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Nathan Gesner, Broker / Property Manager (American West Realty and Management)

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Rainmaker
716,049
Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix Scottsdale. Sellers, Buyers & Relocations

To me this whole closing gift thing is so silly and out of this world. At the risk of offending some, it's ridiculous. I don't get it - where does that come from? It's not very professional business-like.

I can't recall ever getting a gift from my accountant, attorney, physician, mechanic, investment advisor.... or any other professionals that provided me with a paid service.

I never did, never will. I provide a professional service and clients pay for it. If anyone gets gift, it's usually yours truly from clients. Over the years, I received checks over and above for thousands of dollars, airline tickets, dining cards, free use of vacation properties ...

So the gift thing is always the other way around.

Nov 09, 2017 06:27 AM
Rainmaker
1,052,211
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

Is there a backstory to this?

Nov 09, 2017 06:27 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

yes, I did.... I actually brought the buyer (decades ago) to a home listed by another agent.... and that agent was "lost in action" on the day of closing.... I finished both deals and felt sooo badly for the seller/buyer client of the other agent.... I gave her a gift and she, in turn, directed many deals to me....

Nov 09, 2017 06:33 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

No... they are not my client and I would want to appear to be stepping over another agent's boundaries at closing. Not a big closing gift giver, in any event.

Nov 09, 2017 07:31 AM
Rainmaker
1,543,662
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

Yes, when I've double-ended the deal.  I'm creating advocates through my relationships. It's fun to give gifts. No one expects it and no one forces me to. And it should come from the heart, not technique.

I believe in showing gratitude and building relationships. As I commented on another post...

"While we live in America, all are free to run their businesses as they see fit. I was raised in a givers gain business world, we show an attitude of gratitude and I just feel there are reasons why Virgin wows passengers and Nordstroms impresses their customers and then there's Spirit Airlines and Walmart. Fortunately there are enough clients for all types of business models. To each their own."

If some feel negatively about being givers of gifts and joy, it just makes those of us who do give, all the more appreciated. 

Nov 09, 2017 06:55 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,291
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

No, would expect to be punched out by the BA in our area.

Nov 09, 2017 05:55 AM
Rainmaker
679,404
Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

I have given a Celebrate Our Town Basket to a number of buyers of homes I had for sale -- this is a basket that is put together by the area businesses and I usually would stop by the house 1-2 weeks after closing to "Welcome them to their New Home" -- Every buyer was overwhelmed with the generosity of the community businesses and I was honored to be the one to bring it to them.

Nov 09, 2017 06:57 AM
Ambassador
2,061,792
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home is where the hearth is.

No... I would expect to be punched-out by Lyn Sims.

Nov 09, 2017 05:58 AM
Ambassador
6,393,179
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Keys, Deed, land, a home.

Fairly significant gifts...

Nov 09, 2017 01:44 PM
Rainmaker
4,572,117
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Not that I recall. 

Nov 09, 2017 07:10 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

No.  I know a few agents that do.  

Nov 09, 2017 06:52 AM
Rainmaker
7,836,134
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Closing gifts have not been one of my regular practices.

Nov 09, 2017 06:45 AM
Rainmaker
564,494
Maria Sapio
Keller Williams of Central PA - Carlisle, PA
Real Estate Agent- Carlisle, PA. Mariasapio.com

A hand written card of congratulations without a business card enclosed would be fine - but, I think a gift is over-stepping a bit -

Nov 09, 2017 06:13 AM
Rainmaker
2,071,025
Evelina Tsigelnitskaya
SIB Realty - Sunny Isles Beach, FL

Yes, time to time.

Nov 21, 2018 09:31 PM
Rainmaker
1,598,452
Valeria Mola
SIB Realty - Miami, Sunny Isles Beach - Sunny Isles Beach, FL
305-607-0709 SIB Realty Condos for Sale and Rent

Sometimes.

Nov 21, 2018 09:07 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

No, I did not. It is rarely I ever even meet a principal represented by another agent. 

Nov 09, 2017 11:09 PM
Rainmaker
290,969
Allie Angeloni
Long Realty - Oro Valley, AZ

No, we have not, and I'm actually conflicted about a gift to our client, too Nathan Gesner.  Many are snowbirds (and do not live here permanently), and others relocate to a facility (meaning space is limited).  Clients who are neither of the above have gotten Gift Cards in the past, depending on their situation.  Some that we knew would be doing home repairs got different Gift Cards, than those that had a favorite restaurant in town.  For me, it would seem awkward to gift someone who wasn't my client, and in some cases, we never even meet the other client.

