Special offer
Bob Crane,  Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671 (Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified)

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Rainmaker
1,543,225
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

Who's paying has nothing to do with expressed gratitude.  The buyer is spending the most; in fact-the seller can only pay because of the buyer and the lender. Because in reality, we all are contributing to the COE.

I'm with Endre Barath, Jr. Do you really have a problem with expressions of gratitude towards our clients? The seller is paying them, true.  But, I've seen sellers give champagne to buyers to thank them for the transaction. I've seen buyers give thank you notes to sellers. An attitude of gratitude Bob Crane,  being called into question? 

In reality, a buyers agent works for the buyer and in either case, I thank my clients for their business. I give buyer & seller gifts. Unexpected extras are what contribute to if not define my USP. Gratitude is never out of fashion nor misdirected. 

When I list, I gift the seller.

When I sell, I gift the buyer.

I also take my TC and Escrow Officer to lunch.

PEOPLE LIKE TO FEEL APPRECIATED. I've had clients buy me gifts, or take me to or cook me meals. This is a PEOPLE BUSINESS.

Apr 02, 2017 03:09 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,806
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I am not a big closing gift giver.... at the end of the day other professions don't give you gifts at the end of a transaction. I'm more likely to send a small gift when someone refers a new client to me. I send a contribution to Children's Miracle Network from each commission and let each client know via letter that a contribution was made in their name. When I give a gift, I often order return address labels and a 50 postcards with their new address. After people move into their home, I will send them a cake in a lovely tin wishing them many sweet years in their new home.

Apr 02, 2017 03:52 AM
Rainmaker
1,513,143
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

I leave a certificate to a local restaurant or pizza place at the home the morning of closing. Many have thanked me later as they really were not thinking of the evening meal after moving.

Apr 02, 2017 05:38 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

I think a gift is more about being thoughtful and freely given.

Apr 02, 2017 05:04 AM
Rainmaker
1,196,912
Peter Mohylsky, Beach Expert
PMI. Destin - Miramar Beach, FL
Call me at 850-517-7098

Mixed emotions here, I agree it does not make sense

Apr 02, 2017 02:47 AM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Bob Crane - the best answer from Endre Barath, Jr. and my friend who follows the same philosophy as I do, Thomas J. Nelson, Realtor, CRS.

Apr 02, 2017 10:13 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

The buyer's agent is hoping to be remembered for a future sale. Sometimes selling clients get gifts too.

Apr 02, 2017 05:46 PM
Ambassador
3,344,906
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Gifts for me are not about who is paying me or what I am being paid for. If I give a gift it is for a very special reason ... tied to nothing other than why I want to give a gift to a particular person. 

Apr 02, 2017 08:50 AM
Rainmaker
2,182,502
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

A Settlement Day gift is the wrong posture for a Realtor. If you feel led to give a gift , it should be a House Warming gift , clearly demonstrating that the relationship(post closing) HASN'T ENDED, but continues !REALTOR for LIFE

Apr 02, 2017 05:45 AM
Rainmaker
556,536
Greg Cremia
Shore Realty of the Outer Banks - Nags Head, NC

Agents are always questioning why we are not treated like professionals and this is just one of the reasons. Professionals do not give gifts to their clients. If the job was done properly then the gratitude should be towards the professional. A gift shows the client we think we were overpayed and not sure of ourselves.

Apr 02, 2017 04:15 AM
Ambassador
2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

   If I feel obligated to give a gift, then it is no longer a gift.

Apr 02, 2017 01:25 PM
Rainmaker
809,258
Kasey & John Boles
Jon Gosche Real Estate, LLC - BoiseMeridianRealEstate.com - Boise, ID
Boise & Meridian, ID Ada/Canyon/Gem/Boise Counties

I think of closing gifts as more of a "welcome home" or housewarming gift. Sure, we are professionals but we are in a relationship business and one in particular where it is a tradition for new homeowners to be given gifts by friends and family to warm their new house. Why wouldn't we be a part of that housewarming since we were one of the biggest players in the transaction alongside the buyers? That is how I look at it and so in that light we give gifts to buyers. We don't give gifts to sellers or investors.-Kasey

Apr 02, 2017 08:14 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,013
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

I have a book with over 800 positive sayings that makes the rounds for no specific reason and for many good reasons....

Apr 02, 2017 07:04 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

well, they spent the most money of anyone in the transaction....

Apr 02, 2017 06:47 AM
Rainmaker
1,390,113
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

We give closing gifts to clients whether they are the buyer or seller.

Apr 02, 2017 06:36 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

If we ever have a transaction, I'm giving you a gift, Bob.  

Apr 02, 2017 05:40 AM
Rainmaker
2,220,323
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

Great point Bob Crane 

Apr 02, 2017 04:58 AM
Rainmaker
1,153,794
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

I rarely gift and would never consider such a gesture at the closing table. I believe that's poor taste if and when it occurs. There's a time & place for everything, not at closing!

