Real Estate Closing Gifts That Actually Work: A Practical Guide for Agents in 2025

Last Updated on November 8, 2025 by Elizabeth Nolan

Closing gifts aren’t just a nice gesture—they’re a strategic investment in your real estate business. According to the National Association of Realtors, approximately 40% of buyers and sellers find their real estate agent through referrals. A thoughtful closing gift can transform satisfied clients into enthusiastic advocates who naturally recommend your services to friends and family.

But let’s be honest: not every agent has the budget for luxury gift baskets or smart home packages. This guide explores what successful real estate agents actually give as closing gifts—practical, meaningful options that strengthen client relationships without breaking the bank.

Why Closing Gifts Matter in Real Estate

The relationship between agent and client typically spans three to four months of intense communication and collaboration. By closing day, you’ve learned about their lifestyle, preferences, and dreams for their new home. According to NAR, “Real estate is personal. The gift is a way to say, ‘Congratulations. I’m so happy for you.'”

A well-chosen closing gift accomplishes several business objectives:

• Demonstrates genuine appreciation for your client’s trust during a significant life milestone
• Keeps you top-of-mind when friends or family mention real estate needs
• Differentiates your service in a competitive market
• Creates memorable touchpoints that lead to positive reviews and referrals

Research shows that 65% of sellers found their agent through a referral or previous experience, making post-closing relationship building essential for sustained business growth.

What Real Estate Agents Actually Spend on Closing Gifts

Budget anxiety is real, especially for newer agents. The good news? You don’t need to drain your commission check to make a meaningful impression.

Industry Standard Budget Guidelines: While spending recommendations vary, most successful agents follow the 1-5% of commission guideline. On a $300,000 home with a 3% commission ($9,000), that translates to roughly $90-$450 for a closing gift.

However, many top agents emphasize that thoughtfulness trumps price tags. A $75 gift that reflects genuine attention to your client’s interests often resonates more powerfully than a generic $200 gift basket.

Tax Considerations: The IRS permits real estate agents to deduct business gifts up to $25 per person per year. Gifts exceeding this amount aren’t tax-deductible, but agents can still give them. Items featuring your branding are classified as advertising expenses rather than personal gifts, providing additional flexibility. (and always double check as these laws change).

Legal and Ethical Guidelines for Real Estate Closing Gifts

Before selecting gifts, understand the regulatory framework. RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act) prohibits agents from receiving “things of value” for referring clients to settlement service providers like mortgage lenders or title companies. However, giving gifts to your clients after closing is perfectly acceptable.

Key Guidelines:

• Present gifts after the deal has officially closed to ensure they’re seen as appreciation rather than incentives
• Avoid excessively expensive or lavish gifts that could make clients uncomfortable
• The NAR Code of Ethics prohibits anything that could reasonably be construed as an inducement to enter into a transaction
• Always consult your broker if you have questions about specific gifts

What Successful Agents Actually Give: 10 Realistic Closing Gift Ideas

Based on insights from working agents and industry research, here are closing gifts that real professionals actually use to maintain client relationships:

1. Personalized Home Items

Custom cutting boards, engraved address plaques, or family name signs offer lasting value without excessive cost. These items become conversation pieces when guests visit, naturally prompting referrals. The custom doormat is one of my favorites. Budget: $50-$150.

As one agent shared with NAR, “I try to always give something that will be meaningful and stick around, so every time the clients look at it, they remember our wonderful experience working together.”

2. Professional Cleaning Service

One of the most appreciated practical gifts is arranging a complete house cleaning before move-in day. This allows clients to start fresh without the stress of scrubbing their new home themselves. Many agents find this particularly effective for busy families or clients relocating from out of state. Budget: $150-$300.

3. Local Experience Package

Curated gift cards to neighborhood restaurants, coffee shops, or local attractions help clients connect with their new community while showcasing your local expertise. Include a handwritten note with your personal recommendations. Budget: $75-$150. 

“Helping clients feel connected to their community highlights your local knowledge and creates natural follow-up opportunities,” notes AgentFire’s guide to closing gifts.

4. Home Service Vouchers

Gift certificates for services clients will need anyway—lawn care, HVAC maintenance, or landscaping—provide immediate practical value. The Pennsylvania Association of Realtors particularly recommends these for first-time homebuyers who may be overwhelmed by maintenance responsibilities. Budget: $100-$250.

5. Personalized Housewarming Basket

Rather than generic gift baskets, assemble items tailored to what you’ve learned about your clients. For a family with young children, include family movie passes, popcorn, and cozy blankets. For wine enthusiasts, curate a selection from local vineyards with quality glassware. Budget: $100-$200.

