10 Creative Pop-by Ideas For Realtors That Generate Referrals

Pop-by gifts are a type of real estate marketing tool used to maintain contact with past clients in a personal and thoughtful way. These gifts are often small, useful, and sometimes themed to match the season or local events.

Real estate agents use pop-bys to create brief, in-person interactions with clients. The goal is not to pitch or sell anything, but to stay visible and build long-term relationships through consistent, low-pressure connections.

This article explores ten creative pop-by ideas that realtors use to stay connected with clients and encourage word-of-mouth referrals. Each idea is designed to be simple, relevant, and easy to personalize based on the client’s lifestyle and preferences.

What are Pop-by Gifts for Realtors

Pop-by gifts are small, physical items that real estate agents deliver in person to past clients. The term “pop-by” comes from the idea of “popping by” someone’s home or office for a quick, casual visit.

Unlike holiday gifts or closing presents, pop-bys aren’t tied to specific occasions. They’re meant to be unexpected touchpoints that remind clients you’re still thinking about them after the transaction is complete.

The key difference between pop-bys and other client gifts is the personal delivery. When you hand over the gift yourself, you create a face-to-face moment that builds a stronger connection than a mailed item would.

Pop-bys have been a staple in relationship-based real estate marketing for decades. They work because they combine two powerful elements: physical gifts and personal interaction.

Why Pop-by Ideas For Realtors Help Generate Referrals

Pop-by gifts work because they tap into the psychology of relationships and referrals. When you show up at a client’s door with a small gift, you’re doing more than delivering an item – you’re reinforcing your connection.

The National Association of Realtors reports that 64% of sellers found their agent through a referral from friends or family. Pop-bys help trigger these referrals by keeping you top-of-mind with past clients.

There’s also the principle of reciprocity at work. When someone receives a thoughtful gift, they naturally want to give something back. In real estate, this often translates to referrals or repeat business.

Key benefits of pop-by marketing include:

• Relationship Building: Face-to-face interactions create stronger emotional connections than digital communication
• Brand Recall: Physical items in a client’s home serve as daily reminders of your services
• Referral Opportunities: Brief conversations during pop-bys often lead to discussions about friends or family who might need real estate help
• Competitive Edge: Many agents rely solely on digital marketing, making personal pop-bys a standout approach

Pop-bys don’t need to be expensive to be effective. A $5-10 thoughtful gift can generate thousands in commission through referrals, making them one of the highest-ROI marketing activities available to realtors.

10 Creative Pop-by Ideas For Realtors

1. Seasonal Snack Kit

Create a small package of seasonal treats that reflect the time of year. For summer, include lemonade mix and cookies. For fall, package apple cider packets and cinnamon sticks.

• Cost: $5-8 per kit
• Tag line: “Just popping by with a seasonal treat to say thanks!”
• Best timing: Early in each season

The seasonal approach gives you a natural reason to visit quarterly, establishing a consistent touchpoint schedule throughout the year.

2. Branded Water Bottle

A quality reusable water bottle with your contact information subtly placed on the bottom or side. Choose bottles that are BPA-free and have features like fruit infusers or insulation.

• Cost: $8-15 each
• Tag line: “Staying hydrated in this hot real estate market!”
• Best timing: Late spring through summer

Clients use water bottles daily, putting your brand in their hands regularly without feeling like obvious advertising.

3. Mini Houseplant

Small, low-maintenance plants like succulents or potted herbs make great pop-by gifts. Include a simple care card with instructions.

• Cost: $4-10 each
• Tag line: “Thanks for helping my business grow!”
• Best timing: Spring planting season

Living gifts create lasting impressions and serve as daily reminders of your relationship as they care for the plant.

4. Local Artisan Goods

Support small businesses in your community by gifting locally-made items like honey, candles, or baked goods.

• Cost: $6-15 each
• Tag line: “Supporting our local community, just like you supported me!”
• Best timing: Year-round, especially during local festivals or markets

This approach shows your commitment to the community and helps clients discover local businesses they might not know about.

5. Customized Tote Bag

Reusable shopping bags with your branding or a local theme make practical gifts that clients will use regularly.

• Cost: $5-12 each
• Tag line: “Carrying your real estate needs is my pleasure!”
• Best timing: Spring or before community events

Tote bags create mobile advertising when clients use them at grocery stores or farmers markets.

6. Popcorn Bundle

A simple yet effective gift of gourmet popcorn kernels or ready-to-eat popcorn with seasonings.

• Cost: $3-7 each
• Tag line: “Just popping by to say thanks for your business!”
• Best timing: Fall movie season or during major sporting events

This affordable option still makes a strong impression and creates a fun snack experience for the whole family.

7. DIY Spice Jar

A small jar with a custom spice blend or seasoning mix like BBQ rub or taco seasoning. Include a simple recipe card that uses the spice.

• Cost: $4-8 each
• Tag line: “Adding a little spice to your home, just like you added to my business!”
• Best timing: Summer grilling season or holiday cooking months

Cooking-related gifts are practical and get used regularly, reinforcing your connection through everyday activities.

8. Handwritten Recipe Cards

Share personal or family recipes on quality card stock. Present in a protective sleeve or tied with ribbon.

• Cost: $1-4 each
• Tag line: “A recipe for success includes clients like you!”
• Best timing: Holiday season or comfort food months

This low-cost option creates a personal connection through shared food traditions and family stories.

