Should we give a gift to our real estate agent after completing a deal?

We've just closed on a new home purchase and are about to sell our old home. Our new-home realtor is giving us a gift as congratulations -- are we expected to return the favor as a thanks for her services? What about on the old-home realtor side? My wife and I are divided on this issue.

Should we give a gift to our real estate agent after completing a deal?
No, a return gift is not necessary as the agent already earned the big commission. When I closed on my current house, I sent him a nice thank-you card with a personal message. Plus, I also gave him a few referrals, which he knew about. I don't believe you should BUY anything. It's usually the agent who does gift-giving.
Reply:referrals are the best gift u can give, or how bout a nice gift certificate and a bottle of wine?
Reply:no i wouldnt they already made out with the sale
Reply:No gift necessary (unless she didn't charge you full commission).
Reply:It is not expected, but a personal choice. When we bought a home out of state, we got a very nice collection of wine for our realtor in the other state because we felt he went way out of his way to find us a home we loved and since the home we bought was empty, he also handled many of the inspections that would normally be handled by the owners. He has become our friend and expect to do more business with him. If you feel strongly that your realtor did an exceptional job, then yes, by all means, a gift would be lovely, but again it is not expected.
Reply:If you had an agent that went above and beyond the call of duty, then a small gift or handwritten note is a thoughtful and appreciated gesture. Agents are paid on commission so a return gift is not expected or required. However, as to the note, you can never go wrong. It is a part of civil society that is fading away. Referrals are still the best way to say thank you.
Reply:The realtor is giving you a gift as thanks for giving him the business. You are not required to reciprocate. If you feel that his service warrants a gift, then by all means do so.





You can always refer clients to him (which is what he's looking for by the way) or consider him for future business, but he has been well compensated for his work through the commission that he earned.
Reply:Nah, the huge commission they receive on your deal is gift enough.