How do realtors feel about closing gifts?

[billdisc]

I am very interested in how realtors feel about giving a closing gift to the homeowner?

Does it have any real value.

Is the amount spent monitored?

Is there a min or max amount that can be spent?

What are the most popular gifts.

Is the seller ever given a closing gift?

I'm a newbie.

billdisc

[nedsram]

Billdisc:

I think it depends on the gift.

There's a local company who have gift baskets etc. that they leave in the Office for people to purchase and use as closing gifts. They run around $100-$150 CDN, and are, in my opinion, a waste of time.

I here agents coming into the Office in a rush saying "Oh, I need a closing gift, that'll do".......There's no thought gone into it, and it's a totally disposable item which, once given, will be forgotten. I mean, the recipient isn't going to remember it in 3 years or probably not even after 3 weeks.

Try to find something that is tasteful, useful, has longevity and can have your name on it (although not in an "in your face" kinda way, and something that looks like it costs alot more than it actually did!

There are lots of corporate gift companies out there so take a look and find something that suits you. Then once you found something, just use the same thing for everyone, then you're not wasting time looking for gifts.

I found a fantastic BBQ set all aluminium in an alunimium case - steak knives, S&P shaker, brush, fork, spatula etc. etc. etc. It retails for $200 CDN but I buy it for $100CDN. I laminate my business card and super glue it inside (tried to get it engraved, but that couldn't be done).

Clients love it, it is something they will use, everytime they use it they'll remember me, and when they have friends/family over people always ask where they got it!

Hope that helps

Steve

[billdisc]

Steve,

We have been researching the use of closing gifts. It seems about 75% of Realtors actually use them. The range of gift is virtually unlimited.

However we are testing the use of a Custom Home Portrait that can be produced within 24 hours and prices start at $25.

Each Portrait is personalized with a signature that reads "Custom Portrait of the Smith Home compliments of Steve Smith, Broker 631-234-0424" or any other copy the Realtor my require.

To further test our product we offer an actual free sample of one of a realtor's listings. All we ask is that the Realtor tell us the reactions of both the Realtor and the homeowner. We have to limit this offer to one per Realty office.

Would you like to try one?

billdisc

[SanDiego]

I've recently purchased selected wines and have had my name place on the bottle. Granted it will be gone the first night they drink it, they're "wine-o"s and it makes the perfect gift for them.... I think with constant contact 3 years down the road they'll still remember me... It cost me about $24 for 2 bottles of wine, and 4 more for a basket to place them in... I dont think a photo/custom-portrait would have been the thing for them in particular...

[judyo]

Bill,

Your portraits are lovely and this idea, in one way or another, has been around for quite some time. And I personally think your prices are very reasonable. I'm just not sure if clients would appreciate a framed picture of their home enough to hang it. IOW, if that was my only closing gift I gave everyone, how many would really appreciate it? I have no idea. So I try to think of how I'd like it myself.

I really don't think I'd hang it anywhere. I guess everyone would keep it, even if in storage. If they found it at some point in time they'd remember that I gave it to them. I'd also like to hear other's opinions on this type of gift.

I've been experimenting with different gift baskets that I put together based on what I think my client would enjoy. One of my last baskets was also a nice bottle of wine along with a "rabbit" type corkscrew, a wine basket with matching coasters and wine charms. The wine is gone but the other items can still be used. I don't have my logo on anything but I'll be keeping in touch with my past clients so hopefully they'll remember what I gave them.

I've also been giving "Home Organizers." These are pre-made, colorful & bound pocket type folders to organize receipts, paperwork and write down home repairs & maintenance with dates, etc. I can include my business card with these and so far this is my favorite item, especially for first-time home buyers. There are several styles available in different price ranges. It's somethiing I'd like receiving if I just purchased a home.

Maybe I'll take you up on your offer with one of my next buyers. It depends on the buyer, type of home, etc. I'll contact you.