Apr 02, 2017 04:43 AM
Rainmaker
4,456,325
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Why not Bob?

Apr 02, 2017 12:33 AM
Rainmaker
763,783
Tony Lewis
Summit Real Estate Group - Valencia, CA
Summit Real Estate Group Valencia & Aliso Viejo

I guess it is a good idea.  I often think I've missed the boat by not doing so.  But then I close another one and don't give a gift.

Apr 03, 2017 04:51 PM
Rainmaker
5,868,372
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I too give buyers and sellers gifts.  They have choices, but they chose me to represent them.  I want to say thank you.

Apr 03, 2017 12:46 PM
Rainmaker
900,008
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

The agent sold YOUR listing, didn't she? She chose that home to show to HER clients. You paid her for it. She's giving a gift to HER clients for having chosen her and in hopes of future business, either from them or via referrals. You got YOUR share of the listing commission. All fair. 

Apr 03, 2017 09:59 AM
Rainmaker
151,633
Julie Larson Realtor® Sarasota FL 941-284-9826
White Sands Realty Group FL | 941-284-9826 | Serving Sarasota, Manatee & Charlotte Counties - Sarasota, FL
When you're thinking of moving...ThinkSuncoast.com

I like to bring a closing gift to the buyer at closing! It's a really great day for them and it's fun to bring something to help celebrate the occasion!!!

Apr 02, 2017 08:41 PM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

To be remembered fondly

Apr 02, 2017 07:36 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I do not expect gifts but few have given me a gift.

Apr 02, 2017 07:15 PM
Rainmaker
4,935,551
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

I do house warming parties and hve them invite 30 to 60 people,  I pick up 3 to 4 buyers

 

Apr 02, 2017 06:06 PM
Rainmaker
1,502,848
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

I'm not a fan of the closing gift concept.  For friends, yes.  For random clients, no.  When doctors and lawyers start giving them out and teachers give their students apples, then maybe I will.

Apr 02, 2017 06:03 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

It has to be a very special client or situation

Apr 02, 2017 05:59 PM
Rainmaker
142,796
Diana White-Pettis
Bennett Realty Solutions - Upper Marlboro, MD
GRI, CDPE, CNE, WHC Upper Marlboro Homes for Sale

Whether buyer or seller, it's my way of letting them know how much I appreciate the opportunity to serve them.

Apr 02, 2017 02:50 PM
Rainmaker
1,844,171
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Yes why? I don't see a reason as you've done your job. I don't want a bottle of wine from my dentist when I get a filling.

Apr 02, 2017 09:36 AM
Rainmaker
785,106
Abby Stiller
TOP SELLING REALTY - Cape Coral, FL
SW Florida (239) 284-8637

I dont. My gift is the follow up after closing to remind them to apply for a homestead exemption, to pick up their mail if they haven't move in yet, to help them understand all the paperwork they'll receive after closing and etc, etc.

Apr 02, 2017 09:20 AM
Rainer
259,005
Mick Michaud
Distinctly Texas Lifestyle Properties, LLC Office:682/498-3107 - Granbury, TX
Your Texas Lifestyle is Here!

I've given house warning presents to my clients when we complete building their house.  It's a celebration.

Apr 02, 2017 09:18 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Bob Crane It's hard to break old customs especially in this business.

Apr 02, 2017 08:46 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Bob,

In commercial real estate, it is not a common practice.  It is a B to B world.  That being said, we did become friends as Corinne Guest, Managing Broker stated.  A

Apr 02, 2017 08:05 AM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

make it happen

Apr 02, 2017 06:59 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,896
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

We don't and if we did, we would not give it at the closing table.

Apr 02, 2017 06:49 AM
Rainmaker
989,552
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

I'm with Thomas J. Nelson, Realtor, CRS on this - the listing agent is more often than not, not the selling agent - most listing agents in my area do nothing to market a property other than to post it in the MLS

Why would I gift someone who hasn't done anything to earn it?

I on the other hand spend thousands of dollars annually to market properties and maintain my website - heck if anyone deserves a gift it's ME!

Apr 02, 2017 06:42 AM
Rainmaker
5,215,388
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Bob, great point! Not a fan of closing gifts in general. Have given a seller a closing gift in the past! And a few buyers before I quit!

Apr 02, 2017 06:25 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Ronald Gombach nailed this one!

Apr 02, 2017 05:32 AM
Rainmaker
7,834,939
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I have not given closing gifts. 

Apr 02, 2017 05:22 AM
Rainmaker
1,045,440
Dave Martin (703) 585-4687
Fairfax Realty - Fairfax, VA
Making Realty Dreams a Reality #WeWillGetYouHome

hmm Bob Crane you were the SELLER? or the BROKER for the seller? I've never considered that the BROKER pays the agent (Legally in Va. agents can't receive DIRECT compensation for the sale or leasing of real estate) but the agents produce the deals and I believe it is actually the TRANSACTION that pays the commission.

Mar 23, 2018 09:03 PM