Is it okay to give your realtor a gift?

Author: Dr. Josiah Medhurst III  |  Last update: Monday, July 7, 2025

It's not mandatory to give your REALTOR® a gift at closing, but it is a low-effort way to build up a valuable relationship.

How do you thank your realtor?

Here's what makes a realtor thank-you note stand out:
  1. Personal Greeting: Use their name, not “Dear Client.”
  2. Specific Thanks: Mention exactly what you're grateful for (e.g., their trust, their referral, or their patience).
  3. Personalization: Reference something unique about their home, transaction, or experience with you.

Are REALTORS allowed to accept gifts?

For example, NAR's policy grants that reasonable gifts for special occasions or nominal tokens of appreciation given to all employees would not be seen as worrisome. However, gifts of cash, valuable items or special treatment given to one person or one particular group of people should be avoided.

What kind of gift to give your real estate agent?

Referrals and a nice review are the best gifts for your agent. If you want to give him something else as well, anything is appreciated! I've had clients gift champagne, flowers, and even handwritten cards with a gift card or cash.

How much should a realtor gift be?

You don't have to spend more than $100 on your Realtor gift. Many homeowners spend around $50 on an item to thank their agent. Naturally, if you know your Realtor would really love something (like tickets to a sporting event) you can go over this general budget limit.

Should You Give Your Realtor a Gift?

Is it OK to get your realtor a gift?

It's not mandatory to give your REALTOR® a gift at closing, but it is a low-effort way to build up a valuable relationship.

Can a realtor deduct gifts to clients?

As of the current tax year, the deductible amount for client gifts is limited to $25 per recipient. This means that if an agent gives a gift worth $50 to a client, only $25 of that amount can be claimed as a deduction.

Are closing gifts standard?

While a closing gift is standard for most real estate agents, it's important to present a gift that celebrates the end of a thrilling and mostly stressful experience for both you and the home buyer.

What is a good closing gift for a first time home buyer?

A gift card to a local restaurant

To assist new homeowners on the stressful move-in day, leave a handwritten note and a gift card to order a delicious meal. This practical gesture is a thoughtful way to show that you continue to support them throughout the entire home buying process.

How to celebrate selling your house?

If you've lived in the neighborhood a while and have a lot of friends, host a get-together at the local bar or restaurant and just ask people to come on by and raise a glass of wine to toast your time there. It's a great way to say goodbye. Maybe you have some time before you're moving to your next place.

How long are most REALTOR contracts?

Most real estate agent contracts typically last between three to six months. This duration isn't set in stone; it can be flexible based on your needs and the current market conditions. For instance, if the market is hot, a shorter contract might be preferable to capitalize on quick sales.

Are realtors allowed to do giveaways?

ANSWER: Standard of Practice 12-3 of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics provides that “[t]he offering of premiums, prizes, merchandise discounts or other inducements to list, sell, purchase, or lease is not, in itself, unethical even if receipt of the benefit is contingent on listing, selling, purchasing, or leasing through ...

Should I tip my REALTOR?

Real estate agents are typically well-paid for their services, and while they work hard to ensure a successful transaction, tipping is not a standard or expected practice.

How do you appreciate an agent?

Here are ten ways to show them that they are appreciated.
  1. Always Praise Your Agents' Good Work. ...
  2. Give Over-Achievers 'Pet Projects' to Work On. ...
  3. Offer Duvet Days, Banked Hours and Flexitime. ...
  4. Be Generous With Food and Drinks. ...
  5. Scale Your Rewards to Match Achievements. ...
  6. Involve Everyone in Office Games. ...
  7. Hold 'Casual Clothes' Days.

How do you politely change realtors?

If you are unhappy with your Realtor, these steps are to create a better working relationship with them or obtain another agent.
  1. Step 1: Open Communication. ...
  2. Step 2: Reviewing Your Contract. ...
  3. Step 3: Providing Written Notice. ...
  4. Step 4: Finding a New Agent.

How much should you spend on a realtor gift?

For example, a 4% commission on a $400,000 home is $16,000. 1% of 16,000 is $160 and 5% is $800, so a gift between $160 and $800 is ideal. It's no secret that it can be challenging to figure out the appropriate budget for a closing gift.

What is a good gift for a real estate agent after closing?

Common gifts such as gift certificates, gift baskets, flowers, and bottles of wine are also appreciated. If your realtor really went above and beyond, you may consider more involved gifts, such as jewelry or custom engravings.

Should you leave a gift for home buyer?

This can be anything you'd like to leave them with, from a handwritten letter, to a bar of soap to a hamper full of food. Of course, this is completely up to you and is not essential, so don't feel you need to leave a gift behind.

What is the gift rule?

The Gifts Rule allows you to accept gifts, including discounts, offered to the public, to all federal employees, or to members of a group or class in which membership is unrelated to congressional employment.

Can someone gift you closing costs?

Most conventional mortgage loans allow homebuyers to use gift money for their down payment and closing costs as long as it's a gift from an acceptable source, such as from family members. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac define family as the following: Parent.

What is proper gift etiquette?

If you are presented with the gift in person, smile and thank the gift giver. If you receive a gift by mail, call the gift giver as soon as you can to alert them that the gift has arrived. You should also send hand-written thank-you notes whenever possible.

What is a realtor closing gift?

Realtor closing gifts are more than just gifts; they reflect the service provided and relationships built. Every aspect, from choosing a gift that resonates with your client's interests to presenting it thoughtfully, requires careful attention.

Are you allowed to give gifts to clients?

This isn't just about your budget—it's about the IRS. According to the IRS, business gifts are limited to just $25 for each person, per year. That means if you're gifting an individual client, you can spend up to $25.

How much can you write off for closing gifts?

TANGIBLE PROPERTY - You can deduct no more than $25 per person, per year for business gifts. The IRS specifically states that incidental expenses, such as postage, engraving and gift wrapping are not included in that $25 limit. However, if something adds value to the gift itself, it cannot be considered as incidental.

How do I thank a realtor?

  1. Refer Another Client to Them. ...
  2. Write a Rave Review on Their Website. ...
  3. Offer to Serve as a Reference. ...
  4. Present Them With a Fun Gift Card. ...
  5. Give Them a Gift That Speaks to Their Interests. ...
  6. Donate to a Cause That's Meaningful to Them. ...
  7. Share What a Difference They've Made in Your Life.

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