What Every Realtor Needs to Know About Closing Gifts

July 01, 2025

Why the Right Gift Can Build Loyalty, Drive Referrals, and Set You Apart

In today’s real estate world, your value isn’t just measured in negotiations or listings — it’s in the details. One of the most overlooked, yet incredibly powerful, tools in your branding toolkit is the closing gift.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Are these gifts actually worth it?”, the answer is: absolutely — if done right.

At HP Design, we specialize in creating gifts that go beyond the “thank you.” Our custom-engraved and printed gifts speak directly to the heart of your client relationships — and we’ve got the insider knowledge to prove why they work.

🎯 Why Closing Gifts Still Matter (More Than Ever)

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 91% of buyers say they would use their agent again, but only 12% actually do. Why the drop-off? It's not dissatisfaction — it's disconnection. People forget.

A thoughtful, high-quality closing gift can anchor you in their memory long after the last document is signed.

Here’s what the top 5% of agents do differently with their closing gifts:

1. They Personalize, Not Generalize

Skip the wine bottles and generic gift cards. The most successful agents customize their gifts based on what matters to their clients — hobbies, family life, even pets.

🔍 Insider Tip: Custom engraved items like cutting boards with names, drinkware with monograms, or tags featuring a pet’s name are among the top-performing gifts for long-term client engagement.

2. They Make It Functional AND Beautiful

Closing gifts shouldn’t end up in the back of a cabinet. Our bestselling Turkish towels and charcuterie boards are not only stylish but also practical — ensuring repeated use and repeated impressions of your brand.

📈 Marketing Insight: According to Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), 83% of people keep branded products for over a year, especially if they’re useful.

3. They Focus on Packaging Presentation

A crumpled gift bag won’t cut it. We build full gift baskets that reflect the quality of your service. From engraved tags to color-coordinated inserts, everything matters.

🎁 Pro Tip: The “unboxing experience” is becoming just as important as the gift itself — especially in the age of Instagram. Make it photo-worthy.

4. They Use It as a Lead Generator

Closing gifts can become referral engines. One client’s beautiful gift basket can lead to a dozen word-of-mouth conversations. That’s why our tags always include subtle branding — enough to get your name brought up, without it feeling like an ad.

📢 Client Strategy: Ask your client if they’d like an extra item for their friend who’s also house-hunting. It’s a gentle way to spark a referral.

5. They Outsource to Save Time

Top agents don’t try to DIY every gift. They use companies like ours to create, package, and deliver — freeing them up to focus on what they do best: serving clients and closing deals.

⏱️ Time-Saving Stat: Agents who delegate closing gifts report 25–40% more client touches per year, just by freeing up a few hours per month.

The Basket in the Photo: Real Results

The image you see above? That’s not a stock basket — it’s a real custom creation we designed for Stephen Hampton with First Choice Realty Team. Every piece was intentionally selected to reflect his clients’ style and the warm, welcoming feel of their new home.

And guess what? Stephen received two client referrals within a week of delivering this basket. That’s the power of thoughtful, branded gifting.