Want to create a gift that is memorable and will bring you repeat business and referrals? You, as the real estate agent, are their first gift, as getting to the closing table can be an arduous process. Then comes something fun, creative, unique, and memorable that will set you apart and potentially win you repeat business and referrals.
Many real estate agents have said that they prefer to call it a housewarming gift and have it personally delivered when the buyers move into their home. Any way you choose to call it, a thoughtful gift in addition to your outstanding service will be welcomed and remembered by your clients.
Get Personal
What makes your closing gift stand out will be the level of personalization. Personalization does not just mean their name on it. Though your name and logo can work for some products. It is so much more. It comes from truly listening to your clients and getting to know them. What are your clients’ hobbies? Do they enjoy cooking? Which part of the home is most important to them? Learn their preferences when it comes to their tastes, likes, and dislikes.
What is important to them when it comes to their living environment and personal surroundings? Are safety and security a primary concern? Do they love the kitchen the most in their new home? If not, which is their most important room? Do they like to collect “things” or have a home that is clutter-free, spacious and open?
10 Ideas
Here are some practical as well as creative gifts that have won acclaim from the clients who brag about them to their friends and neighbors:
1. Medeco residential deadbolt – $228.00 – $357.00
The first thing to suggest to your clients once the sale is completed is to make sure their deadbolt and all locks on every door are changed. Safety and security are a prime concern to most clients. Security is essential even when there are other types of security in place such as guard gates, and security patrols. This applies when living in a condo or gated community as well. What one of my favorite locksmiths continually says is that when you purchase or rent a home, anyone who owned the home, plus their friends and relatives, could still have keys to the property.
According to Medeco they offer a product that is as close to pick- proof and bump-proof as possible, so consider gifting your clients with this. And when working with a local locksmith, ask if they offer a discount or coupon for your clients, if you refer them.
2. Google Nest or smart thermostat – $169.00 – $249.00
Nest, which was bought out by Google last year, offers the convenience of monitoring and regulating the temperature of the inside of your Buyer or Sellers home while they are there or away. This is a welcomed app and device enjoyed by clients who own second homes, travel a lot and who have kids living at home. Nest will learn how homeowners like the temperature of their home and will begin to adjust it automatically once it gets to know them.
Some large locksmith companies are offering specials to real estate agents upon closing so ask when you contact them. Also, check with your local board for their preferred vendors.
Could be free! Many real estate agents have received texts upon closing from ADT. They have specials where they offer the Nest thermostat to clients for free if the Buyers sign a 12-month agreement, which offers both the thermostat and home security at the same time.
Please check your local area as these offers may differ by state.
Click here for other brands of smart thermostats.
3. Gift basket featuring local goodies $35.00 – $100.00
Fill a basket with yummy treats for the whole family. Find a local bakery or store and fill the basket with items that emulate the flavor of your local area. The basket can include, homemade bread, cupcakes, cookies, embroidered dishtowels, local candles, plus a book that highlights the top things to do in the area. You can also include a gift card to a local restaurant depending on how much you want to invest in the basket.
4. A custom photo of buyer’s new home on a wine bottle $15.00 – $45.00
Do your clients enjoy wine? Purchase their favorite bottle of wine and have a custom label made with their new home on it. One new homeowner was raving about her real estate agent when she received her wine bottle and was showing off the photo of it on her phone.
You can either order a bottle from a local shop and have a custom photo made online or order online and have it shipped directly to your client.
https://www.icustomlabel.com/category/Housewarming-Wine-Labels
5. For animal lovers $35.00 – $90.00
Animals are such an important part of the household, and the move can be a bit stressful for the loved animals of your clients. BarkBox.com will send your clients either one gift box or a monthly themed gift box filled with animal goodies.
Chewy.com offers treats for all types of animals, fish, reptiles and yes, humans. Have a pet that is gluten-free? No problem. They offer a wide selection. Check out the page of wine glasses for the pet owner. They have some glasses that may delight your Buyer.
6. Personalized welcome mat – $24.99- $90.99
The welcome mat is a creative way to welcome guests and friends to your client’s new home. Welcome mats can be located at the front entrance or directly inside the home. They can be designed with a photo or saying and be also changed seasonally.
7. Consultation with a local landscape architect – $100
The first impression to a home is the care and design given to the landscaping. A well-designed yard with the emphases on trees, shrubs, and flowers which are native to the state in which the new home is located also saves on water.
Plus, it can be designed to be a haven for native birds and butterflies if that is something that is important to your buyers.
8. Hire a local organizer for a few hours – $50.00 – $100.00 per hour
One of the most stressful parts of moving is packing and unpacking. Having a person available to help for a few hours to organize the home room by room can be a huge relief for the new owners. Ok, that may take days, yet a few hours are a good start with a great organizer.
9. A portrait of your client’s new home – $70.00
A unique portrait of your client’s new home can be a beautiful piece to showcase in the entryway of the living area of their new home. It is also a creative way to generate referrals when people ask about the portrait when they are at home.
10. Food delivered to the door the day of Move-In – $35.00 – $50.00
Eating often gets overlooked the day of moving as it is all about being there on time for the movers. If the Buyers are moving the furniture themselves, that can be even more stressful. Find out what type of food they like and have a local restaurant deliver a meal to them. Or better yet, you can drop it off yourself and say hello.
Purchasing a gift for your clients that is personally tailored to them is a thoughtful reminder that you are the local real estate expert. As their real estate agent, you are the door opener to the journey which begins with their new home. One that will always be remembered.
Written for Form Simplicity by Janice Zaltman, a Realtor, LEED AP, Marketing Coach and Writer with more than 20 years of experience in the sales, marketing and media fields.
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