When it comes to sending thank-you notes to real estate clients, there are two schools of thought: Some agents never send them with the view that clients should be thanking them. But smart agents always send thank-you notes to buyers and sellers. Why? They understand that making a personal connection after closing a deal is crucial to establishing enduring client relationships.
Since we’re firmly in the pro thank-you note camp, we decided to work with some top-producing Douglas Elliman agents who gave us a handful of real estate thank-you note templates they consistently use to connect with their clients. You can download them all in one handy PDF right here:
After the thank-you notes, we’ll share tips on how to write your own and answers to a few frequently asked questions about this practice.
1. After Closing Thank-you Note
From Zoe Kasiske and Marny Maslon, Douglas Elliman, Los Angeles
Hi [client’s first name]!
We want you to know how much we appreciate your trust by allowing us to guide you through the often up-and-down process of finding, buying, and closing escrow on your new home. We know this was a longer journey than anticipated, and we are so grateful for your continued trust in our ability to get you across the finish line.
Although the transaction is behind you, we prefer not to be out of sight and mind. So please keep our numbers and emails at your fingertips for vendor referrals (should you need a painter, for example), questions about the real estate market, or just to say hello.
Lastly, if you have a minute, please fill out this form so that we can continue to celebrate all the exciting milestones in years to come!
Thanks so much,
[your name, phone number and email address]
2. Thank-you Note From Listing Agent to Homeowner
From Beverly Ruffner, Real Estate Coach, Close Contributor
Mr./Mrs. [client’s last name]
[client’s address]
Congratulations on the sale of your home! It was an absolute pleasure working with you. Your business is greatly appreciated, and I am so honored that you trusted me with the sale of your home. I would like to offer you my continued service, so please don’t hesitate to call should there be anything that I can do for you.
And remember, your referrals are the greatest compliment you can extend. I highly value all clients who refer friends and family to me and do my best to ensure that they experience only the utmost in excellence!
Thank you,
[your information]
[your signature]
3. Handwritten Note to Go With Your Closing Gift
From Tika Van Den Hurk, Douglas Elliman in Fort Lauderdale
Dear [client’s first name],
Congratulations on the purchase of your new home. I am honored to have had the opportunity to represent you in this transition. Wishing you and your family many years of enjoyment, good health, peace, and prosperity in your new home.
Warmest regards,
[your name]
4. After Closing Note From Buyer’s Agent to Buyer
Dear [client’s first name],
I just wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know how thrilled I am that we found a home for you and [spouse’s name, kid’s name or pet’s name]. I hope you will be happy in it for many years to come. Seeing the big smiles on your faces after closing is the best part of my job! It truly makes it all worthwhile.
I also want to let you know that I am available to you as your real estate insider from now on. If you have any questions about the market, even if they sound silly, call or text anytime.
Congrats!
[your information]
[your signature]
5. Thank-you Note From Buyer’s Agent After a Difficult Closing
Hi [client’s first name],
I just wanted to thank you for choosing me out of all the agents in [your farm area]. It was truly a pleasure helping you navigate this deal, even with [something that made the deal difficult].
Once you’re settled in, we should grab lunch sometime, on me.
Congratulations and best of luck with your new home.
[your information]
[your signature]
6. Thank-you Note After Receiving a Closing Gift From a Buyer
[Client’s first name],
Thanks so much for the [gift they gave you]! Working with kind, thoughtful people like you reminds me why I got into real estate in the first place.
If you or anyone you know ever needs real estate advice or just wants to chat about the market (trust me—I can talk their ear off!), text or call anytime.
[your information]
[your signature]
7. Thank-you Note After Finding a Buyer an Amazing Deal
Hello [client’s first name],
I just wanted to congratulate you on scoring such an amazing deal in this market! I would love to take all the credit here, but the truth is, sometimes the real estate gods just smile on you. I know you and [spouse’s name, kid’s name or pet’s name] will spend many happy years there.
If you ever need any real estate advice or just want to chat about the market, call or text anytime.
Congrats!
[your information]
[your signature]
8. Thank-you Note to Homeowner After Not Getting the Listing
[Homeowner’s address]
Dear Mr./Mrs. [last name],
I wanted to thank you for meeting with me last week and offer my best wishes on the sale of your home. If you ever need unbiased market advice in the future, please don’t hesitate to text or call. My door is always open.
