Realtors, what type of closing gifts do you normally do?

When I was living in CA, a lot of my RE clients requested personalized gift baskets. Some were delivered to the client, many were delivered to the agent. Even the smallest bit of personalization was greatly appreciated such as a favorite coffee, pet gift, flowers or living plant. Not sure gift cards are as appreciated unless it's for a specific restaurant or theatre performance.  I am convinced the personal touch is most successful.

Closing gifts are given out of politeness and courtesy. My last transaction was quite difficult and I appreciated the way we all stood together to make everything as smooth as possible despite the obstacles. I gave Champaign with glasses to toast the occasion.

I like the idea of what you are suggesting.  For me personally it doesn't fit well.  My team already offers a referral list for various services concerning home ownership and such.  Typically I pay for a handyman service that comes to the home and confirms everything is in good repair and sets the house up for move in ready that the client does not have to do themselves.

Brian, please share, always open to new ideas.  I've moved and refinanced several times.  I use a financial calculator to give me the monthly payments needed to pay off a loan earlier.

Thanks for all the closing gift comments and suggestions.  I too give gifts that are personal. I have even given gifts to the other realtor when they were especially helpful to get the deal closed.  For example, a gift card to get a pie or pizza from a place close to their office.  Closing gifts reflect that you care about your clients.  I've given home warranty, Home Depo, gift cards to local butchers, even a crucifix.  I've given gifts to clients kids too if they took an interest in something that they saw in a place we looked at with their parents.

I do not give a gift at every closing, and I do give situation appropriate gifts. Many times I have provided a Home Warranty plan for a buyer, and at other times a good bottle of wine or champagne is appropriate. Occasionally I find a creative art piece or local sculpture that I think will be appreciated by the buyer and have given something along those lines.

I think that closing gifts can be a great part of the process for many agents. I don't purchase closing gifts in the traditional sense. I provide dinner at the move if they are buyers and schedule a house warming party. I do everything I can to show that I will continue to work for them after the close. I find that lots of closing gifts are ego driven and I have been in many listings where I have seen closing gifts from the previous agent.

If I do give an actual closing gift I do my absolute best to make it all about the client and custom to them.

I have been poviding my clients an entertainment book at the closing table..  This has been well RECEIVED...  I have also invited them to go out to supper with my wife at a place where we both have coupons.   We eat basically for 1/2 price and I spring for the meal..  Tax deductible and REALLY solidifes the relationship.    

I make my clients a home cooked meal either for their last night in their sold home or first night in their new home, and bring everything they need to enjoy it so they don’t have to worry if they already packed up everything to move out or they haven’t unpacked yet for in their new home. I bring everything and usually personalize items I bring with it like the oven mitts or hand towel as well as a cutting board with their name on it (and anniversary date if it’s a couple). I also have a local mom who makes personalized cookies for them. I also include some kind of gift personal to them or a need I know they have. Examples in the past have been a washer/dryer set (used) paying to clean the home they moved out of so tenants could move in, etc. My home made chicken pot pies (like in my profile picture) are always a huge hit! 

First time home buyers always get 100.00 gift card from Lowes.  Military buyers gett 200.00.  If they are second home buyers in the upper price ranges, then I give them something local and special for the new home. Art, or something for the screened porch or dock (Pawleys Island Hammocks are a favorite, as are Bottle Trees)

I like to choose a gift that is well suited to my buyers.  If they need an appliance or items at a big box store, I will give them a gift certificate to Lowe’s or Home Depot.  If they are wine lovers, I buy them a case of wine.  If they are first time owners and never lived on own  I will get them a tool box and fill it with tools.  At times it might be a gift certificate to nice restaurant or a gift basket.