In the competitive world of real estate, where personal relationships and brand recognition often determine success, top agents are turning to promotional products as a smart, strategic way to stay top-of-mind with clients and prospects. These tangible items do more than offer a friendly reminder—they build brand equity, foster loyalty, and can even generate referrals.

While promotional products have long been used in sales and marketing, real estate professionals have a unique opportunity to leverage them in ways that feel personal, useful, and authentic. Experts in the promotional products industry advise that successful realtors choose items that are high-quality, relevant to the home-buying or selling experience, and strategically timed. Some of the items real estate professionals prefer are wine bottle openers, jar openers, remote speakers they can connect to their phones to play music for open houses, double wall stainless steel mugs or any item with their name or logo imprinted that is likely to be kept and used by their client.

Experts suggest selecting products that clients will keep and use over time. The goal is to extend the agent's brand presence long after the closing date. Items like engraved cutting boards, magnetic calendars, insulated tumblers, and even customized tape measures tend to have staying power. The longer the item is used, the more impressions it generates—not just with the homeowner but with friends, family, and guests who come across it.

While it’s tempting to plaster a business name and photo on every giveaway, industry professionals encourage subtlety and purpose. Branding should be tasteful and professional. A laser-engraved logo on a wine opener or discreet contact details on a welcome mat strikes the right balance between visibility and sophistication. Less can be more when it comes to keeping the brand in a client’s home without making it feel like advertising.

The closing gift is a prime opportunity for agents to leave a lasting impression. Beyond the traditional gift basket, real estate professionals are becoming creative with personalized items that reflect the client’s style or interests. A branded picnic set, custom house ornament during the holidays, or a local-themed welcome kit can feel thoughtful and curated—without straying from brand consistency.

Realtors whose marketing plans include building brand awareness in a specific neighborhood or demographic can use promotional products as part of a long-term farming strategy. Door hangers with a magnetic notepad, branded seed packets for spring, or a neighborhood market report with a useful giveaway—like a chip clip or jar opener—can make the outreach feel less like a sales pitch and more like a community connection.

Open houses and client appreciation events are perfect opportunities for branded items. Instead of standard flyers, industry experts recommend pairing marketing materials with functional items such as branded pens, reusable tote bags, or sanitizing wipes. These practical tools keep an agent top of mind and carry the agent’s brand out the door and into daily use.

Even the most useful promotional product will fall flat if it feels generic. Experts stress the importance of personalization—whether it’s including a handwritten note with a branded item or selecting gifts that reflect a client’s hobbies, family, or lifestyle. Personal touches help turn a simple product into a keepsake.

Top-performing agents treat promotional product spending as part of their marketing budget and strategy—not just a goodwill gesture. Industry advisors recommend tracking the return on investment by noting where referrals came from, how long after receiving a gift a client re-engaged, or how effective an item was in generating social media engagement. Asking for feedback or watching for product mentions on social platforms can offer valuable insight into what resonates.

Top-performing real estate agents know that the key to staying top-of-mind is creating memorable client experiences—and fun promotional items can do just that. Think custom “new home” key-shaped bottle openers, branded doormats with quirky sayings like “Home Sweet [Agent’s Name]” or celebratory house-shaped cookie kits with your logo on the packaging. These thoughtful, Instagram-worthy giveaways not only delight clients but also encourage them to share their excitement on social media, tagging their agent in the process. It’s a creative way to generate word-of-mouth buzz and turn happy homeowners into enthusiastic brand ambassadors.

By choosing high-quality, well-timed promotional items and using them strategically, real estate agents can strengthen their relationships, enhance their brand image, and remain top-of-mind with clients in a memorable and meaningful way.