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Friday, December 5, 2025

client appreciation

    Why Thanksgiving Is the Perfect Time to Connect

    Thanksgiving naturally centers on gratitude, community, and connection — three values that also drive long-term success in real estate.

    Hosting a client appreciation or community event during this season isn’t just a nice gesture; it’s a strategic way to deepen trust, nurture referrals, and remind past clients why they loved working with you in the first place.

    According to the National Association of REALTORS®, client relationships remain the leading source of repeat and referral business, with 38% of sellers and 36% of buyers finding their agent through a referral from family or friends (NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 2024).

    That means maintaining visibility through genuine appreciation can have a measurable impact on your future transactions.

    1. Pick a Theme That Feels Like You

    Your event doesn’t need to be elaborate or expensive — it just needs to feel authentic. Here are a few ideas agents have used successfully:

    • A casual “Pie Pickup Party” where clients drop by for a pumpkin or apple pie and coffee.

    • A “Thank You Brunch” hosted at a local café with family-style seating.

    • A Community Gratitude Drive collecting food or donations for local charities.

    Choose a format that reflects your personality and fits your market’s vibe — whether that’s cozy and family-focused or professional and polished.

    2. Make It About Them, Not You

    The heart of any appreciation event is genuine gratitude. Start your remarks by thanking your guests for being part of your journey — whether as clients, referrals, or neighbors — and acknowledge their role in your business success.

    Keep the focus on connection, not conversion. Ironically, when people feel appreciated rather than sold to, they become even more open to recommending you to others.

    3. Invite Thoughtfully and Follow Up With Heart

    Your invitation sets the tone. Use warm, personal language — something like:

    “I’m so grateful for the people who make this community feel like home. I’d love for you to join me for a small gathering to say thank you.”

    After the event, send a thank-you postcard or handwritten note.

    Mention a personal moment you enjoyed — “I loved meeting your daughter” or “I hope you enjoy that pie!” — to reinforce the relationship.

    4. Add a Touch of Real Estate Value

    Between the food, laughter, and conversation, it’s okay to include a short, educational moment that provides value.
    For example:

    • A quick market update: “Here’s what we’re seeing in the local housing market this fall.”

    • A homeownership tip: “Here are a few ways to add value to your home before spring.”

    The goal is to stay helpful and top-of-mind — not to pitch.

    5. Capture and Share the Connection

    Take a few photos (with permission) and share highlights on social media. Tag guests if appropriate, post a “thank you” message afterward, and mention how much you enjoyed connecting.

    This not only strengthens relationships but also shows your broader network that you’re an active, community-driven professional.

    6. Don’t Let It Be a One-Time Gesture

    One event can open doors, but consistent appreciation keeps them open. Consider setting up a holiday scheduled campaign or client appreciation calendar — a mix of personal touches and automated outreach that keeps you visible all year long.

    ProspectsPLUS! offers a ready-made holiday postcard campaign that makes this easy — just choose your design, schedule your send dates, and we handle the rest.

    💡 Quick Takeaways:

    • Focus on gratitude and connection rather than promotion.

    • Keep the event personal, local, and authentic.

    • Follow up with handwritten notes or postcards to extend goodwill.

    • Capture photos and share highlights on social media for added visibility.

    • Repeat the gesture seasonally to maintain strong client relationships.

    ❤️ Final Thought

    When you show appreciation in meaningful ways, you don’t just remind people you’re their REALTOR® — you remind them you’re part of their lives.
    And that kind of connection doesn’t just fill your calendar — it fills your career with purpose.

    PLUS: When you have time…below are some marketing tools to help support your success.

    1. Put Your Real Estate Business a Step Above with Your Own Branded Magazine

    Homes & Life Magazine is a customizable magazine with rich, full-color content and a sharp, professional aesthetic. It includes compelling, direct, response-driven articles written by real estate industry experts and engaging lifestyle content. Send out Homes & Life Magazine in Just Minutes – No Minimums Required. Or we’ll ship it to you. Homes & Life Magazine is the ultimate “Coffee Table Lingerer”! …and it costs less than sending a greeting card! – Click Here

     

    2. The Free 2025 Q4 Real Estate Marketing Guide

    Kickstart 2025 with our Quarterly Real Estate Marketing Guide to help you achieve your real estate business goals. Packed with tools like a goal-setting sheet, monthly insights, tailored task lists, and marketing recommendations, this free guide is your ultimate resource for success—download it today for FREE! – Click Here

    3. The Free Interactive 6-Month Real Estate Business Plan
    The Free Interactive 6-Month Real Estate Business Plan allows you to enter your business goals for the remainder of the year and get a breakdown of how many prospects, listings, closings, and so on are needed to reach your goals.   – Click Here

      Summer presents an ideal time for real estate agents to strengthen client relationships through appreciation events. These gatherings not only express gratitude but also foster loyalty and generate referrals.

