Are you expected to give your real estate agent a gift after you buy your house?
Posted on February 20th, 2010 in Renting & Real Estate | 17 Comments »
Karin asked:
I’m in the process of buying my first house, and my real estate agent has been super helpful. Should I buy her a gift once the sale goes through, or is the money she makes off of this sale enough?
17 Responses
Colorado Real Estate
Yeah a gift besides the 3 to 6% they just made off of you?? They should buy you a gift actually!
Send her a thank you note.
Brigantine Homes
A simple thank you card will be enough. They are going to make lots of money because you bought from them and they will be thanking you.
Thermage Before and After
Some realtors are actually in it for the families and not just the commission. I’ve had 2 horrible realtors, so you’re one of the lucky ones. None the less, I still wouldn’t bother with a gift, but I’m lazy like that. I’d send a thank you email knowing me. A gift is a really nice, appreciative gesture, though. Why not?
West Los Angeles Homes
A thank you note would be great. Even just a hug and a smile. I’ve had a few clients invite my family and me for a cook-out to thank me.
For Sale by Owner
If you feel the service you received was worthy of a small token of your appreciation go ahead… most agents will give you a closing/appreciation gift, though it is entirely up to them.
It’s rare an agent makes 6% from representing a buyer, and from the commission they make there are a lot of expenses that need to be taken out before the agent gets the final net amount.
Gps Systems
No, it has been my experience that it is usually the other way around.
If you want to thank your agent, the best way is to recommend him/her to others.
Cellulite Treatment
It’s not “Required” or “The Proper Thing” to do, But it’s a nice gesture. They make their money from the sale to you, So a Gift afterwords is totally something optional. It’s Nice, but not necessary. Hope this helped,
Take Care.
Colorado Real Estate
no–in our area they give their customers (buyers) sometimes a thank you gift — the easy deals make up for the hard ones and their commissions is their gift — you were kind enough to go with them, and they should give you a gift like an business gives their clients gifts during the holidays. they need referrals. your good will is already there. write them a note if you want. but don’t set the precedent for more palm-greasing–heavens knows we go through enough of that in real estate things….tell her you’ll refer others–the best gift!
San Diego Property Management
Actually, it SHOULD be the OTHER way around!! She should buy YOU a housewarming gift. That is what the agent did for my Mom. I thought it was a sweet gesture.
Your 6% is payment enough. Trust me — She is compensated generously.
Sacramento Condos, Sacramento Homes
A nice card would be a good gesture. As a Real Estate Agent, I usually buy my clients a house warming gift when they buy with me.
Vancouver WA Homes
Sheeet fire they are already takin you to the cleaners.!! Give them a kick in the ace!
Equine Jobs
I have a few thank you cards on a shelf in my office, a new client will typically pick up one or two and read them. So a nice card would be great.
What your Realtor would also appreciate is referrals, if you can tell friends or family about her, that is the best gift.
California Real Estate
When I bought my home my agent gave me a small gift, and I made a donation in his name to a charity he had mentioned once in conversation.
Like someone else said, the best gift you can give if a referral, but if a client got me something I would definitely appreciate it.
It’s treading into a tricky area if its a question of a gift vs. additional compensation, but a small token of appreciation of some sort isn’t likely to raise too much of a stink!
Rio Linda Home and Condos
You do not have to buy them a present, but give a card and lt them know that you will be happy to refer them business…and do it!
Microdermabrasion Silkpeel
You do not have to..
The money she makes off this sale is probably enough. But that’d be really nice of you to.
Tempe Arizona Homes
I am a Realtor and I usually give gifts to my clients upon settlement and do not expect anything in return. If however you really want to show your appreciation and give something back then make is something small and thoughtful. Maybe just a nice card expressing your appreciation for making buying a home such a great experience for you. There are too many people out there who have bad experiences because they did not take the time to find the right agent for them. Toss in there that you will definitely recommend her hard work to your family and friends, that will definitely put a smile on her face!
Hershey Pa Real Estate
No, they usually give you a gift like a plant or vase or something like that for the house.