If you have ever been to a trade show for real estate professionals, you've likely have been inundated with companies who offer closing gifts for real estate clients. Closing gifts offer a unique opportunity to cement yourself in your clients' minds as their realtor, instead of being the realtor they used.
With that in mind, thoughtfulness is the most important principle to consider when choosing a closing gift. Everyone likes a fruit basket, but once the fruit is gone how long will your clients remember your name? If you want to make a lasting impression, choose a gift that is useful. Choose something that they will appreciate, use often, and remember you by each time it's used.
You might find the closing gift you provide for first-time home buyers is different from the one you provide for second- or third-time buyers because they're at different points in their lives. Put yourself in their shoes and try to understand what they value. A great closing gift will have the initial wow factor and continue to be a fixture in your clients' homes for years to come.