1. Walk-Through Picture Frame
Most Realtors aren’t great at gifting and fail to realize there is tact involved in strategic gifting. A great gift evokes positive emotion, is forever memorable (non-perishable) and is cost-effective.
Most real estate transactions involve a final walk-through where typically the buyer(s) attend in person. That is a great time to snap a memorable photo of the buyer(s) posing in front of the property. Having that photo framed and delivered to your new homeowner will last forever and every time he or she looks at that picture, they’ll think of you. The effectiveness of this gift is through the charts!
2. Housewarming Party
These can be simple in nature or more elaborate, but simply asking your new homeowner if they’re considering a housewarming party and helping with all the coordinating can pay off big. You will handle the event invitation, food, drinks and videographer (to capture the moment). The cost can be minimized through the support of the participating mortgage lender, attorney and/or inspector.
3. Charity Donation and/or Participation
Supporting your client’s favorite charity by donating and/or participating with them is an immensely powerful way to show your care for them. Simply asking and/or learning from “social listening” (social media) about your client’s favorite charity is the first step and also shows you are paying attention.
4. Milestone Gifts
Again, most Realtors aren’t skilled at gifting, but no more (since you’ve read this playbook now). Spontaneous, thoughtful gifts are the best. The key word is “thoughtful”. One of my current clients is an Accountant that had her first child, so we sent her a onesie for her new baby that read: “My Mommy is the world’s best CPA!”. Many Realtors don’t send milestone gifts and the ones that do, send Veuve Champagne or a Gift Basket, don’t be typical.
5. Handyman Day Gift:
Helping your new homeowner with their “honey-do” list is a BIG WIN for you. Purchasing a home will require many new details like changing locks, hanging pictures, installing the Nest thermostat, etc. Hiring a trusted handyman for the day to help with their to-do list is an ingenious gift.
6. Home Anniversary Gifts:
Who doesn’t love flowers, cupcakes or a customized jigsaw puzzle as a gift? Have a simple CRM and look at the month ahead for any upcoming home anniversary dates. Keep a log of what gifts you send each year to not double up (a simple spreadsheet can help).
7. Family or Pet Photography Day:
Offer to hire an up-and-coming professional photographer for a 30-60 minute family or pet photography session.
8. Thanksgiving Gift
What better time to show your gratitude to your client than around Thanksgiving? Gifts during the Winter holidays are expected, but very few send a gratitude gift during Thanksgiving. Purchasing pies and personally delivering them during Thanksgiving will never fail to impress.
9. Personal Chef Dinner
Encourage your new homeowner to throw a more intimate housewarming party for family and/or close friends to celebrate with a private chef, sourced and paid for by you. Of course ask if you can participate in the festivities (this is a great way for you to meet their family and friends). And as always, hire a photographer to capture the moments.
10. Friendship
And last, but certainly not least, simply calling and saying, “I am thinking of you, how are you?” goes a long way. Real estate sales is predominately about emotional intelligence and keeping “in flow” with people. Use all of the face time you have had with your homebuyer or home seller and follow up after the sale. It’s a great opportunity to continue to build your relationship and rapport.
That’s a wrap!
Ask yourself this question: “Do I want to be a successful Realtor 10 years from now?” If the answer is a “heck yeah! “ then pick and commit to 1 or 2 of the above tactics, be patient and watch your organic referral lead generation sky rocket.
Let’s Go!
xo- KG
