Can you tip your realtor?

[MCunningham]

My husband and I have been dealing with a hellish 140-mile roundtrip commute for the last three years, since we bought a house 70 miles from where we work (at the height of the housing craze in Maryland). We can't sell it now (we've lost all of the equity that we had in it, and it's now worth about $60k less than we paid for it), so we put it up for rent.

Our realtor, Nancy, has been BUSTING HER BUM to help us out with getting it rented (success!) and has also been working tirelessly to find us a place to live now... she's been making appointments like crazy, negotiating rental rates and pet fees, and just doing a really great job. She's been making the commute with us down to where we are trying to move, an area that is largely unfamiliar to her, to make sure that we don't get screwed over... she's just really been wonderful.

I feel bad because she's really not making much for the amount of effort that she's putting into finding us a place, and I'm wondering-- can you tip your realtor? Or give them cash gifts or anything? Does anyone know the protocol on this? I don't want to get her in trouble, but I want her to know how very much we appreciate her.

Any input?

MC

 

[hiitdogs]

Congratulations! It sounds like you found a great agent.

Any and all monies and gifts that an agent gets technically has to run through her employing broker. And yes, in theory the broker can take their split/share out of the amount you give.

I am not sure how the broker would know if you or her don't tell. However, I have received gifts, gift cards and I have received a "bonus" check from a client. I did let my broker know and he decided not to take his share out, but technically he could.

So it really is up to you what you want to do. Another way to help her out that won't cost you anything and will help her, is to recommend her to your friends, family or business associates.

 

[jonahnah]

Since Carola says it's allowed, buy her a really big GAS gift card! I know Shell has them, not sure about other stations. I second Carola's idea about singing her praises to everyone you know too. Hope your life gets easier soon, commute and housing-wise.

 

[MCunningham]

Carola,

Thank you for your quick response! I was thinking about maybe giving her a gift of about $200... I know that's not really a lot, but with moving expenses, etc., I can't really afford to give her a lot more than that (plus, it's a rental, not a sale, but I do plan to use her as our agent for the sale in the future).

Does $200 sound paltry?

MC

 

[nancy324]

Why don't you give her a gift not easily shared? For example, a gift certificate for dinner for 2 at the swankiest restaurant in town or something like that? As a lawyer, I am occasionally offered gifts by brokers which I never accept. But I don't see a problem with you giving a gift to her. I think it's very thoughtful.

 

[mj476]

We had been working with a out-of-state realtor for about 3 years. She did an awful lot for us so we took her out to lunch after our closing. She said we were her only client that ever did that for her.

Marcy