      Why Host a Summer Client Appreciation Event?

      Client appreciation events are more than just social gatherings; they’re strategic tools for business growth. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, such events can enhance client retention and lead to increased referrals. By engaging clients in a relaxed setting, agents can reinforce their brand and position themselves as trusted advisors.

      Successful events require careful planning. Consider your client demographics when choosing the type of event—family-friendly barbecues, outdoor movie nights, or elegant wine tastings.

      The Shifting Market Series is shown above. To see more, Click Here.

      Secure a suitable venue, plan engaging activities, and ensure there are ample opportunities for personal interaction. Personal touches, like customized invitations or branded giveaways, can leave a lasting impression.

      Marketing the Event

      Effective promotion is key to a well-attended event. Utilize multiple channels:

      • Email Campaigns: Send personalized invitations and reminders.

      • Social Media: Create event pages, share teasers, and encourage clients to RSVP.

      • Direct Mail: Send out a Summer Series postcard with event details on the back.

      Collaborate with local businesses for sponsorships or partnerships, which can also extend your reach.

      Post-Event Follow-Up

      After the event, follow up with attendees to express appreciation for their participation. Share event photos on social media and consider sending a recap email. This continued engagement keeps you top-of-mind and lays the groundwork for future business opportunities.

      Hosting a summer client appreciation event is a powerful way to deepen relationships and grow your real estate business. With thoughtful planning and effective marketing, these events can yield significant returns in client loyalty and referrals.

      PLUS: When you have time…below are some marketing tools to help support your success.

      1. Put Your Real Estate Business a Step Above with Your Own Branded Magazine

      Homes & Life Magazine is a customizable magazine with rich, full-color content and a sharp, professional aesthetic. It includes compelling, direct, response-driven articles written by real estate industry experts and engaging lifestyle content. Send out Homes & Life Magazine in Just Minutes – No Minimums Required. Or we’ll ship it to you. Homes & Life Magazine is the ultimate “Coffee Table Lingerer”! …and it costs less than sending a greeting card! – Click Here

      2. The Free 2025 Q1 Real Estate Marketing Guide

      Kickstart the second quarter of 2025 with our 2nd Quarter Real Estate Marketing Guide, designed to help you achieve your real estate business goals. Packed with tools like a goal-setting sheet, monthly insights, tailored task lists, and marketing recommendations, this free guide is your ultimate resource for success—download it today for FREE! –Click Here

       

       

       

      3. The Free Interactive 6-Month Real Estate Business Plan

      The Free Interactive 6-Month Real Estate Business Plan allows you to enter your business goals for the remainder of the year and get a breakdown of how many prospects, listings, closings, and so on are needed to reach your goals.   – Click Here

        The average American says “thank you” 2000 times a year, according to a 2016 study from Merci Chocolates. Sadly, “… more than half of the time, we don’t actually mean it,” according to an unnamed writer at the NY Daily News online.

        More often than not, we imagine that busy real estate folks may just forget. Whatever the reason, it’s never too late to go back to a client or prospect and thank them for their time.

        Put some effort into it

        Yes, dashing off an email is a quick and easy way to get it done, but it’s not very personal and it may not even be read by the recipient.

        Make the recipient feel appreciated by putting some effort into expressing your gratitude. Pop by their office or home or, better yet, mail a thank-you card or a postcard.

        Yes, by mail. With stamps. Addressed by hand to the recipient. Ah, now we are talking!

        The Get More Referrals Series is shown above. To learn more, Click Here.

        The benefits of direct mail in real estate marketing

        A good real estate email will have an “open rate” of 21.7%, according to the folks at CampaignMonitor.com.

        Why does this matter? “Tracking open rates will give you a better understanding of how often people look forward to your emails …,” they conclude.

        That sounds like an okay number until it’s compared to the 42.2% of Americans who open and read or scan the direct mail they receive.

