Their Realtor Earned $30,000 On Two Deals, But They Didn't Even Get A Thank-You Card. Now They're Wondering: 'Did We Do Something Wrong?'

A couple who used the same realtor to sell their old home and buy a new one walked away from closing day with no card, no bottle of wine, not even a verbal thank you. 

They thought they had been easy clients. Their home went under contract after just one afternoon of showings and a single open house. They only made two offers on new homes, with the second one getting accepted.

After helping generate around $30,000 in commission, they were left wondering: “Did we do something wrong?”

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No Gift, No Thanks, Just Confusion

“We weren't expecting anything extravagant,” the person wrote on Reddit. “But after a $30,000 paycheck we were hoping for at least a little thank you.”

The post sparked a flood of responses from buyers and sellers across the country, with hundreds weighing in on what they got, or didn't get, from their agents. The responses were as varied as the housing market itself.

One person recalled their agent handing over a bottle of champagne and a note that said, “I know you two don’t drink but sometimes you need to celebrate!” Another said their realtor didn't offer anything but did ask for a lamp from the seller’s house for her daughter.

“Not only did she not give us anything, she wanted to take stuff away. Count yourself lucky,” the commenter wrote.

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Some Agents Go The Extra Mile

While some were left empty-handed, others described thoughtful gestures that left a lasting impression. One person received a painting of their late dog. “It was the most heartfelt gift we've ever received,” they said. Another got a Costco membership and a $100 gift card.

One realtor shared, “I just gave clients a blood orange tree as a closing gift because they specifically mentioned wanting citrus trees in their new backyard.”

Even small touches mattered. A few people mentioned agents who sent pies at Thanksgiving, dropped off pumpkins for Halloween, or kept in touch with handwritten notes and anniversary cards.

Not Everyone Expects A Gift

Still, not everyone was on board with the idea that a closing gift is necessary.

“You hired a contractor to provide a service. You got your service and they got paid,” one person wrote. Another added, “Seriously, it's a business transaction. If you are pleased with how it turned out, use them again and tell your friends and family. If the experience was just so-so, just don’t recommend them.”

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But for many, it wasn't about the value of a gift. It was about feeling appreciated.

“My agent gave me a verbal ‘congratulations’ and disappeared into the ether right after I closed on my condo in 2015 with no partner, family, etc. … I felt so proud and so profoundly alone,” one person shared. “A card or a cheap bottle of something would have been lovely.”

A Relationship Business

Several real estate professionals joined the thread to say that, while gifts aren’t required, they see them as part of building long-term client relationships.

“I stay in contact with all of my past clients. They become friends. This is a relationship business. Too many don’t get that,” one agent wrote. Another said, “Referrals are everything, but what is wrong with simple kindness and manners?”

In the end, expectations vary by region, personality, and agent. But one thing was obvious: A little appreciation goes a long way.

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