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They’re also a sign of how some realtors’ closing gifts have stretched beyond the standard houseplant or bottle of wine to become more thoughtful, personalized and sometimes, extravagant in an increasingly competitive race for clients amid a Canadian housing boom.

“They are getting more generous,” Donia said in a call from Bangkok. He works from Asia for one-third of the year.

“Real estate has become cutthroat. A lot of people are even cutting their commission…My feeling is if I take you and your son down to a (Toronto Maple) Leafs game and walk you into the dressing room, it’s like Mastercard. It’s priceless.”

Donia said he goes to such lengths because “I grew up poor and I thought: what could someone do for me as a kid to make my place brighter?”

His efforts reflect his client base, which includes international buyers and some notable names, but those whose customers aren’t as deep-pocketed or star-studded still said they’re seeing realtors get creative with their thank-you trinkets.

They’ve noticed appliances, signed sports memorabilia, subscriptions to wine-of-the-month clubs or bi-weekly treat boxes, water colour or oil paintings of the property being bought and spa days are all becoming common.

Amanda Miller, a realtor at Slavens and Associates in Toronto, said she often makes donations to children’s charities or non-profits and causes that are dear to her client’s heart.

She also pays special attention when clients mention future renovations they have planned for their new home, their hobbies or what their kids enjoy because they could lend themselves to gift card ideas.