Instead of “Traditional” Gifts to Realtors, Try These Ideas

So you want to remember your favorite real estate agent over the holidays, right? (Okay, maybe you don’t—so don’t read this!)

You’ll get lost in the “crowd” by giving a gift during Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, etc. 

Change it up this year and give a New Year’s gift instead—which is non-denominational, yet memorable since you are not gift giving at the same time everyone else is.

Here are some suggestions: 

1. Give the gift of knowledge 

Books make great gifts—and one size does not fit all.  First, figure out how much you want to spend per book and then create a “shopping list” of five (and not more than seven) books that your agents can choose from. Most booksellers offer discounts if you buy multiple copies (especially online). There are tons of books for Realtors.  Go to Amazon, type in the words “real estate agent marketing” and pick from there. 

Next, create a letter or post card with the following:

MY GIFT TO YOUR IN 2011 IS THE GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE!

Please choose ONE of the books on this list by January 15^th and I’ll deliver it to you by January 30^th.

(Then list the books, the author and a short description that you’ll find online)

E-mail or call me with your selection by January 15 (give your contact info). 

Hint:  I suggest that you read the books that are on your list to make sure the content is killer. 

2. Give the gift of a business planning seminar

If you can do this yourself, that would be the best way to go—but if you don’t have the expertise, find someone who does. 

Offer this “gift” as a great way to kick off the New Year.  Hold between Jan. 15 and 30.  Limit the class size and if you have the space, hold the sessions in your office.  If not, a local title company—who might help you sponsor the event with a breakfast or lunch.  Plan right now and send invitations out on Jan. 2.

3. Give a “real estate specific” gift

While there are tons of websites with gifts for real estate agents, my favorite has always been CafePress.com. Here are some specific items, with links to find them.

• Real estate bumper stickers: http://www.cafepress.com/+real-estate+bumper-stickers

• Real estate magnets: http://www.cafepress.com/+real-estate+magnets

• Real estate agent mug: http://www.giftsforprofessionals.com/item/real-estate-gift-mug

Karen Deis is president of LoanOfficerTraining.com. She can be contacted at Karen@LoanOfficerTraining.com.