House coming off market - parting gift for Realtor?

**Shane75** · 06-25-2009, 03:41 PM

We were trying to sell our house to take advantage of low rates and get in a specific neighborhood. We've been on the market 3 months and haven't had one offer. Our contract expires soon. Our Realtor has been very helpful in marketing the house, giving open houses, showing us potential homes, and even helping with some wall-paper stripping. We are not in a have to sell mode and don't really have the motivation to re-list right now. We think we will have better luck if we make some updates over the next few years.
Anyway, obviously our Realtor won't get a commission from selling our house or our buying another house. We'd like to thank her for her time and effort, but can't come close to paying her what she would have made in commission. Would it be appropriate to give her a small token of appreciation, or would anything like that be a complete insult? She likes to do home improvements, so I was toying with a $100 gift card to a home improvement store or something like that.
What is the proper etiquette in this situation?

**Greg** · 06-26-2009, 05:06 AM

The gift card would be a great idea, not so much because of the money involved but to let her know it is not her fault you are not re listing.

You are making a smart move. This market is not for sellers who lack motivation.

**RedCarpetSchool** · 06-26-2009, 09:49 AM

That is one of the nicest things you can do. One better would be to give this guy or gal as many referrals as you can and if he stays in touch with monthly mailers or postcards with his clients then consider giving him a list of local friends or relatives that you would support his or hers working with in the future.

**tucsonhomes** · 06-26-2009, 11:57 AM

Have you really thought about your decision? My experience that when people make a decision to start the moving process, there is something really behind that.

The situation in today's market - as in most markets - is that when a home doesn't sell, there is a reason behind that as well, usually price.

In the situation where you are buying and selling in the same market, the actual number (sales price or purchase price) doesn't matter very much. The difference matters but not the sales price.

Therefore if you sell for less, you will buy for less as well, or in past markets the concern is that if I sell, will I have enough proceeds to buy. In that kind of market the seller may take some advantage of a buyer, but then will get taken advantage of on the buying part of the transaction.

Take some time and really think it through. Sounds like your realtor is good at their business, ask for advise.

**craig** · 07-01-2009, 06:15 PM

Sure, any thought of appreciation is very nice. Referring friends and family to the agent is one of the best compliments you can give. Of course that make not be right away and I understand you may want to show your thanks immediately

There are laws regarding compensation/gifts to agents. They really have to go through the broker and the broker decides how to distribute it. Although I wouldn't be afraid myself to accept a small gift card or something like that without letting my broker know.

**nelsoncarlos** · 05-19-2012, 12:58 PM

The best gift we can give our associate is the gift of remembering. School reunions recall us to not ever forget our associates and keep them as besides to us as likely with a companionship gift or keepsake. Next time you attend a school reunion, take something to leave with those friends you love and treasure.