Welcome to the Wild World of Realtor Gifts
Picture this: You just closed on your dream home in Israel. The contract is signed, the mezuzah is ready to go up, and you’re about to break out the champagne—only to realize… wait a second… where’s the housewarming gift from your realtor?!
That’s when you remember those TikTok videos—realtors handing out elaborate baskets, vacation vouchers, brand-new appliances, and even puppies (okay, maybe not puppies). But here you are, standing in your new home, wondering if your realtor even remembers you exist.
If you’re feeling a little left out, don’t worry. You’re not alone.
What’s the Deal With Realtor Gifts?
In Israel, where real estate is basically a full-contact sport (bidding wars, anyone?), the expectations for realtors are sky-high. You don’t just want someone to unlock doors—you want a negotiator, a therapist, a mind reader, and yes, maybe even a gift-giver.
But let’s get one thing straight: A closing gift is not mandatory. It’s a gesture. A token of appreciation. A way to remind you that your realtor still exists when you decide to sell in five years.
Some realtors go big:
- A weekend getaway to the Dead Sea
- A bottle of aged Israeli wine (because you’ll need it after dealing with bureaucracy)
- A framed aerial photo of your new home (a drone was involved)
Others… not so much:
- A branded pen and a “Congrats” text
- A “live, laugh, love” sign in Hebrew
- A keychain with their face on it
The Art of the Realtor Gift (And Why It Matters)
Let’s be honest—real estate in Israel is personal. You’re not just buying a home; you’re planting roots in a country where every square meter is worth its weight in gold.
Realtors who get this know that a thoughtful gift can mean the difference between a one-time deal and a lifetime client.
The best gifts are:
✅ Personalized – No generic gift baskets from the shuk. A set of custom mezuzah scrolls? Now we’re talking.
✅ Useful – A year of property tax covered? The ultimate Israeli flex.
✅ Memorable – Something that makes you think, “Wow, my realtor really paid attention.”
What to Do If You Got… Nothing
1️⃣ Send a friendly nudge. Maybe your realtor meant to drop something off but got distracted by another deal. (It happens.)
2️⃣ Subtly mention it. “Oh wow, I saw a friend got an amazing cutting board with their new address engraved. So cool!”
3️⃣ Move on. If your realtor did an amazing job, maybe that was the real gift. But if they ghosted you after getting their commission… well, there are plenty of other agents in the sea.
Final Thoughts: Gifts Are Nice, But Service Is Better
At the end of the day, your biggest takeaway from buying a home should be the home itself—not whether or not your realtor remembered to pick up a candle from Aroma.
But if you are a realtor reading this, take notes. The best way to keep your clients coming back? A little gratitude goes a long way.
TL;DR
- Some realtors give great gifts. Others ghost you like an ex.
- A good closing gift is personal, useful, and memorable.
- If your realtor forgot your gift, it’s not the end of the world (but it is a little awkward).
- A great homebuying experience is worth more than a bottle of wine—unless it’s really, really good wine.
Now tell me: What did your realtor give you? And if the answer is “nothing,” how salty are you about it?
