The holidays are here and it’s giving season once again. Whether you work in the real estate industry as a San Diego real estate agent, own a San Diego real estate company or are an investor in the Southern California market, there are endless property related gifts to consider.
Real estate may be the best gift you can give those you care about this year. Consider the following investments for potential gift ideas, as they will give well beyond 2014:
1. Homes
For those that work in the industry, or are at least positioned to use their access to discounts, give one of the best presents of a lifetime. Whether it is a luxury home or a smaller town-home, everyone will benefit from the acquisition of a property in today’s market. The gift of a home will continue to give, in the form of equity, for a long time.
2. Commercial Real Estate
Retail stores, offices, and industrial properties can all make great gifts, especially if there is a special entrepreneur in your life. Just like property, these acquisitions will provide the recipient with endless opportunities to grow their equity in today’s market.
3. Land
Land and lots are superb choices to give to kids and grand-kids, as they have very low holding costs, virtually no maintenance and can be used to generate income in many ways.
4. Donating
Whether there is a specific charity close to your heart or a local community in need of property for a neighborhood center, donations can provide a nice tax break for savvy investors. This is, of course, in addition to the social good it provides. Not ready to give it up completely? Consider a long term ‘lease’ with no payments.
5. Income Property
Multifamily housing and single family rentals make excellent legacy presents for younger generations. Recipients will surely experience high levels of passive income with the direction of the market.
6. Home Improvement Store Gift Cards
A gift card for investors and homeowners can ultimately contribute to their bottom line in a significant way. Home improvement store gift cards, in particular, will benefit anyone who receives them. It can provide a lot of relief, especially during the pressure of the holidays. More importantly, it can keep you on the radar of real estate professionals when referrals are at their peak.
7. A Stay at Your Vacation Properties
Many investors and Realtors have a prized vacation property that they should be able to use to their advantage. Unfortunately, many of these properties go underutilized. You don’t have to open the invitation to complete strangers, but this can be a very powerful and free gift for prospects, prospective partners and employees.
8. Educating Others
Sometimes the best gifts really are free. Knowledge, in particular, can be one of the best gifts you will ever give someone. Telling others about self-directed IRAs and 401ks can have a meaningful impact on anyone. Opening someone’s eyes to this strategy can benefit them for decades and make all the difference in their returns and retirement. Just make sure the information you are giving out is correct, as incorrect information can be damaging.
9. Referrals
In one way or another, the majority of the population is in sales. As a real estate pro, you should already know one of the best possible compliments you can get is a referral. So why not actively look for opportunities to give them first?
10. Giving Online
Going out of your way to provide followers with a few likes, re-tweets, social shares and +1s will generate a lot of appreciation. You crave them and probably wish you had a lot more of them, so why not start the trend and treat others the way they would show your social pages some love? You will be surprised at hoe many people reciprocate their appreciation.