Nov 09, 2017 08:31 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Yes....

Nov 09, 2017 07:18 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

I have not.

Nov 09, 2017 07:04 AM
Rainmaker
4,333,761
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

Never, and if it was someone we knew...why wouldn't they have hired us???

Nov 09, 2017 06:54 AM
Rainmaker
5,216,398
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Nope, and only very occasionally given one to the party I represent!

Nov 09, 2017 06:51 AM
Rainmaker
1,153,794
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

NO

Nov 09, 2017 06:19 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

Nina Hollander nailed this one!

Nov 10, 2017 04:25 AM
Rainmaker
5,005,636
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Nope! Never.

Nov 09, 2017 07:33 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

No way. I think that says you are trying to usurp their agent at least in their minds.

Nov 09, 2017 05:08 PM
Rainmaker
1,231,853
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

No, but I have kept in touch with buyers of my listings & earned new clients for the future.

Nov 09, 2017 02:42 PM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

I have not - I've not been present when the other party signs - it's how they do things here.

Nov 09, 2017 12:48 PM
Rainmaker
758,035
Peter Testa
Nationwide Homes - Danbury, CT
PETER TESTA

I've truly liked many buyers on my listings but nonetheless there is no closing gift given to the other side.

Nov 09, 2017 11:37 AM
Rainmaker
1,197,097
Peter Mohylsky, Beach Expert
PMI. Destin - Miramar Beach, FL
Call me at 850-517-7098

No but it is not out of the question

Nov 09, 2017 11:14 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

No.

Nov 09, 2017 11:09 AM
Ambassador
2,436,099
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

No, never. I've given closing gifts in the past, but only to my client(s).

Nov 09, 2017 10:07 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
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 thing, although I've done it once or twice.  I would NEVER give a gift to another agent's client.  That is very rude/tacky and majorly crosses the line!

Nov 09, 2017 09:16 AM
Rainmaker
711,852
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

I represent my builder husband on his spec home sales and he always provides a move in gift to the buyers.

Nov 09, 2017 09:16 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

I have.

It should be noted it was a very special situation that applied directly to what I observed when the buyer and agent visited the house.

Be also aware, I did discuss this with the buyer agent.

On in one case, I witnessed a gathering poolside of the huddled masses musing what do do about the Long Pine needles that were suspended in the screening. At closing a presented a specially engineered tool that would cut the needles so they could be easily blown away with a leaf blower. NO I DID NOT GIVE THEM A LEAF BLOWER.!

Nov 09, 2017 08:35 AM
Rainmaker
911,338
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

No. I've never been a fan of closing gifts.

Nov 09, 2017 08:17 AM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

I have given them the gift of staying in contact with them after the closing.  

Nov 09, 2017 07:57 AM
Ambassador
5,229,945
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

When I represented local builders, I would send a really nice house plant in a decorative planter to the buyers about 2 weeks after Closing. Other than that, no.

Nov 09, 2017 07:50 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Nathan Gesner Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR 's answer make a whole lot of sense.

Nov 09, 2017 07:06 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

No, never.

Nov 09, 2017 06:55 AM
Rainmaker
1,045,440
Dave Martin (703) 585-4687
Fairfax Realty - Fairfax, VA
Making Realty Dreams a Reality #WeWillGetYouHome

Yes and even to the agent representing them. 

Nov 09, 2017 06:52 AM
Ambassador
5,049,058
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Nope, no way

Nov 09, 2017 06:42 AM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

No.

Aug 31, 2018 11:29 PM
Rainmaker
5,868,482
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

No, I do to the client I represent.

Nov 13, 2017 07:54 AM
Rainmaker
4,936,605
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

No only you I represent.

 

Nov 12, 2017 10:23 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Sure the keys passed across the closing table to the selling agent, then to his clients.

Nov 11, 2017 05:05 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Nathan,

We did not do closing gifts.  Often we were invited ot a grand opening party, and we brought wine, plants, or something else that was appropriate. A

Nov 10, 2017 08:44 PM
Rainmaker
577,750
Gloria Valvasori, Accredited Senior Agent
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE SIGNATURE SERVICE - Mississauga, ON
REAL Experience | REAL Commitment | REAL Results!

No, I give closing gifts to MY clients.. as a token of my appreciation for placing their trust in me as their agent... I have never given a closing gift to the Buyers, thaet would be crossing the line in the area of conflict.

Nov 10, 2017 05:27 AM
Ambassador
2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

  Not lately.

Nov 09, 2017 04:32 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

No

Nov 09, 2017 10:55 AM