6. Magazine or Subscription Services

North Carolina Realtors® highlight magazine subscriptions as surprisingly effective gifts. A year-long subscription to a magazine matching their interests—cooking, gardening, home design—keeps you top-of-mind with every issue. Budget: $40-$100.

7. Premium Champagne or Wine

For clients who drink alcohol, quality champagne remains a classic choice for celebrating their milestone. Ensure you know their preferences and any dietary restrictions before selecting this option. Budget: $50-$150.

8. Home Essentials for First-Time Buyers

First-time homebuyers often lack basic tools and supplies. A quality toolkit, premium bathroom towels, or kitchen essentials serve immediate needs. Many agents report this approach generates particularly enthusiastic appreciation from younger buyers. Budget: $75-$150.

9. Pet-Friendly Gifts

For clients with pets, acknowledge their four-legged family members with personalized pet items like treat jars, quality beds, or gift certificates to local pet stores. This personal touch shows you paid attention to their whole family. Budget: $50-$100.

10. Handwritten Welcome Book with Local Insights

Compile a personalized guide to local restaurants, parks, service providers, and community events. Include your business card subtly and offer to answer any questions. This cost-effective option requires time rather than money and provides ongoing value. Budget: $20-$50 for quality printing and presentation.

How to Choose the Right Gift for Each Client

Successful agents emphasize personalization over price. Here’s how to select gifts that resonate:

Listen Throughout the Transaction: Use your CRM system to track details clients mention—hobbies, family members, interests, upcoming plans. This information becomes invaluable when selecting meaningful gifts.

Consider the Property Type:

• Fixer-uppers: Hardware store gift cards or quality tools
• New construction: Personalized items for an empty canvas
• Downsizing seniors: Services rather than physical items
• Investment properties: Professional items or business-focused gifts

Know Your Audience:

• First-time buyers: Practical home essentials
• Growing families: Family experiences or child-friendly items
• Empty nesters: Luxury relaxation or travel-related gifts
• Relocating clients: Local experience packages

Avoid Common Mistakes:

• Generic items with no personal connection
• Overly personal items that assume too much
• Impractical decorative pieces with no clear purpose
• Gifts that contradict known preferences (wine for non-drinkers)

Related article: The Ultimate Guide to CRM Platforms for Real Estate Agents: Boost Your Client Relationships and Close More Deals in 2025

Presentation Matters: Making Your Gift Memorable

How you present your closing gift significantly impacts its reception:

Timing: Most agents deliver gifts during a personal visit within the first week. Since closings don’t really happen at a table the way they used to, a visit to the home allows agents a friendly way to see clients in their new space and take photos (with permission) for social media.

Personal Touch: Always include a handwritten note expressing specific appreciation. Generic messages feel impersonal. Example: “Congratulations on your new home, Sarah and Mike! It was wonderful helping you find the perfect space for your growing family and Max’s new yard. Thank you for trusting me with this important milestone.”

Quality Packaging: Invest in attractive presentation materials. First impressions extend to gift wrapping.

Follow-Up: Check in within a few weeks to ensure they’re enjoying their new home and the gift. This creates natural opportunities for staying connected.

Building Long-Term Relationships Beyond the Gift

Closing gifts work best as part of a comprehensive relationship strategy:

Systematic Follow-Up: Research from HousingWire shows that successful agents use automated gifting services like Client Giant or Mailbox Power to send small gifts quarterly, maintaining top-of-mind awareness without consuming valuable time.

Anniversary Touches: Remember the one-year anniversary of their purchase with a card or small gift. This touchpoint often coincides with when their friends start asking about real estate.

Social Media Engagement: With permission, share photos from closing or move-in day. Tag clients appropriately and celebrate their milestone publicly.

Request Reviews: After the gift has been received and appreciated, politely ask satisfied clients to leave reviews on Google, Zillow, or Facebook. Positive reviews amplify your closing gift investment by attracting new prospects. Don’t be shy! (but if you are, put a reminder in the card or follow up through your CRM as most businesses do)

Related article: Google Business Profile: Why It’s Essential for Real Estate Agents

Making Closing Gifts Work for Your Business

Successful real estate professionals view closing gifts as essential marketing investments, not optional expenses. By allocating 1-2% of each commission to thoughtful gifts, you create memorable experiences that naturally generate referrals.

Action Steps:

1. Review your past three transactions and note personal details you learned about those clients
2. Establish a closing gift budget based on typical commission ranges
3. Create a shortlist of 3-5 go-to gifts that work for different client types
4. Set up a system in your CRM to track client preferences during transactions
5. Develop a follow-up schedule for staying connected post-closing

Remember: the most effective closing gifts demonstrate that you’ve paid attention throughout the entire transaction. Whether you invest $50 or $500, your genuine thoughtfulness will be remembered long after the papers are signed—and will naturally lead to the referrals that sustain your business for years to come.