A Real Estate Agent’s Guide to Gift Giving
Gifting to Clients
“Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” – H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
The holidays are a time for giving. Gifts are a great way to show your real estate clients that you care.
And once your clients know you care, they’re more likely to return for repeat business or refer your services to family and friends.
According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), in 2013, 21% of real estate clients were repeat clients, and an additional 21% of clients were from referrals.
Your clients’ relationships are vital to growing and maintaining your real estate brand. So it’s important to take the steps to strengthen and build on your client relationships, especially during the holidays.
When deciding on the perfect client gift, you have to think outside the box. A cookie-cutter postcard or standard agency mailer isn’t going to cut it. Your gift should be personal and from the heart.
Below are some ideas for the perfect gift to send your clients this holiday season.
Send a Holiday Card
Part-nostalgia, part-holiday magic—everyone loves a good Christmas card.
It’s a small gesture that will only set you back a couple of bucks but will make a large impression with your clients.
When it comes to Christmas cards—drop the business. Make sure your card isn’t a business promotion in disguise. Choose a set of holiday cards with a comforting picture and a warm wish for health and happiness. Add your own message for a personal touch.
Your clients are sure to smile when they receive your mailbox greeting.
Gift a Local Membership
Along with a heartfelt Christmas card, another good holiday gift idea is the purchase of a membership to somewhere fun in the community.
Becoming familiar with a new environment is a big task. So give a gift that your clients will not only enjoy but that will help them get-to-know their new community.
Membership ideas include:
- Local zoo
- Local museum
- Free rounds of golf at a local country club
A membership is a great gift idea. Not only does it create an opportunity for clients to better get to know their new community, it’s a gift the whole family can enjoy.
Gift a Gift Card
Another great gift idea is a gift card. Make it personal by getting to know your clients during the home buying process—find out their favorite restaurants, hobbies, etc. So during the holidays you can surprise them with gift card to their favorite place. Your clients with touched that you took the time to get to know their interests.
Gift cards are simple buy and leave a lasting impression. Your clients will be touched by your thoughtfulness and caring.
Help Support a Cause
You can also give to your clients by giving to others. Another creative client gift idea is to support a cause your client advocates. Show your support by donating to a Kickstarter account or GoFundMe page or even sponsoring a runner in a charity race or other event.
Check with your clients on the best way to make a contribution before moving forward with your gift.
Your clients will be touched by your willingness to support a cause near to their heart.
The holidays are the perfect excuse to show your clients you care. Even the smallest gesture could go a long way in building your client-agent relationship. And you never know, that Christmas card may just be that something extra that motivates your clients to use your services again or even refer your services to a friend.