        Not only is direct mail more personal, it has less competition for the recipients’ attention. Best of all, it shows that you value the relationship so much you are willing to spend money to maintain it. Email doesn’t do that. Email is lazy. Email is impersonal.

        When to thank your clients

        This may sound like one of those “duh” kinds of questions, but whenever someone does something for you, it’s a good idea to show your appreciation.

        And we aren’t talking just about the big stuff; even the everyday, small kindness should be responded to. Here are a few examples:

        • You showed homes to buyers. Thank them for their time and for choosing you to be their agent.
        • A former client referred you to a buyer or seller. This one is huge and deserves a huge “thank you!”
        • You gave a listing presentation. Say thanks for giving you a chance to represent them in the sale of their home. Even if you aren’t chosen as the listing agent, this is a classy response to being given at least the opportunity.
        • Every attendee at a client appreciation event, a charitable event, or a seminar you host needs to understand how grateful you are that they showed up.
        • Every client should understand your appreciation when a deal closes.

        There are myriad opportunities to show prospects, leads, clients, and former clients how much you appreciate them. Direct mail just happens to be one of the best ways to do it.

        PLUS: When you have time…below are some marketing tools to help support your success.

        1. Put Your Real Estate Business a Step Above with Your Own Branded Magazine

        Homes & Life Magazine is a customizable magazine with rich, full-color content and a sharp, professional aesthetic. It includes compelling, direct response-driven articles written by real estate industry experts and engaging lifestyle content. Send out Homes & Life Magazine in Just Minutes – No Minimums Required. Or we’ll ship it to you. Homes & Life Magazine is the ultimate “Coffee Table Lingerer”! …and it costs less than sending a greeting card! – Click Here

        2. The Free 6-Month Done-For-You Strategic Marketing Plan

        The Real Estate Marketing Planner is a powerful 6-Month Guide that strategically defines what marketing to do and when. Four key market segments include niche Markets, geographic farming, sphere of influence, and past clients. – Click Here

        3. The Free Interactive 6-Month Real Estate Business Review

        The Free Interactive 6-Month Real Estate Business Review allows you to enter your business goals for the remainder of the year and get a breakdown of how many prospects, listings, closing, and so on are needed to reach your goals.   – Click Here

        4. The Become a Listing Legend Free eBook 

        This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Become-A-Listing-Legend-3D-Book-White-274x300.jpg

        Ready to take a vertical leap in your real estate career? If you’re looking for inspiration…and the tools and methods to dominate a market and go to the top in real estate…you’ll find them in this free book. – Click Here

          Nope. Not another debate about whether or not to gift your clients at closing. Just a polite plea to change up what you’re gifting.

          You’ll find what seems like endless advice online about closing gifts. The most popular suggestions include cutting boards (right?), gift cards, welcome mats and knives.

          I think we can all agree that anything with your logo, face or other branding is a giant “no way!” Those are gifts that end up in the trash, the closet or at the local thrift shop.

          So, what’s a modern, thoughtful closing gift?

          “That’s going to depend a lot on the price point of the listing and your relationship with your clients,” according to Emile L’Eplattenier at TheClose.com.

          And, we might add, your budget.

          You’ve just spent at least 30 days getting to know these people, so we’re hoping you have some sort of clue as to what they like, need or want when they move into their new place.

          If you’re stuck, read on — we rounded up some gifts that agents are giving at closing that we think are both memorable and trendy.

          Thinking of You postcard from the Customer Appreciation Series
          Get them on the road to a smart home

          There are so many cool and useful smart home gadgets on the market now. From the basics, like an Amazon Echo or Google Assistant to a smart thermostat, doorbell or door lock, any would please the new homeowner.

          Get ideas by checking out Amazon’s most popular smart home tech:

          • Echo Dot (3rd generation)
          • Smart home cameras with night vision
          • Indoor security cameras
          • Ring doorbell
          • Nest Learning Thermostat
          • Smart light switch
          • Smart sprinkler system controller
          • Smart meat thermometer
          For the cash-strapped agent – Give a home management app

          Billed as “The All-In-One Home Management App,” the folks at Centriq have nailed the gifting decision process for those agents on a tight budget.

          This app promises to help your clients “… troubleshoot, operate and maintain …” their homes. The process sounds easy as well.

          “Just snap a picture of the appliances, electronics, and tools in your home. We’ll add the user manuals, warranties, how-to-videos and more.”

