Many of my colleagues do not give housewarming or thank you gifts to their buyers or sellers. One told me that the privilege of working with him was gift enough.  I excused myself to laugh hysterically behind the closed door of my office.  But I do like to give a housewarming present.  The reason I like to give has been largely influenced by my first Realtor, Barbara Freeman of Lexington, Kentucky.  We were thrilled to be first-time homebuyers and our agent gave us a beautiful brass engraved door knocker as a gift.

I will never forget the feeling of pride in owning my first home.  And Barbara’s gift was just icing on the cake.  When I work with buyers and sellers, I want them to feel the same way I did that December 19, 1992.  So I give them gifts.  If they have children, I give the kids coloring books, puzzles, and other presents that will entertain and keep them from being underfoot on moving day.  For adults, I’ve given door knockers, gift cards to Lowe’s, towels, etc.

And because I like to give, I’m excited to have found this at our own Shakadoo sites… an electronic picture frame keychain!  How awesome is this!?!  I will be taking a photo of my buyers’ house that is closing next week, buying two keychains (his & hers) and presenting the keys to their new house at closing.

I get all goose-bumpy when I’m overcome by brilliance!