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uxury real‑estate agents are turning the closing table into a showcase of excess, offering buyers gifts that range from wellness packages to one‑of‑a‑kind automobiles. The goal is simple: in a market where a $10 million home in Manhattan or a $5 million condo in Miami can be listed by dozens of brokers, a spectacular present can seal the deal and create a lasting impression.
Typical packages now include at‑home concierge services—IV therapy, spa treatments, and private chefs who prepare gourmet meals in the new residence. Art collectors receive original works, while some buyers get custom scents or music compositions tailored to their new home. Luxury accessories such as Hermès scarves, Louis Vuitton duffle bags with engraved monograms, and even country‑club memberships are common. In more extravagant cases, 10‑foot safes, Chanel handbags, and a Bentley parked in the garage of a sprawling estate have been reported.
High‑profile examples illustrate the range of offerings. A Palm Beach broker, who wished to remain anonymous, once handed a client a 10‑foot safe, a Chanel bag, and a Bentley. In Clear Creek Tahoe, a $12.7 million construction sale was sweetened with a Tesla Cybertruck, a vehicle that costs roughly $80 000. Colorado’s Finale community gave buyers two lifetime Epic Ski Passes—passes that could be worth over a million dollars each by 2085. The Regalia Residences in Sunny Isles sold a $19.9 million penthouse with a 31‑foot yacht as part of the closing. The Four Seasons Private Residence in Los Angeles offers access to Vivrelle, a members‑only service that lets owners swap high‑end handbags and jewelry on demand. In Miami’s Aston Martin Residences, a $59 million triplex penthouse comes with the last remaining Aston Martin Vulcan, a supercar valued at $3.2 million and one of only 24 ever built.
These gifts serve multiple purposes. They differentiate a listing in saturated markets, create buzz on social media, and provide a tangible symbol of the lifestyle the property promises. Brokers argue that a memorable closing can lead to repeat business and referrals, especially among ultra‑wealthy clients who value exclusivity and personalized service.
The trend is most pronounced in cities and resort towns with a glut of high‑priced homes. New York currently lists 476 properties above $10 million, while Miami lists nearly 1,000 homes above $5 million. In such competitive arenas, a grand gift can tip the scales in favor of one broker over another.
Not every agent embraces the practice. Some view it as gimmicky and potentially off‑putting. South Florida’s Compass agent Michael Martirena calls the trend “extremely gimmicky” and “distasteful,” noting that savvy buyers often see these gifts as a red flag and prefer to negotiate a direct price reduction instead. He explains that the cost of a luxury car or yacht is usually built into the listing price, so a buyer who declines the gift may end up paying less overall. Instead, Martirena and his partner offer more modest gestures—luxury weekend getaways, private chef dinners, custom artwork, or designer décor items—that still make clients feel valued without inflating the sale price.
Legal and tax implications also shape the practice. New York State is particularly permissive, allowing agents to give virtually any incentive as part of a transaction. However, the IRS may view large gifts as taxable income or capital gains, so agents are advised to consult accountants before finalizing deals. State regulations vary, and what is permissible in one jurisdiction may be prohibited in another.
Amid the spectacle, some brokers are finding ways to give back. Naples, Florida agent Andy Alvarez has turned a closing gift into a philanthropic gesture. After his brother‑in‑law’s battle with a rare brain tumor, Alvarez became involved with the Musella Foundation, which supports patients and funds research. When a local business donated a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon for the foundation’s annual auction, Alvarez seized the opportunity. He won the bottle—an item that can fetch over $10 000—and gifted it to a client who is a bourbon aficionado. The sale of the bottle not only provided a memorable present but also raised funds for the foundation, illustrating how a closing gift can serve both personal and charitable purposes.
In sum, the luxury real‑estate market is increasingly turning closing gifts into strategic tools. From wellness experiences and custom art to high‑end automobiles and philanthropic tokens, brokers are crafting packages that promise an elevated lifestyle and, for some, a chance to make a difference. Whether these extravagant gestures will become the new norm or remain a niche tactic depends on buyer reception, legal constraints, and the evolving definition of value in the world of high‑end property transactions.