Thank you,
[your information]
[your signature]
9. Thank-you Note to Former Client After They Give You a Referral
Hi [former client’s first name],
It’s hard to express how grateful I am that you gave [name of referral lead they sent you] my number. We had a long call yesterday and [s/he] is excited to start [hunting for a home/putting their home on the market].
The next time you’re in [neighborhood where your office is], let’s get lunch at [nice restaurant]. On me, of course!
Thanks again,
[your information]
[your signature]
Thank-you Note Strategy & Writing Tips From Top-producing Agents
Of course, how you send out your client thank-you notes is almost as important as what you write in them. That’s why we reached out to some top-producing Douglas Elliman agents in Miami, Beverly Hills, and Manhattan to see how they tackle writing and sending their notes.
Tina Durisseaux, Douglas Elliman in Beverly Hills
“We leave them in the house along with a token of appreciation. So, when the client walks in, they are greeted by an unexpected surprise. The tone should be personal, but always professional. Never use ‘friend language,’ even if they are your friend.”
Marlene De Cespedes, Douglas Elliman in Miami
“Showing how grateful I am for my client’s business and the opportunity to work for them is a staple in my business. I always send a handwritten note to my clients and to the agent and team I worked with on the transaction (title company, lender, attorney, designers, referral partners) to show my appreciation for them thinking of me.”
Miltiadis Kastanis, Douglas Elliman in Miami
“Agents should choose the tone that they have had with the client through the process. I personally do very light and airy notes with a key detail from our transaction and also include some humor.”
Mia Vissichelli, Douglas Elliman in Locust Valley
“I have one client in particular who was so extremely grateful for everything throughout our entire transaction. After the closing, I dropped a thank-you note and gift off at her new house and she has since referred me to her best friend and two of her family members. Every time she speaks to anyone about buying or selling, she tries to connect me with them, which I truly appreciate!”
Georgia Kaporis, Douglas Elliman in Manhattan
“I always send a congratulations email right away, but two weeks later I send handwritten thank-you notes with the closing gift.”
Emily Margolin, Douglas Elliman in Manhattan
“I make homemade jam every year and send it to my clients. I usually accompany the jar with a handwritten note that says how grateful I am for their business and time, and am sure to include my team’s logo and contact information on a sticker on the jam itself. I send them to all past clients, bring them to closings, and even hand them out when I stop by to visit a client after they’ve closed. The great thing about jam is that it never really gets old for them! In fact, I have many clients who look forward to it every year.”
Carrie Juliao, Douglas Elliman in St. Petersburg
“I feel thank-you notes should be handwritten. People love that and it feels more personal than a text or email. So many times, I have received a call or text from the recipient, very happy with their note. Some have even reached out to my broker to say what an awesome gesture that it was. I will always include thank-you notes as a part of my weekly tasks. It leaves an impression in the person’s mind but most importantly, it makes people feel good!”
Thank-you Note FAQ
How do you say thank you to real estate clients?
Don’t overthink it! Some common elements to mention are your gratitude for what they did for you and your hopes for their future. If you can include something personal about your experience with them, that’s a huge bonus. Finally, a call to action (whether you’re hoping for referrals, a testimonial, or just that they stay in touch) is a good way to grow your business at the same time.
Why should real estate agents bother writing thank-you notes?
Simple: Making a personal connection after closing a deal is crucial to establishing enduring client relationships. Whether it’s clients or business partners, everyone wants to feel appreciated. And they’re much more likely to remember the person who reached out to say thanks.
How should I address my thank-you notes?
Getting started is always the hardest part. Is it too stuffy to say “dear [client]”? Is just plain “hi” too casual? The fact is, there’s no one right way to say thank you—that’s why you’ll see a lot of variety in the templates above. We recommend following your gut on this one, but if you’re on the fence, always choose the more formal option. The thank-you note recipient probably won’t even notice how you address them. In the end, it’s the gratitude that they’ll remember.
Over to You
Have any great tips for sending real estate thank-you notes you think our readers will love? Let us know in the comments.
