In a sea of real estate agents, standing out doesn’t always mean shouting the loudest or having the flashiest marketing. Sometimes, it’s the small, intentional touches that make the biggest impact. Whether you're nurturing your sphere, connecting with new leads, or simply showing up for your community, finding ways to surprise and delight your audience is one of the most effective (and memorable) strategies you can use.

Let’s break down what this looks like, and how you can make it your secret superpower.

Start with Thoughtfulness, Not a Sales Pitch

Everyone expects to be marketed to. Fewer people expect genuine thoughtfulness. Think of your clients and circle of influence not just as leads, but as people with birthdays, milestones, tough seasons, and everyday wins. Sending a handwritten card, a small gift for their new baby, or even a “just checking in” text can go a long way.

Try this:

Keep a note on your phone or CRM with personal tidbits clients share with you. Reference it later for thoughtful follow-ups.
Surprise past clients with a home anniversary card or a small local gift.
Drop off coffee to a teacher friend during back-to-school season or a local nurse during a busy shift.

Use Social Media to Celebrate Others, Not Just Yourself

*Click the photo for a thoughtful way to stay in touch with potential clients and open-house visitors.*

We all want to be seen and celebrated. One of the easiest ways to stand out online is to use your platform to lift up others.

Try this:

Shout out a local small business you love (tag them, share why they’re great).
Congratulate a client on a new job or promotion.
Highlight a friend’s community event or fundraiser, even if it has nothing to do with real estate.

People remember how you make them feel. Being someone who spreads positivity and support online sets you apart.

Build a "Client Experience" That Goes Beyond the Transaction

Real estate is emotional. It’s not just a business deal. It’s someone’s home, their investment, their next chapter. Lean into that by making your client experience feel personal, intentional, and enjoyable.

Try this:

Create a fun “Welcome Home” package that matches their lifestyle (wine for the wine lovers, pet treats for the dog parents).
Send them a Spotify playlist for moving day or a list of your favorite local spots near their new neighborhood.
Schedule a quick FaceTime before closing to walk them through what to expect (and ease their nerves).

Do the Unexpected

Most agents are doing the bare minimum to follow up or stay in touch. Want to stand out? Be the one who goes the extra step—when there’s nothing in it for you.

Try this:

Mail a seasonal tip sheet with things like “How to prep your home for fall” or “Spring maintenance to boost your home’s value.”
Text a homeowner you worked with last year and say, “Hey, I was thinking about you! How’s the house holding up?”
If you spot a news article about their industry or hobby, send it with a note: “Thought of you!”

Remember: It’s Not About Grand Gestures. It’s About Consistency

*Being intentional about getting to know your clients goes a long way.*

Surprise and delight isn’t about spending tons of money or crafting Pinterest-perfect gifts. It’s about creating consistent moments of connection that show people they’re more than a number to you.

Here’s what happens when you do this well:

You build loyalty that goes beyond the transaction.
You turn your past clients into future referrers.
You create a brand that people trust and that stands out effortlessly.

In a competitive market, being top-of-mind isn’t just about being seen—it’s about being felt. The agents who surprise and delight their audience build relationships that last far beyond the closing table.

You don’t need a huge budget or a perfectly polished system. Just a little intention, a little creativity, and a heart for serving well.

Start small. Stay consistent. And remember: it’s the little things that make a big difference.