          For $7.95 per client, annually, the app will display your branding and it offers a “dedicated management dashboard,” among other goodies.

          Check out the agent plan at mycentriq.com.  

          Bling for the newly-minted luxury homebuyer

          The luxury home client’s gift may not look anything like that you purchase for the starter home client. And, luxury homebuyers can be further divided by newly-wealthy or old money when it comes time to choose a closing gift.

          “Those who are new to wealth tend to flaunt it,” according to Winston Chesterfield, the founder of Barton Consulting. The old-money types prefer “experiential gifts,” according to the editors at RobbReport.com.

          How about something to hold the keys to the new home, like a key ring from Tiffany & Co.?

          Old monied client? Consider gifting him/her with a book

          When billionaires gift their billionaire friends, they usually choose an “experiential gift,” according to Harry Cheadle at Vice.com. Agents with deep pockets may get some ideas by reading Cheadle’s blog post.

          Agents on a budget can’t go wrong with the careful selection of a book as a closing gift, according to Cheadle. Especially if that book is the biography of a successful person.

          No, books aren’t particularly trendy, but Steve Seibold, author of “How Rich People Think,” says that one of the first things we’ll notice when we enter a wealthy person’s home is “an extensive library of books they’ve used to educate themselves on how to become more successful.”

          “As long as that book is not attacking them and their way of life, they would value that gift and they would see that gift for an intelligent gift,” according to Chesterfield.

          Some clients are a cinch to buy for while others may take some thought. Hopefully, these ideas will set you on the path to finding that just-right closing gift.

          Thank You: Big as a House postcard from the Customer Appreciation Series
          Send the Thank You: Big as a House postcard from the Customer Appreciation Series to your past clients.

          PLUS: When you have time…here are some helpful resources we’ve made available to support your success.

          1. The Free Real Estate Mailing List Guide

          This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Real-Estate-Mailing-List-Guide2-3-D-999x1024.jpg

          The Real Estate Mailing List Guide outlines the top tools for generating targeted prospecting lists including Baby Boomers, Empty Nesters, Investors, Lifestyle Interests, High-Income Renters, Move-Up Markets, and more. The Guide also defines done-for-you marketing campaigns to match these markets. –Click Here

          2. The Free 12 Month Done-For-You Strategic Marketing Plan

          This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 2020-Planner-3D-999x1024.jpg

          The Real Estate Marketing Planner is a powerful 12-Month-Guide that strategically defines what marketing to do when. Four key market segments are included, Niche Marketing, Get More Listings, Geographic Farming, and Sphere of Influence. –Click Here

          3. The Free One-Page Real Estate Business Plan

          This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Business-Plan-3D-Book-New1-270x300.png

          Treat your business like a business it is vital to long-term success in this industry. Some agents may put together elaborate business plans, yet there’s something powerful about keeping it simple. Check out our one page Online Real Estate Business Plan.  – Click Here

          4. Become a Listing Legend Free eBook 

          This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Become-A-Listing-Legend-3D-Book-White-274x300.jpg

          Ready to take a vertical leap in your real estate career? If you’re looking for inspiration…and the tools and methods to dominate a market and go to the top in real estate…you’ll find them in this free book. – Click Here

          5. The Market Dominator Branding System

          Become branded in a specific neighborhood with a Mega AMrketing piece sent automatically each month to an exclusive carrier route. Watch this excerpt on the Market Dominator from a recent Q&A Todd Robertson (Director of the Market Dominator) did below.

          For additional questions, you can reach Todd at 866-405-3638 or Todd.Robertson@prospectsplus.com or go to Market Dominator for more information.

          6. The Free Online ROI Calculator

          This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is ROI-calculator-b-233x300.jpg

          Consistency and automation are the keys to success. Discover how effective direct mail marketing can dramatically increase your bottom line. Enter your statistics in our Free online ROI Calculator and click the ‘CALCULATE MY ROI’ button to see your results instantly! –Click Here

          7. The Free Real Estate Marketing Guide “CRUSH IT” 

          This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is CRUSH-IT-Guide-3-d-298x300.jpg

          The “Crush It” Guide includes easy steps to launching an effective direct mail marketing campaign, how to create a targeted prospect list, the perfect way to layout marketing materials for success, seven opportunities available to target in your area right now. –Click Here

          © 2025 ProspectsPLUS! | Real Estate Marketing Blog