What was the best 'Thank You' gift you ever received from an agent?

Most Popular Reply

Wayne Brooks
Real Estate Professional · West Palm Beach, FL · Member since 2012 · 23k+ posts · 13k+ votes
11y

From the other side: I recently got my buyer a $20k price reduction after they were happy with their purchase price...does that count?  Also, I knocked down and cut up a large tree for them, for free (they paid $450 for haul off) when they were quoted $2800 for removal.  But, I must admit, it gave me the chance to play on a front end loader which I haven't done for a while. :)  Yes, they were friends in addition to being clients though.

1Reply
See this reply in the discussion

22 Replies

Jump to latestLatest
  • Kimberly T.
    Investor · Colorado Springs CO · Member since 2014 · 535 posts · 253 votes
    11y

    A check for $500.  No joke.  The listing agent (who we'd also used as our buyer's agent) said he felt like the seller was kind of stingy on compensating us for some repair items during escrow, so he wanted to make it up to us a little.  He was getting both sides of the commission, so I'm sure that factored into it.

    We've also received gift cards from agents, whether it was generic (Visa), Home Depot, or for a restaurant/store.

    0Reply
  • Sam Sav
    Contractor · Chicago, IL · Member since 2015 · 27 posts · 12 votes
    11y
    I've only bought one property and my agent gave me a $50 card to Home Depot and a thank you card. Wasn't expecting anything, didn't even know it was a thing so I thought it was pretty nice of him
    0Reply
  • Michael Hicks
    Real Estate Investor · Rossville, GA · Member since 2014 · 218 posts · 96 votes
    11y

    They used to send gift cards to restaurants.  I haven't received anything in a while.  May be time for a new realtor lol.  We purchased a house on the lake in a small town in Alabama.  The house happened to be next door to the realtor's house.  We invited them over for dinner once we moved in.  They brought us a plant and a book about the town.  She was one of the best realtors I have ever dealt with.  

    0Reply
  • Wayne Brooks
    Real Estate Professional · West Palm Beach, FL · Member since 2012 · 23k+ posts · 13k+ votes
    11y

    From the other side: I recently got my buyer a $20k price reduction after they were happy with their purchase price...does that count?  Also, I knocked down and cut up a large tree for them, for free (they paid $450 for haul off) when they were quoted $2800 for removal.  But, I must admit, it gave me the chance to play on a front end loader which I haven't done for a while. :)  Yes, they were friends in addition to being clients though.

    1Reply
  • Account Closed
    Investor · Central Valley, CA · Member since 2012 · 6k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    11y

    I've been wondering about this for the last couple of years.  I give gift cards (some with large amounts) when I'm the seller/client to my agents, their assistants, my escrow people and my contractors.  I've gotten thank yous or acknowledgement from about half the agents.....none of them have ever sent me a gift.  Do agents send gifts (beside refrigerator magnets)?

    0Reply
  • Lumi Ispas
    Real Estate Consultant · Chicago, IL · Member since 2014 · 720 posts · 439 votes
    11y

    @Mindy Jensen, when people get paid at work they don't get a gift also. :) LOL

    As brokers, we get a job done: we get clients a home or investment property at a great price, or we sell a home for the most money, or we just get them their dream home in multiple offers, then we refer them a team of people to close the transaction, remodel the home, etc.

    I personally love to take my clients out to lunch or dinner to celebrate their purchase and answer the new questions they have now and assure them that I am still there after the deal is closed, that they can call me for years after the transaction with any questions. My clients usually get me gifts: referrals first of all and no kidding, I am receiving gift cards, flowers, wine, etc.

    My clients know they got the best part of the deal: they are making tens, and in time hundreds of thousands of dollars in great properties, while I get a commission, which is my livelihood, and I still have to pay my business expenses from and taxes,

    I see you just got your license, Congratulations! Giving gifts is not the way to get business. Your doctor will not send you a gift, neither your attorney.

    Our clients are looking for professionals brokers to get the job done - which we do! 

    Good luck in your business!

    0Reply
  • Mindy JensenPro Member
    OP
    BiggerPockets Money Podcast Host · Longmont, CO · Member since 2014 · 7k+ posts · 10k+ votes
    11y

    Thanks @Lumi Ispas.

