Client Gifting Tips FROM A TOP AGENT TEAM’S DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Are you stuck deciding what to give and who to send holiday gifts to? As a Director of Operations for a top real estate team in New York City, I’ve researched, learned, and helped to order a wide variety of options. Finding the right gift can be overwhelming and time consuming! Some agents spend so much time worrying about what to send that they get frustrated and decide to not send anything at all. The holidays are usually an easy time to check in with your sphere through the act of gifting, so don’t overcomplicate it - it’s better to send something than nothing at all.

All that said - real estate agents don’t always need to send something expensive or related to your work in real estate. Here are a few tips to coach you on how I like to approach gifting:

• If you're on a budget, a handwritten note goes a long way. Be sure to write a thoughtful message and send it early enough that it won't get lost in the holiday mail rush.

• Consider sending clients your family holiday card. This personal approach feels more genuine and less promotional.

• Don't have time to write notes? Offer your holiday wishes with a phone call instead.

• I love sending gifts from local businesses - it shows your connection to the neighborhood and creates great conversation starters with clients. Some of my favorites include gift boxes from Seaport’s Tin Building and Zabar’s, as well as the cookie subscription at Mah ze Dahr.

• Want to do something unique? Consider hosting a themed event like a gingerbread-making contest (perfect for families) or a holiday bake-off with proceeds benefiting a local charity. Remember to utilize your connections within your sphere of influence to collaborate on the event!

• Focus your gift-giving on "VIP" clients, select past clients, and, if possible, your referral partners.