Impress Your Real Estate Clients With These Thoughtful Gifts
Jacqueline Kyo Thomas
Building relationships isn't just part of your slogan. If you want to be a successful real estate agent for years to come, you must build a sincere relationship with your clients. This will not only keep them coming back but will also prompt them to tell others about you.
One of the best ways to fortify your relationships is by giving gifts. This charitable act shows that you're considerate, magnanimous, and invested in your client's happiness. Talk about good branding! Gift giving is a win-win for both you and your clients.
But what type of gift should you give to your clients? Are you struggling to come up with the perfect gift idea? This post is for you. Below, we have a supersized list of gift ideas that are sure to impress your real estate clients.
Here are 35 gift ideas to give to your buyer clients when they purchase their new home:
Gift Basket - Just like with flowers, you can never go wrong with a gift basket. Your gift basket can contain cookies, wine, blankets, a curated collection of local, artisan goods, or all of the above. Find out what the client likes and let that inspire what you put into a gift basket.
Gift Card to Local Grocery Store - A grocery store gift card is extremely useful— Everyone needs something from the grocery store. You can be sure that your client will use this generous gift.
Handyman - Moving day uncovers a lot of leaky faucets and small holes in the wall. If your client is moving out of a rental into their home, gift them a handyman for the day. The handyman can repair any minor issues so that your client can recover their security deposit.
Home Address Plaque - Present your client with an engraved plaque of their new home address.
Home Improvement Gift Card - Is your client moving into a fixer-upper? They’ll definitely appreciate a gift card to the nearest big box home improvement store.
Home Warranty - A home warranty is a gift that keeps on giving. This warranty can add protection to your client's home systems, such as HVAC and electrical. It can also cover major appliances. This is very useful in an older home. A newer home may still be covered by the builder's warranty.
Interior Design Consultation - Some homeowners are overwhelmed by the blank canvas of a new home. Pay for an interior design consultation so that they can see the possibilities of their new space. This is also an opportunity for you to expand your professional referral network to include local interior designers.
Landscape Design Consultation - Another option, especially for those with sizable lots, is to pay for a landscape design consultation.
Lawn Service - You can also pay for basic lawn care and maintenance for one month.
Local Experience - This is especially useful for homeowners who are new to the area. Gift them a local experience, such as a day trip to Martha's Vineyard or tickets aboard a whale-watching cruise.
Local Restaurant - A gift card to a local restaurant is another considerate option for new transplants.
Monthly Subscription Box - Set your client up with a monthly subscription box. Gift box ideas may include books, teas, coffees, or wines.
Move-in Day Food Delivery - This is one of my favorite options on the list because it’s immediately useful and heartfelt. Cater move-in day with pizza or some other takeout that you know your client enjoys. Deliver it yourself or rely on a service like Uber Eats or DoorDash to do it for you.
Move-in Basket - Similar to the cleaning basket mentioned above, a move-in basket is a practical gift that includes items that a new homeowner will need right away such as toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, cups, and cutlery.
Packing and Unpacking Service - Moving is stressful. Two of the biggest stressors are packing and unpacking. Relieve your client’s burden by hiring movers who can do both.
Personalized Cake Pan / Casserole Dish - This thoughtful housewarming gift can be customized to fit within your professional branding budget. Find affordable designers on Etsy.
Personalized House Portrait of New Home - This is a popular gift choice for real estate agents and homeowners alike. A framed portrait of their new home is the perfect keepsake that can be used for years to come.
Personalized Keyring with Key Tracker - One of the most affordable options on this list is to gift a personalized keyring along with the keys to the client’s new home. But to elevate the gift, include a Bluetooth key tracker, such as Tile Pro which will allow your homeowner to find their missing keys.
Silverware - Silverware is an elegant, if not traditional, gift. Most silverware sets are actually stainless steel, but it would be a nice gesture to splurge for the real deal if you truly want to be remembered.
Smart Device - Give the gift of technology. Turn your client’s new home into a smart home with a smart speaker such as Amazon Echo or Google Home. You can also gift a smart thermostat, like Nest. Other options include smart locks, smart lights, streaming devices, robotic vacuums, and video doorbells.
Welcome Mat - Last, but certainly not least, gift a welcome mat to your client. Add the client’s last name on it for a personal touch.
Before you buy, here’s what you need to know about giving gifts to your real estate clients:
Don’t brand your gift. This turns your gift into a marketing item and is obnoxiously self-promotional. Do include a handwritten card or note. Handwriting a quick message will add a personal touch to every gift.
Don't leave the price tag on your gift. Avoid letting the client know how much (or how little) you’ve spent on their gift.
Do remember the recipient. Take your client’s individual personality, needs, and wants into account when choosing a gift.
Don't just give the same gift over and over again. Avoid staleness by choosing gifts on a case-by-case basis.
Do pay attention to the expiration date. This is especially important when sending perishable items, such as flowers, fruits, and candy.
Don't shop at the dollar spot for your gifts. While you can choose an affordable gift, don't sacrifice quality for price. Budget at least $50 for each client gift.
Don't stop with closing. You can send a gift to your clients at any time, especially at the anniversary of moving in or to commemorate birthdays or other life events.
Offering a gift is the perfect way to say “thank you for your business.” Because this can help you build a stronger relationship with your client, don’t phone it in or go with the cheapest option. Be thoughtful with every gift, keeping your client’s personality in mind. Celebrate your clients and they’ll celebrate you with return business and referrals.