    I have never received a gift from an agent, and many times I was going directly to the listing agent. But you are right, I didn't expect a gift. I just wasn't sure what the thing is in this market. My market is ultra super red hot right now. I just was wondering what sort of gifts were going around. 

    Thanks for taking the time to respond.

    [email protected]Podcast Guest on Show #261
    BiggerPockets
    0Reply
  • Jerry W.Pro Member
    Moderator
    Investor · Thermopolis, WY · Member since 2012 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    11y

    I bought an old junky rental ($30K) from a real estate agent, she also had the listing and she gave me a $50 gift certificate to the local hardware store.  I had tried to buy another property and had made top offer but they did a highest and best and a guy jumped the price $20K on me.

    0Reply
  • Account Closed
    Investor · Central Valley, CA · Member since 2012 · 6k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    11y
    Originally posted by @Mindy Jensen:

    Thanks @Lumi Ispas.

    I have never received a gift from an agent, and many times I was going directly to the listing agent. But you are right, I didn't expect a gift. I just wasn't sure what the thing is in this market. My market is ultra super red hot right now. I just was wondering what sort of gifts were going around. 

    Thanks for taking the time to respond.

    I know that my retail agents all give gifts to new homeowners.  They leave gift baskets and HD gift cards.  I've seen them in properties I'm selling right before closing.  Which is so weird to me because in a residential retail transaction the seller is the paying customer, not the buyer. But the buyer is the new target customer for the agent.....for referrals and when they might want to list.

    0Reply
  • Jessica S.
    Real Estate Agent · Portland, OR · Member since 2013 · 154 posts · 67 votes
    11y
    Originally posted by @Account Closed:
    Originally posted by @Mindy Jensen:

    Thanks @Lumi Ispas.

    I have never received a gift from an agent, and many times I was going directly to the listing agent. But you are right, I didn't expect a gift. I just wasn't sure what the thing is in this market. My market is ultra super red hot right now. I just was wondering what sort of gifts were going around. 

    Thanks for taking the time to respond.

    I know that my retail agents all give gifts to new homeowners.  They leave gift baskets and HD gift cards.  I've seen them in properties I'm selling right before closing.  Which is so weird to me because in a residential retail transaction the seller is the paying customer, not the buyer. But the buyer is the new target customer for the agent.....for referrals and when they might want to list.

     I would consider this to be a house warming gift which may explain why sellers aren't as likely to receive anything equivalent.

     I received a beautiful Pendleton blanket from my agent.  I thought that was a nice thank you for all the business I'd given her in the past year.  (Then I got licensed so I guess I won't be getting anymore blankets...)

    Someone mentioned receiving a check as a gift from an agent.  In Oregon, this is considered commission sharing which is illegal, although I think this varies from state to state.

    I would say gifts and thank you notes are a smart practice.  They will leave your clients with a positive impression which is so key for referrals and future business.  

    0Reply
  • Patrick L.
    Real Estate Investor · Saint Petersburg, FL · Member since 2013 · 1k+ posts · 951 votes
    11y

    Another deal. 

    1Reply
  • Account Closed
    Investor · Central Valley, CA · Member since 2012 · 6k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    11y
    Originally posted by @Jessica S.:
    Originally posted by @Account Closed:
    Originally posted by @Mindy Jensen:

    Thanks @Lumi Ispas.

    I have never received a gift from an agent, and many times I was going directly to the listing agent. But you are right, I didn't expect a gift. I just wasn't sure what the thing is in this market. My market is ultra super red hot right now. I just was wondering what sort of gifts were going around. 

    Thanks for taking the time to respond.

    I know that my retail agents all give gifts to new homeowners.  They leave gift baskets and HD gift cards.  I've seen them in properties I'm selling right before closing.  Which is so weird to me because in a residential retail transaction the seller is the paying customer, not the buyer. But the buyer is the new target customer for the agent.....for referrals and when they might want to list.

     I would consider this to be a house warming gift which may explain why sellers aren't as likely to receive anything equivalent.

     I received a beautiful Pendleton blanket from my agent.  I thought that was a nice thank you for all the business I'd given her in the past year.  (Then I got licensed so I guess I won't be getting anymore blankets...)

