The Top 10 Gifts to Give to Clients Upon Closing

So, you’ve finally closed a deal on a home with a client that you’ve been working with for quite awhile. Though it may be strictly business, it’s likely that you’ve developed a positive relationship with this client given all the time you’ve spent together. Buying a home is one of the biggest moments in a person’s life, and you’ve had a major part in that. Wanting to leave your clients with a congratulatory gift that welcomes them to their new home is, therefore, encouraged.  

Of course, a gift that makes you an unforgettable agent doesn’t hurt, either. 

But, what to get? Gift shopping is difficult enough on its own. What on earth are you supposed to buy for a client who—although you don’t know very well—you feel like you’ve known forever? How do you get them something that shows your appreciation for them, but isn’t too over the top or too underwhelming? 

Hard to say. 

That’s why we’ve done some crowd sourcing to put together what we believe are the best (and most appropriate) gift ideas for clients upon closing. 

1) A Nice Bottle 

Ah…there’s nothing like a bottle of champagne or fancy wine to celebrate buying a new home. It’s likely that your clients were already thinking about buying this for themselves, so you’re essentially doing them a generous favor. Of course, be aware of whether or not your clients drink alcohol to ensure you get them something appropriate. Bonus points if you want to throw in a nice corkscrew or wine bottle case, too! 

2) Throw Pillows

Throw pillows are the kind of thing that people love having in their home, but put off buying when it comes to decorating their homes. Thus, it’s inherently become the kind of gift you hope to get at your wedding from a generous grandmother or…your real estate agent! Throw pillows are a mid-priced gift that can look great on any chair, sofa or bed.  

3) Kitchen Items  

There are a lot of items people don’t realize they need until they cook their first meal in their new home. They go to reach for the salad tongs or cutting board, only to find they’ve throw their old one away before moving. As an agent, you can use this opportunity to get your client a new coffee maker, a set of knives or a serving platter for their first party. 

4) Customized Doormats 

Doormats are a wonderful idea for a gift. They’re kind of an important accessory for any new home, and these days, you can get pretty creative with them. Take note of what kind of decor your clients prefer (which shouldn’t be too hard to determine as their agent).  

5) A Coffee Table Book 

You can never go wrong with a coffee table book. Not only do they add a sliver of art to the living room, but they are nice to look at when your client needs a break from unpacking or they have guests over for a housewarming party.  

6) A Gift Card to a Local Business  

This is an excellent gift for anyone. But, a gift card to a local business is especially a great idea if your clients are from out of town. Nobody wants to cook the first week after moving into a new home, so having the opportunity to explore their new neighborhood with a free meal or grocery allowance will leave you in their good graces.  

7) A Handmade Wooden Sign  

A handmade wooden sign is a creative piece of art that even minimalist home owners can admire. Whether you choose from a calendar, a plaque with the family’s last name, a note board, or a fancy hook piece to hang the keys, many real estate agents feel that this gift is a no-brainer. 

8) An Artsy Sketch or Painting of the Home

This one seems to be a favorite among LabCoat Agents. This home that you’ve just closed on is very meaningful to the client. Even if they decide to sell it in a few years, it will still hold a place in their heart and in their memories. Think about it—you probably have a house from your childhood that you could never forget. And, even if it’s sketched in your memory, having the actual house sketched or painted in a frame is a unique gift that will certainly mean a lot to your client. 

9) A First-Aid Kit  

A first-aid kit is one item that every home should have. Unfortunately, people don’t tend to follow through with that. According to a study done by Adelphi University in 2012, less than 50% of adults in America don’t have first-aid kits in their homes. So, here’s a chance for you to leave your clients with something very useful. 

10) Buy Pizza on Move-In Day  

If you’re still not sure about what to buy or it doesn’t feel right to buy a gift for this particular client, then let pizza save the day. Again, keep in mind whether or not your clients have any dietary restrictions, and send this to them the day they move-in with a little note from you. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way. 

While we won’t say that “any gift is a good gift,” any gift from the agent to the client certainly goes beyond what’s expected. But, if you’re going to spend your money on something, your best bet is to take an idea from this list.