by Michele Gillis, Staff writer
Customers sometimes like to show their thankfulness to a Realtor or lender for their part in either selling or helping them to buy a home by getting them a gift. Sometimes it’s a gift card or gift basket, but sometimes the gifts are very unusual.
We polled our readers to find out the coolest, most unusual gifts they have ever received. One Realtor, Nani Hassell at ERA Davis & Linn, received a jar to save money for a Harley Davidson, but the funny thing is, she didn’t want a Harley Davidson.
“I spent a few days with this couple and they were a hoot,” said Hassell. “I got to know them very well in the few days we spent house hunting. They knew my husband spoils me, which he does, and that he wants a Harley. So, they gave me the Harley Jar and even put a dollar in it. I believe that in this business and in the world you get back what you put in-karma.”
Here’s more:
Bill Thompson of Florida Property & Association Management: “A set of Tiki torches for my back yard.”
Debbie Brunner Clark of Victory Title of St. Johns County: “A handmade wooden back scratcher. It had great workmanship.”
Paul Andry of Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty: “The most unusual gift I ever received was given to me by a customer who fancied herself a re-incarnated Egyptian Princess from the time of the Pharaohs. The year was 1999 and after the closing she handed me a strange looking package and in the package was a seven-inch high ceramic cat that had bizarre markings on its belly, a bronze ring in its nose, and a very scary look on its face. She explained that this would be something to protect me and bring me good fortune. Well, I don't know if it was anything of significance, but I'm still here and have had a very rewarding career in real estate. By the way, I ditched the cat a couple of months later.”
Judy Hicks of Re/Max Coastal Real Estate: “A recent buyer made gave me a hot wheels Mercedes. He had laughed and said that I worked so hard for him I needed a ‘bonus’. I said ‘Well, Vince, buy me a new car!’ So he did, sort of. The hot wheels car was a fun gift! He also made me a Gator paperweight. Not unusual in a sense but very thoughtful since he knows I’m a Gator fan. They are both on my shelf.”
Jenet Cattar of Cattar Realty: “Over the years, I have received many fun and interesting gifts from customers. One was ‘The Hungarian Cookbook’. The customer wanted to be sure I had the recipe for Hungarian Hangover Soup! I’ve also received an awesome glass ship in a bottle, a vinegar and oil decanter and a huge bottle of Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Another unusual one was a pair of earrings from a Hawaiian honeymoon trip. The buyers had just married and bought a home from me. I’ve also received Smartie Candies from a customer who called me ‘Smartie-Bee’.”
C.J. Wright of ERA Dan Jones and Associates: "A used John Deere riding mower. I used it until I didn't need it anymore and then gave it to another family who did."
Wanda Franklin, Heth Realty: "I had an owner bring me an Amish handmade doll that I still have on my bed. I had another owner give me a doll that had clothes that were hand crocheted. Several years ago I had an owner bring me a plate all the way from overseas and he had to carry it in his lap on the plane to keep it safe, and I still have it hanging in my dining room."