9. Home Maintenance Tool

Practical items like branded tape measures, multi-tools, or flashlights that homeowners frequently need.

• Cost: $6-15 each
• Tag line: “Always here to help with your home needs!”
• Best timing: Spring cleaning season or home maintenance months

Tools get used repeatedly over years, creating long-term brand exposure and positioning you as a helpful resource.

10. Pet-friendly Treat

For clients with pets, bring treats, toys, or accessories for their furry family members.

• Cost: $3-10 each
• Tag line: “For your furry family member – thanks for being a paw-some client!”
• Best timing: National Pet Day (April) or client pet birthdays

Remembering pets creates strong emotional connections with pet-loving clients and shows attention to what matters to them.

How To Deliver Real Estate Pop-bys The Right Way

The delivery of a pop-by gift is just as important as the gift itself. How and when you show up makes a big difference in how the gesture is received.

For timing, weekday late mornings (10-11 AM) or early evenings (4-6 PM) typically work best. Avoid meal times, early mornings, or weekends unless you know the client’s schedule well.

Should you call ahead? It depends on your relationship with the client. For close connections, surprise visits often work well. For more formal relationships or first-time pop-bys, a quick text saying “I’m in your neighborhood and have something to drop off” can be appropriate.

Keep these delivery tips in mind:

• Be Brief: Limit visits to 5-10 minutes unless the client clearly wants to chat longer
• Stay Positive: Keep conversations upbeat and avoid discussing negative market news
• Have a Backup Plan: If no one’s home, leave the gift with a handwritten note in a weather-protected spot
• Follow Up: Send a quick text or email later to make sure they received the gift if you left it

The key is making the interaction feel natural and not forced. The best pop-by deliveries feel like a friendly gesture rather than a sales call.

Personalizing Pop-bys For Realtors And Clients

The most effective pop-by gifts are personalized to match what you know about each client. This shows you’re paying attention to their preferences and lifestyle.

Use your CRM system to track important details about clients:

• Food preferences or allergies
• Hobbies and interests
• Pet names and types
• Children’s ages
• Home purchase anniversary
• Favorite local businesses

These notes help you choose gifts that resonate with each client. For example, a client who loves cooking might appreciate a specialty olive oil, while a gardening enthusiast would prefer seed packets.

You can also segment clients into groups for different types of pop-bys:

• New homeowners (within past year)
• Long-term past clients
• High-value referral sources
• First-time buyers
• Luxury property owners

Each group might receive slightly different gifts based on their relationship with you and their potential for future business or referrals.

Remember that personalization isn’t just about the gift itself. The timing, delivery method, and conversation should all be tailored to the individual client’s preferences and communication style.

Making Pop-bys Real Estate Friendly For Seasonal Marketing

Integrating pop-bys into your seasonal marketing plan creates natural opportunities for client connections throughout the year. Each season offers themes and occasions you can build around.

A simple quarterly pop-by schedule might look like this:

Season Pop-By Theme Seasonal Connection Spring Seed packets or plant Growth, new beginnings Summer Branded water bottle or sunscreen Outdoor activities Fall Apple cider mix or popcorn Comfort, gathering Winter Hot chocolate or hand warmers Warmth, home focus

This approach gives you a framework for planning while still allowing for personalization. It also ensures you’re connecting with clients consistently rather than sporadically.

You can enhance seasonal pop-bys by including a brief, relevant market update with each visit. For example, in spring you might mention, “By the way, inventory in your neighborhood is starting to increase for the spring market. Let me know if you have friends looking to buy in this area.”

This subtle market information adds value to the interaction without making it feel like a sales pitch.

Final Thoughts On Connecting With Clients

Pop-by gifts represent a return to relationship-based marketing in an increasingly digital world. While online strategies are important, these personal touchpoints create connections that digital marketing alone cannot achieve.

The most successful pop-by strategy is one that’s consistent, authentic, and tailored to your personality and client base. The specific gifts matter less than the regular, thoughtful contact they facilitate.

Remember that the goal isn’t just a one-time visit but building a long-term relationship that leads to repeat business and referrals. Each pop-by should feel like a genuine expression of appreciation rather than an obvious marketing tactic.

While pop-bys help you connect in person, having a strong online presence is equally important. A professional real estate website from AgentFire can complement your in-person marketing efforts by providing clients with a digital hub for property information and market updates. Learn more at agentfire.com/schedule-a-demo.

FAQs About Pop-bys For Realtors

How much should realtors spend on pop-by gifts?

Most effective pop-by gifts cost between $5-15 each, with the focus on thoughtfulness rather than expense.

How often should realtors deliver pop-by gifts to past clients?

A quarterly schedule (4 times per year) works well for most clients, creating regular touchpoints without becoming intrusive.

Can pop-by gifts be delivered by mail instead of in person?

While in-person delivery is preferable for building relationships, mailing gifts is an acceptable alternative for distant clients or during unusual circumstances.

How do you measure the success of a pop-by marketing strategy?

Track referrals that follow pop-by visits, noting which gifts and delivery approaches generate the most positive responses and business opportunities.

What if clients seem uncomfortable with pop-by visits?

If clients show discomfort with surprise visits, switch to scheduled drop-offs or alternative contact methods that better match their communication preferences.