Reward Yourself with Better Client Gifts

The first home purchase for a person or family is a major milestone in their life. As realtors or brokers of real estate transactions, we benefit from the relationships and success of our clients. To help people with something of deep personal importance such as finding their home is a gift.

I do not know if it is possible to remain distant and not get to know the people we guide in this significant search and negotiation process. We become aware of their financial position, and family background, meet family members, and discuss their future plans.

Some of the financial topics we wouldn’t discuss as openly with close friends. There has to be a personal connection. When they take ownership and the negotiation has ended, that relationship doesn’t have to end. We hope to have met their needs and be the first call they make when their family grows or life demands a relocation.

With our intimate knowledge of their preferences and insight into their lives, realtor gifts to clients should be personal and thoughtful. A bottle of wine or snack basket will be consumed, passed, and forgotten.

Why waste this opportunity and build the relationship with an unthoughtful gift? Giving no gift might be better than a cheap trinket that doesn’t work as intended or is faulty. I tend to stay away from consumable gifts due to preferences and allergies.

• Don’t gift a meal when a cooking class will let them create meals for others and remember that it was you that helped them to learn this skill.
• Monogrammed or personalized glassware is a great housewarming gift. They will be used and appreciated during special occasions with friends and family.
• A personal care kit of lotions and items to pamper themselves is comfort and health-focused, saying you care about them.
• A quality set of headphones, earbuds, or a Bluetooth speaker will bring them joy, entertainment, or education for years to come.
• Everyone likes accessories for their phone, tablet, or laptop. There is an endless list of handy bespoke accessories to fit your client’s style.

Whatever you choose, make it personal. How many questions do you ask your clients when getting to know their home desires, financials, etc.? In between direct answers, if you’re listening, they tell you the perfect gift they need or would use. Make them think of you and remember how you helped them.