As a real estate agent, your client relationships make up the foundation of your business. Closing or housewarming gifts can be a meaningful way to thank buyers for their business, celebrate their new home, and keep your name top-of-mind for referrals. While it may be tempting to go with the traditional bottle of wine, gift card, or candle, you may want to consider turning to more practical options with a home safety-related gift.
This type of gift is both pragmatic and thoughtful, showing clients that you care about their safety and well-being (and want to help them feel confident and prepared in their new home). Since June is National Home Safety Awareness Month, we thought we’d round up some gift ideas that will help support clients long after those closing papers are signed.
1) Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
While many local laws require homes to be equipped with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, upgrading your client’s new abode with a smart detector shows next-level consideration. In addition to a multitude of capabilities, these devices can send alerts directly to the homeowner’s smartphone, notifying them of situations whether they’re at home or away.
2) Fire blanket
Fire extinguishers are useful, but they don’t exactly make glamorous housewarming gifts. If you’re looking for something a little different (but just as helpful), an emergency fire blanket could be an excellent addition to your buyer’s fire prevention equipment. Lightweight and compact, this handy item can help homeowners put out small fires safely and quickly.
Bonus tip: Purchase a few blankets for your clients so they’ll have them for multiple rooms.
3) Home security technology
Devices such as doorbell cameras, keypad locks, or door and window alarms can dramatically increase a homeowner’s sense of security, without being too expensive or difficult to set up. If you think your clients might want a more robust security system, you could pay for their first year of fees or offer to hire a professional technician to do the install.
An added bonus? Many insurance providers may offer discounts on premiums for homes with qualifying security systems. Your gift could provide current peace of mind and long-term savings for your buyers!
4) Emergency preparedness kits
A basic emergency preparedness kit (including items like flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, a weather radio, a solar power bank, etc.) sends a caring message to buyers. It provides them with the necessary supplies for a variety of emergency situations, from power outages to extreme weather. If you want to keep it simple, a quality first aid kit could also be a much-appreciated gift option.
5) Motion-sensor lighting
Although they may seem like a minor thing, motion-activated lights can do wonders for helping your clients feel safe and secure at home. They can help homeowners safely navigate their outdoor spaces in the dark, or alert them to when a person or animal is walking around their house at night.
6) CPR or first-aid classes
Sometimes the best sense of security comes from feeling empowered to handle emergency situations yourself. For clients who are new parents or living with elderly family members, consider giving the gift of knowledge with an emergency response training course. You can find online or in-person options through organizations such as the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
7) Safety checklists
Information can also be an invaluable gift for your buyers. Consider creating comprehensive checklists that cover a wide range of safety-related topics, from regular maintenance tasks homeowners can perform to all of the items they should have with them in case of different emergency situations. Pair them with fun (or branded!) magnets for clients who’d like to keep these lists front-and-center on their fridge.
Bonus tip: Offer a printed and laminated version as well as a downloadable PDF, in case your clients need extra copies or want something digital.
Final thoughts
Client appreciation is a key component of retaining satisfied and loyal customers. Thoughtful details make all the difference, and nothing says thoughtful quite like closing or housewarming gifts designed to protect your clients and their families. By choosing gifts that prioritize safety, you can:
- Show buyers that you genuinely care. Home safety may not be flashy or glamorous, but it’s an essential part of homeownership, and your buyers are sure to appreciate the gesture.
- Build long-term trust and loyalty. Clients might be more likely to refer an agent who truly went above and beyond. Plus, your name may stay top-of-mind each time they use or see the gift you gave them.
- Stand out. Many closing and housewarming gifts are impractical or forgettable—yours won’t be.
If you’d like to offer your clients some protection and peace of mind before they get to the closing table, be sure to also educate them on the importance of homeowners insurance and refer them to a quality agency. Working with experienced and knowledgeable insurance agents can help buyers find a policy that best fits their needs.
Did you know? Richmond American has an affiliated insurance company, American Home Insurance Agency, Inc. (AHI). The agents at AHI work with multiple insurance carriers to find the best rates and most up-to-date insurance offerings for homebuyers. Plus, because we work closely with the team at AHI, they have a built-in knowledge of Richmond American homes and can provide a more comprehensive, streamlined service for Richmond buyers.
If your clients want to learn more, they can contact a licensed agent by calling 855.382.4565 or visiting AmericanHomeInsurance.com.
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