Hi,

I would like to offer a gift card at the time of closing when sending out post cards for 'farming'. Does the post card need to have any legal language that I should know about? Is there anything I should watch out for?

Thanks a ton in advance.

Ava, I am not understanding. Are you asking about giving gift cards at the time of closing to your clients? Or are you asking about sending gift cards as part of your farming (which would cost you an absolute fortune)?

I'm sorry. I'm asking if I can send a post card offering a gift card at closing if they list or buy with me.

Ava - please don't do this - I know your heart's in the right place, but bribing for business makes you look desperate and unprofessional. And it's not likely to work. If you really do want to try this approach, do it with strangers, but don't risk your credibility with your sphere of influence.

As far as to whether there are any legal implications, I don't think so. If you were offering cash, there would be, but as far as I know, a gift certificate or gift card is fine.

I typically give a gift card at closing when working with buyers. Of course I NEVER tell them in advance. Use the gift card as a friendly guesture at the act of sale, not as a marketing tool.

It will? Hmm I never thought it would make me look cheap. Banks give you $150 for starting a checking account with them, I thought about using the same strategy. What is recommended for farming a neighborhood or an apartment building?

Ava - I didn't say cheap; I said desperate. You want to inspire people to work with you because you're good at what you do and you love what you do, not because you offer the best incentive. But if you really want to try it - do it with strangers. The people you know will either hire you or not hire you based on their perception of your abilities and professionalism and no promise of a gift card will change their minds. If anything, it will make them question your professionalism...

A gift card for a drawing during an open house could be effective to get people to register with a real name and contact info.

If its just for farming I have had luck with having people send back a postcard or response to enter a drawing for a 50 dollar gift card (my wife always seems to win though).

I would maybe offer 1% off your listing commission, or something like that, if they list with you. That's not a bad deal. But to tell them you're going to give them money at closing--just seems weird.

I always give a gift at closing: usually a letter, gift card, and maybe some business cards for referrals. Then a few days later I send a feedback form to them. I would never try to get business by telling them that I will be giving them something at closing. I think the surprise works better in the end.