    Someone mentioned receiving a check as a gift from an agent.  In Oregon, this is considered commission sharing which is illegal, although I think this varies from state to state.

    I would say gifts and thank you notes are a smart practice.  They will leave your clients with a positive impression which is so key for referrals and future business.  

    Agreed that they are housewarming gifts.  But the gifts are being given to the client that didn't pay.  I'm the seller and the repeat paying client.  I'm the one who listed 3 properties with one agent over 18 months.  

    I don't want any gifts, trust me.  I've just had a hard time figuring this out since I've been giving gifts and closing bonuses when I'm the seller for the past few years  Maybe I've been confusing everyone.  :)

    0Reply
  • Sylvia B.
    Rental Property Investor · Douglas County, MO · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    11y

    We got an assortment of meats from the local butcher - steaks, chops, bacon. We've also received a gift certificate to a local restaurant.

    0Reply
  • Dawn BrenengenBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Raleigh, NC · Member since 2014 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    11y

    I'm an agent, and I typically buy the client lunch/dinner after closing.  Sometimes I'll send a gift card with a Welcome Home card to Target or a hardware store.  Sometimes I'll wait until the holidays and send a gift card.  I usually only do this for retail buyers, though.  I don't usually get my investor clients anything.  Most of them are all about the business, and I think they would be surprised if I bought them something.  I think they know they work me like a dog, though  :)

    Podcast Guest on Show #101
    0Reply
  • Jay HinrichsBusiness Member
    Real Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
    11y

    REAL sheepskin seat covers for my car.. they were very nice

    Podcast Guest on Show #222
    JLH Capital Partners51 Review
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Dell Schlabach
    Investor · Canton-Akron, OH · Member since 2012 · 917 posts · 477 votes
    11y

    Cleveland Indians tickets a couple times, apple pies, last christmas 250.00 in gift cards to Bone Fish Grill, Starbucks etc. 

    0Reply
  • Chad U.
    Investor · Boca Raton, FL · Member since 2012 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    11y

    One agent in particular I've used to buy/sell $1.7M worth over the past 2 years.  Received diddly squat in return, not even a thank you.  Maybe time for a new realtor, lol. 

    0Reply
  • Chris L.
    Investor · New York, NY · Member since 2014 · 156 posts · 48 votes
    11y

    People move on average every 5 years. So a good gift might be something that helps them remember your name over the long term. Cutco knives engraved with your name and logo are great, and a great quality brand. 

    As a rental agent in NYC, I can say that one gift that people in my office give renters are subscriptions to Time Out NY. They get an issue every week, plus the subscription ends the same time as their lease renewal. What a coincidence...

    0Reply
  • George P.
    Property Manager · Livonia, MI · Member since 2011 · 4k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    11y

    my insurance agent gave me 2 bottles of wine. i know nothing about wine, but we drank it.

    an agent gave me $100 HD card in 2001. but the prices were higher at that time, we had just purchased our house for 145k

    0Reply
  • Steve Vaughan
    Rental Property Investor · East Wenatchee, WA · Member since 2014 · 10k+ posts · 16k+ votes
    11y

    Let's see.  Best thank you gift I have received from realtors?  One hand-delivered a baked treat at Christmas time to me. The closing was in April!  (My true experience does not apply to all realors I am sure, so forgive me..you may be that unicorn we seek)  The best gift I received early on is  the experience to just do it on my own.  The 8 realtors I have dealt with over the last 13 years have provided:  Bad information, shopping my offer to others, fierce unexpected competition in shady pocket listings, lack of creativity, a roadblock to sellers true motivation, giving their unwelcome/uninformed opinion when presenting offers to sellers, delayed closings, infighting amongst themselves in their own office over commissions...  At our local investor meetup last night the topic of bringing an investor-friendly realtor in came up.  We expect it easier to find a unicorn.  We decided we would ride the unicorn around town to aid us in our quest!  

    0Reply
  • Jolene Cingiser
    COLLEGEVILLE, PA · Member since 2015 · 2 posts · 0 votes
    11y

    A pillow from www.newnestpillows.com  Personalized so it shows they put thought into it...

    0Reply
Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.
Log InJoin for Free