All your hard work as a real estate agent has finally paid off. Closing day is finally here! While you’ll get paid no matter what, it’s still important to show gratitude to your clients. The best way to do this is with a handwritten note and a thoughtful gift. This can help you get referrals and seal the deal on working with that client again in the future. Here are some thoughts from leading professionals in the field about the best closing gifts to buy and how much you should spend.
Breaking Down Cost
So let’s talk price first. Your client knows exactly how much you’re about to get paid, so the last thing you want to do is look cheap with your selection. But you probably don’t want to blow half of your commission either.
The precise amount you should spend on a closing gift really depends on who you talk to. A lot of people suggest that between $100 and $300 is best. If you specialize in luxury real estate or you’ve just closed a particularly large transaction, you may want to spend even more to show some extra appreciation. Some say you only need to spend $50, but we think that’s probably too low.
Choose Longevity
Food items are not the best idea for closing gifts. While throwing in a nice bottle of wine is pretty common, in general, you don’t want the main component of your gift to be something that has an expiration date. You want something that lasts a long time so every time your client sees it or uses it, they think of you!
Choose something that’s functional long-term. Kitchen items like an espresso maker, KitchenAid mixer, or a Dutch oven will be put to good use for years to come. Tech gifts like a security camera system or a Nest video doorbell will also be well appreciated!
Don’t Be Too Personal
You may think that the more unique your gift is, the better. But that’s not necessarily true. Don’t go all out with expensive artwork when you don’t know how your client is hoping to decorate their home. A better alternative is giving a gift card to a hardware store or a nice home décor store.
Gift an Experience
If you’re going to buy something more basic like candles or a bottle of wine, make sure it’s the best candle or best bottle of wine on the market. If you get something inexpensive that your client could easily get for themselves from Trader Joe’s, you’ll leave them more than a little confused. Whatever you get, make sure you’re getting something special and above average!
Pay for Quality
It’s always a good idea to keep a running list of local professionals like landscapers, plumbers, contractors, electricians, and even interior designers. Don’t wait for a client to ask you for these recommendations. Proactively provide them with the contact information of local professionals that can meet their needs whether they are moving in or moving out. If someone is moving into the neighborhood for the first time, go even further by offering them the name of your favorite dry cleaner, mechanic, and the contact info of babysitters you trust if they have kids. These will all make a big impact!
Build Great Client Relationships from First Contact to Close
When you follow these guidelines, you should be able to find the best closing gift for your client. While closing gifts are usually the last step in your relationship with your clients, it’s important to take the right steps from the beginning to forge stronger customer relationships from the very beginning.
We know it’s easier said than done, and that’s why the Awkward Agent team is here to help! We’re in the business of making relationships easier. Get started by contacting us today!
