Closing Real Estate Gifts and Realtor Gifts, Decoded.
From open house to “home sweet home”: find the perfect gift with Arlo.
From open house to “home sweet home”: find the perfect gift with Arlo.
Buying (or selling) a new home is an incredible life moment that’s worth commemorating. Once you’ve handed over the keys, a thoughtful closing gift can help you foster a meaningful connection with your clients.
From a celebratory bottle of champagne to a monogrammed gift basket, a closing gift is a bit more complex than your standard gift for new homeowners. After all, a client gift must be personal yet not intrusive, thoughtful yet professional, and promote client referrals to expand your network.
Let’s explore how to find unique gifts to build long-lasting client relationships—and keep you on top of your real estate game for good.
Realtor closing gifts, also known as a closing gift, are a token of appreciation from an agent to their client to commemorate the buying or selling of a home. Why do realtors give closing gifts, and what are the benefits of a closing gift? Great question. Closing gifts for buyers and sellers are more than a simple gesture: They are an extension of the high-quality service you provided as a symbol of the strong relationship you’ve built with your clients.
A personalized, meaningful gift can establish trust in your services, and encourage getting more clients through excellent reviews and client referrals. A closing gift is a subtle way to advertise your personal brand to your clients at the end of your time together.
In most cases, a handwritten note and a gift valued at roughly up to $300 is ideal, but you can spend more or less depending on your preference. In general, the industry standard for a client gift is roughly between 1% and 5% of the agent’s gross commission. For example, a 4% commission on a $400,000 home is $16,000. 1% of 16,000 is $160 and 5% is $800, so a gift between $160 and $800 is ideal.
It’s no secret that it can be challenging to figure out the appropriate budget for a closing gift. A real estate agent should consider a few key factors before swiping that credit card, including their client base, tenure in the industry, and—perhaps most important of all—the overall price of a home.
Plus, realtor closing gifts are tax deductible. The IRS allows real estate agents in the United States to deduct business gifts up to $25 per person, per year.
The best gift is a personalized item. Gift options can seem endless, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. One thing is clear: Customized gifts go a long way. You could keep it classic with a bottle of red wine or go the sentimental route with engraved coasters. Or, even better, pair engraved champagne flutes with a locally sourced bottle of champagne.
Let’s explore 6 great gifts to commemorate any real estate transaction.
Not sure where to start? No problem. Keep it classic with a bottle of red wine, white wine, or both. For an added personal touch, you could design and print your own wine label. Customize it with a label featuring the family’s name and add the year or date they moved in. For added accessories, consider an engraved wine opener, bottle can opener, or even a pizza cutter paired with a charcuterie board.
Chances are your client can’t wait to decorate. Commission a personalized piece of art to fill that blank space in their entryway. Consider booking an appointment with a local artist or commissioning a local graphic designer to draw a personalized portrait of their new home.
You can’t go wrong with home improvement gifts. Many homes, especially more dated homes, do not come with a functioning doorbell or don’t have any doorbell at all. Give them a head start on their security setup with a wired/wireless video doorbell such as the Arlo 2nd Gen Video Doorbell.
With a reliable video doorbell in place like Arlo’s 2K or HD Video Doorbell, your client can get head-to-toe coverage and a wide 180° Field of View.
Sending out “change of address” cards is probably at the top of your client’s to-do list. Make it easy for them to share their new address with a fun, self-inking address stamp. Simplify the process of updating their contact information with custom return address labels that add a personal touch to their mail.
It’s no secret that every home needs a home security system. (Trust us, here are 5 reasons why you really do.) Installing a home security setup has become increasingly popular and it’s easier than ever. On average, over one million home burglaries happen annually in the United States. Save your clients time and stress by giving them a new Home Security System today to help them protect their home & family, fast.
What better way to celebrate than with a night out on the town? While this may be a bit more of a splurge gift, consider a gift card to dinner or drinks at a local restaurant in their new neighborhood. For a more practical alternative, welcome your clients into the world of home ownership with a gift certificate to their local hardware store.
Whether you’re browsing listings for your dream home or looking to make a strong profit on your current home, a reliable real estate agent is invaluable. Hopefully your real estate agent went above and beyond to help you buy or sell your home.
While giving a gift to your realtor isn’t mandatory, a personal gift can be a great way to thank them for spending a lot of time and thought on your next step. Consider gifting them a bottle of wine, a personalized or monogrammed business card case, or even a gift card to their favorite coffee shop or retailer.
In today’s fast-paced world, Arlo offers the best gift of all: peace of mind. Help your clients pick the right spot to protect your property with a reliable Home Security System. Plus, they can see more at their front door (and easily prevent porch pirates) with a video doorbell. Whatever gift you give your clients, providing a closing gift will help your services stay top of mind and expand your network. With some thoughtful planning, the right closing gift can be as unforgettable as your client’s new “forever” home.
