaped key ring for their new home keys and a pouch to hold their closing papers. After closing, I send a cake in a lovely tin from Penn Street Bakeries with a note wishing them many sweet years in their new home or for the seller with a message saying it was sweet doing business with them. And, of course, I send a "welcome home" card to buyers wishing them much happiness in their new home and thanking them for trusting me with the opportunity to help them with their purchase.

Jun 02, 2018 04:15 AM
Rainer
87,920
Jeff Perlis Prime Properties
Prime Properties - Lake Arrowhead, CA
Experience Your Own Transformation!

Always, something little that make them very happy.

Jun 01, 2018 10:40 PM
Ambassador
3,164,294
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

on rare occasions I do.

Jun 01, 2018 06:55 PM
Rainer
17,008
KAREN FUNK
1st Choice Realty & Associates - Elk Grove, CA
Realtor Elk Grove Sacramento Seller Buyer Investor

I do give closing gifts, for a couple of reason's-It's a celebratory time when you hand them the keys to their new home, as well as a thank you for trusting me to find a great home for you. I buy inexpensive cutting boards and have my name , logo and phone # lasered onto it-useful and I will be top of mind for referrals. For families, I put together a basket including a movie, pizza coupons, bottle of wine and something for the kids. Doesn't have to be expensive, just thoughtful!

Jun 02, 2018 08:41 AM
Rainmaker
809,258
Kasey & John Boles
Jon Gosche Real Estate, LLC - BoiseMeridianRealEstate.com - Boise, ID
Boise & Meridian, ID Ada/Canyon/Gem/Boise Counties

We give them to owner occupant buyers. We see them as housewarming gifts. We generally don't for sellers or investors. -Kasey

Jun 02, 2018 08:25 AM
Rainmaker
716,049
Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix Scottsdale. Sellers, Buyers & Relocations

It's just me. I find the idea of closing gifts in a professional business environment where I provided the service totally silly and sooooooooo old school.

BECAUSE, in a transaction, I may end up having lunch or dinner with a client... more than once.

and BECAUSE, I'm usually the one at the receiving end of closing gifts, from restaurant cards, invitation to client business dinners, to cash awards into the thousands...

Jun 02, 2018 07:01 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Not to sellers. The gift is a big check, quick close and reduce or eliminate their stress. 

Jun 02, 2018 05:50 AM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Marte Cliff - Yes. The closing is the 'opening' of new era for this relationship and should begin with a gift.

Jun 01, 2018 11:27 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Seldom, just not a good reason to for the most part.

Jun 01, 2018 09:16 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

Yes, I always say in my card - thank you for choosing ME as your REALTOR.  

Jun 05, 2018 06:42 AM
Ambassador
3,383,334
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Depends on the relationship and the client.  Most gifts I have given are to buyers.

Jun 03, 2018 08:38 AM
Rainer
427,257
J.R. Schloemer
Kentucky Select Properties - Louisville, KY

I never know what to get them, so I typically do not. I offer to take them out to dinner at a nice restaurant to celebrate the joyous occasion. 

Jun 03, 2018 07:18 AM
Rainmaker
5,216,409
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Since my doctor and dentist don't do it as professional service providers either do I!

Jun 03, 2018 05:58 AM
Rainmaker
577,750
Gloria Valvasori, Accredited Senior Agent
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE SIGNATURE SERVICE - Mississauga, ON
REAL Experience | REAL Commitment | REAL Results!

Yes, I always do.. as a token of my appreciation for having placed their trust in me to serve as their agent. I try to gather clues along the way to see what they may need and try to get something they would need and find useful.

Jun 02, 2018 11:02 AM
Rainmaker
763,883
Tony Lewis
Summit Real Estate Group - Valencia, CA
Summit Real Estate Group Valencia & Aliso Viejo

I don't because the one my doctor, cpa, attorney and architect gave me were a total disappointment. Get it?

Jun 02, 2018 10:08 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

A home warranty. A gift card etc. With RF rebates buyers now buyers expect more..... 

Jun 02, 2018 09:31 AM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Yes, not elaborate - just small tokens e.g. plants, wine, candles, plaques with name and address and so on. Just for the memories...

Jun 02, 2018 09:27 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Sometimes

Jun 02, 2018 07:55 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Marte,

We received gifts from clients.  If we were invited to grand opening of a store or an office space we had leased, we always brought a gift, a plant, a bottle of champagne, etc.  It is very different in commercial real estate.  A

Jun 02, 2018 07:40 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

No.

Jun 02, 2018 07:35 AM
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

On occasion, when I really liked my clients.

Jun 02, 2018 05:26 AM