Heartwarming Holiday Gifts for Buyers and Sellers

Several months after selling my first home, our real estate agent stopped by to drop off a little holiday gift. It was almost Thanksgiving, and he wanted to let us know that he was thankful for our business. It was such a kind thought, and felt entirely appropriate given the season. November, after all (not counting the temporary madness that is Black Friday), is a month dedicated to taking stock of our blessings, of giving thanks, and letting those around us know that we are grateful to have them in our lives.

I opened the gift and gasped. Inside the cellophane wrapper was the most hideous candle I had ever seen–a 5-inch tall wax turkey with a wick poking ominously out of the top of its head. The moment we set the poor thing alight we'd be forced to watch it slowly liquefy from the head down, leaving us with a half-burned, headless (neckless, shoulderless, ack!) turkey until the day finally came when we'd be left with nothing but its feet. Somehow, this gave an entirely new and unsettling air of sadness to the thought of our Thanksgiving feast, and the bald, headless bird tucked quietly away at the back of the freezer. Our agent meant well, and the thought was appreciated. But I could never bring myself to light that ill-fated candle.

In recent years, a new tradition called GivingTuesday has begun to take hold. The creators of GivingTuesday note that we have a day for giving thanks, and two days for getting deals. GivingTuesday is a new day for giving back. Had my real estate agent known about this wonderful day he may have been able to come up with something a little more meaningful to give his clients as a token of his gratitude.

Here are three ways real estate professionals can take advantage of GivingTuesday to authentically and meaningfully connect with clients as the year comes to a close, strengthening each relationship through the kindness and generosity of giving back.