Doug please go back to April 2nd of Bob Crane  tread and feel free to read my post that Kasey & John Boles  referenced I put the link in my response to her. While you are at it read the comments I received, Endre

We give them to owner occupant buyers as house warming or move in gifts. We do not give them to sellers or investors. I see no reason why we shouldn't give house warming gifts since we are so involved in the process. We are a different industry than other service providers where a house warming gift is a thing so I disagree with the notion that "other professionals don't give a gifts so it is unprofessional for realtors to do so." There were actually two great opposing blog posts about this a few months ago. I think Endre Barath, Jr. wrote one and I can't remember the other.-Kasey

I generally do for buyers, not for sellers. My reason is that it is a house warming gift, and I try to buy something useful, like a nice tool kit for a first time buyer, or something in our search they have talked about wanting in their home.

I do

Yes, small token ones; to be 'remembered' a little better and just because it feels good to do it (if deserved!). 

I have never given closing gifts because I have not seen the need.

Not as a general rule. Do you give your lawyer a gift other than his fee?

Doug,

Many of our clients get gifts from their clients.  When we were invited to an open house, (a clebration)  we always brought a hostess/host gift.  A

Most of my clients are out of state so that doesn't work for me. I do handwritten thank you notes on everyone.

I never gave closing gifts.... I gave great service and I often received a gift for that .... plus my commission!!

As I mentioned on Endre Barath, Jr.'s post back in April, I love showering them with gifts - it's really a fun thing for me!  I love listening to them talk while we're working together and then figuring out what would rock their world!  

They know you've listened to them and most of the time, are nearly as gleeful as when they get their keys handed to them! 

I do deliver the gifts AFTER the sale though - it's another touch that let's them know I care...and I DO!

yes, I do, and it is not the same and depends on the client and the purchase. If I"m a selling agent, I usually meet them at the property to pass the key with good quality champagne and beautiful glasses( that usually stay at the property as a gift too). 

 A nice 'Thank you' note to both seller & buyer.  Then keep in touch in future.

I just spent several thousand $$ at the dentist. I know I won't receive a gift from him and I will continue to go to him because he does a good job.

I don't consider giving gifts unprofessional or a bribe.  Most often, I give them simply because we've established a relationship and it's a great time for celebration. 

It is not a standard of practice for me.  There are times I do ... however most of the time, I do not.  My clients, most of them, give me gifts in gratitude for all that I did for them.

We are professionals, no we do not feel the need for trinkets and bribes for our clients.

We give closing gifts to all our buyers. It's common practice here. 

I do not always give a closing gift.  Depends on the price range of the purchase.  If it is over $200,000 I give a large gift basket.  If it is under $200,000 I usually give a variety of items that I feel will leave a lasting impression on my buyer.

Yes, to most, some don't earn one, most do.

GRATITUDE is why. Thank You, pure and simple.

Often I take singles clients to a meal or I learn what my clients are into and personalize the gift.

I usually do, to say thanks for the business. Clients will give referrals or work with me again if I provide good service and not because I give them gifts.

I believe 'breaking bread' with clients says so much more than an animate object.

Its a matter decided upon in the moment when and if it is brought to my attention. If it doesn't come up, so be it. If it does, I will respond at that time

I do not as a general rule.  For friends I'll make an exception.  I really don't see why people think we should.  As to the "other professions don't" argument that many (including myself) and recently Kasey & John Boles have made, there is a body shop that has done work on my car twice and my parent's cars.  They do an amazing job and they are a direct service provider and claims adjuster with my insurance company (one stop shop, I get my car back quick).  They give a bag of nuts/trail mix from a highly liked local place, The Somis Nut House, when you pick up your car.  I look forward to that (and the snacks in their waiting room), but I don't choose them for that. 

I see realtors in the same way.  We provide the service that keeps people coming back and sending us their friends and family, not for the gifts.  We have a past client that has sent us about a dozen referrals over the years, including two this year.  No gifts, just that she knows we'll treat her friends like family and do an amazing job.

I handed the buyer a gift card and coupons useful to them.

NO , it is the wrong posture for a Realtor .

If you are a gift giver it should be a House Warming Gift 2-3 weeks after closing ! This demostrates clearly the continued relationship !!!

no

We give a small gift to buyers and sellers. My current favorite is a large coffee table book about Wyoming.

Rarely... depends on how well I know the client. I do make a charitable contribution in their name to CMN thru RE/MAX from my commission on every sale. Each client receives a handwritten note thanking them for trusting me with their home.

I do on occasion.  It depends on the client.

Doug Dawes - oh yes, I still do! Just to say 'Thanks' for supporting me in my business.

I seldom give a gift.  Only to very special clients.

I do not give gifts at this time

Not always. I feel my service is all they want and I let them know how much I appreciate them.

I believe in good service. I always get referrals as gift from my clients. Clients remember you for service not gift. 

I do for buyers house warming parties and they refer me all the time.

I do, and depends on who they are and what they bought.

I make personalized baskets