In the competitive world of real estate, staying top-of-mind with clients and prospects is essential. One effective way to do this is through real estate pop bys: the in-person delivery of small, thoughtful gifts or gestures that foster connections and show appreciation. In this comprehensive guide, we explore creative and memorable pop-by ideas that agents can use to surprise and delight their clients, strengthen relationships, and ultimately stand out in a crowded market.
Find It Fast
What is a real estate pop by?
A real estate pop by is more than just gifting — it’s a personalized gesture where agents visit past and prospective clients and leave small but impactful presents. Pop-by gifts are versatile and can be given anytime throughout the year. Whether celebrating a big life event, closing a deal, showing festive spirit around a holiday, or as a spontaneous surprise, there’s no wrong time for a real estate pop by.
Why real estate pop bys matter
A real estate pop by shows your clients that you genuinely care. It establishes an emotional and personal connection that boosts brand recall and enhances referral rates.
We got some insight from the talented Glennda Baker (who happens to be a Luxury Presence client) on the power of gifts and pop bys to build relationships. Learn how she specifically uses the tactic to boost her business:
Connection with clients
Delivering a personalized pop-by gift at your client’s doorstep signifies a deep appreciation for your relationship. It shows that even with your busy schedule, you want to stay in touch. As Glennda says in the above clip, it’s about “surprise and delight,” signifying you want to be present in your client’s life. In a crowded market, these actions dramatically differentiate you as a real estate agent who cares.
Boost brand recall
Your brand is all about who you are and the services you provide to your community. Personalizing real estate pop-by ideas encourages clients to remember your brand. Think of recent conversations where they’ve shared something personal with you. The more you can tailor your pop-by gift to your client’s preferences, the more they will genuinely appreciate the gesture and remember you, your brand, your generosity, and your value.
Enhance referral rates
It’s not just about being a client’s agent for life; you also want to be the agent for that client’s friends, family, and co-workers. Building trust and long-lasting relationships with your clientele increases your referral rates. The more a client feels valued, the more likely they will be to share their positive experiences.
Top real estate pop-by ideas
The best real estate pop-by ideas are curated, high-quality, and practical.
Box of goodies
Dropping off a box of handmade (or store- bought) brownies, cookies, pumpkin bread, or lemon squares will always be appreciated, especially if it’s in celebration of a life event.
Glennda Baker references this example of her friend Monica Carr: “Every time that somebody posts a graduate of Walton High School she sends the graduate a box of brownies. She did more deals from that than any other source because what are those people doing when the kid goes to school? They’re downsizing.”
Put your baked goods in a branded box and tie it up with a pretty bow. Just be sure to remember to honor any allergies or sensitivities.
Bottle of wine
This is a classic for a reason. Bonus points if you happen to know their favorite variety. Again, we turn to Glennda for her take: “It’s your anniversary and you’re posting from poolside at the Beverly Hills Hotel. I’m sending a bottle of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries to your room. I’m making sure, oh you’re at Lake Oconee, you’re at Linger Longer for dinner — I’m having the maî·tre d’ take you your favorite bottle of wine to the table.”
As Glennda points out, you don’t always have to hand-deliver a gift for it to be meaningful. We’re betting those clients receiving a bottle of wine at a special dinner experienced her signature “surprise and delight.”
If you want to include something branded, tie a personalized wine key to the neck of the bottle.
Plants
Plants, especially indoor ones, are having a moment. Nothing makes a new house feel like a home better than a beautiful orchid or tropical palm. Or consider a young lemon, olive, or apple tree that can be planted in the yard to commemorate the roots they’re establishing with their new home.
Branded gifts
-
Home-A-Versary candle from Etsy
While Glennda Baker makes a strong argument that gifting is different than popping by with marketing items, branded gifts can also be thoughtful gestures. Here’s a list of our favorite items — which also happen to be useful — that you can personalize with branding.
- Candle sets
- Keychains
- Flower seeds
- Coffee mugs
- Tool sets
- Eco-friendly shopping bags
- Calendars showcasing local attractions
- Water bottles
- Dog collar and tag with new address
- USB power blocks
- Coolers
Tips for personalizing real estate pop-by ideas
You don’t need innovative client engagement to get your name out there; you just need to master the art of personalizing your gifts.
Know your clients’ preferences
By using your clients’ preferences — their likes, dislikes, hobbies, and interests — to choose gifts that align with their personality, you showcase your attention to detail and make the gift more memorable. For example, if your client is very health conscious, skip the box of brownies.
Keep it relevant and timely
The best pop-by gifts capture your clients’ attention and engagement because they relate to what’s currently happening in their lives. Attaching a keychain to a set of keys and handing it over to a first-time homeowner after closing the deal is a thoughtful and meaningful way to show your appreciation. It also associates you with the successful deal and tactically places your name on an item they’ll be using for years to come.
Include a handwritten note
A handwritten note evokes emotions — sincerity, warmth, and appreciation — in a way that digital communication just can’t. In an increasingly online world, sending a handwritten note stands out as thoughtful and genuine.
High referral rates + Luxury Presence
As Glennda Baker says, “Real estate in 2024 is not your grandma’s real estate — it’s multifaceted. You’ve got to weave together the old and the new. But more than anything you’ve got to be in a relationship with your clients.”
Want to take your real estate business to the next level and surprise and delight all of your clients? Partner with Luxury Presence, an award-winning platform dedicated to helping agents, teams, and brokerages with the tools they need to succeed. Reach out to our team today!
Luxury Presence can elevate your marketing strategy
Learn how we can help take your real estate business to the next level. Schedule a time to speak with one of our branding experts today.
