To grow your real estate business in 2026, you’ve got to start the year with real intention. Those early touchpoints matter more than most agents realize. When you kick off the year with genuine, relationship-based marketing, you’re laying the groundwork for stronger client connections all year long. Pop-bys are one of the easiest ways to do that. They help you reconnect with past clients, re-engage warm leads, and spark new referrals, without feeling salesy or forced.
What Makes a Great Pop-By Gift?
Free printable pop-by template
A great pop-by gift should feel thoughtful and polished without being over the top. The goal is to make your clients feel seen and appreciated, not overwhelmed. Choose local, seasonal, and lightly branded items that show you put a little intention behind the gesture. And remember: useful, affordable, and memorable always wins.
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Creative Pop-By Themes for Kicking Off the Year
Fresh Start Pop-Bys
Think “new year, new home energy.” Cleaning wipes, mini planners, calendars, or small home refresh kits are perfect for clients who want to start the year feeling organized. These are easy, practical, and tie directly into that fresh-start mindset everyone has in January.
Winter Warm-Up Pop-Bys
Hot chocolate packets, coffee, or tea samplers are always a hit during the colder months. They’re cozy, inexpensive, and give you a warm, seasonal touchpoint that feels personal without trying too hard.
“Let’s Tackle Your Home Goals” Pop-Bys
This theme is great for homeowners thinking about updates or maintenance in the new year. Pair a tag with a small tool, a magic eraser, or a home maintenance checklist. It’s helpful, relevant, and positions you as the agent who thinks ahead.
Budget-Friendly Pop-Bys
Simple items can make the biggest impact when paired with the right message. Think snack-size treats, small household items, or anything that’s easy to buy in bulk but still feels intentional with the messaging.
Luxury Pop-Bys
For VIP clients or your top referral partners, go a little elevated. Candles, countertop sprays, or curated local goodies feel high-end and memorable. They leave a lasting impression without being overly expensive.
The 3 Pop-By Designs We’re Loving for the New Year
For this design, we like to drop it off with New Year’s poppers before New Year’s Day so clients can use them on New Year’s Eve. It’s a fun, thoughtful way to show you’re thinking of them and wishing them a great start to the new year.
Pairing this design with a lottery ticket is a playful way to say, “Wishing you a lotta luck this year!” It’s fun, unexpected, and memorable. Plus, it gives your clients a little excitement as they kick off the new year.
Pair this design with a mini champagne bottle to say, “Wishing you a sparkling new year!” It’s festive, fun, and a classy way to toast to your clients’ success and happiness in the year ahead.
How Often Should Realtors Be Doing Pop-Bys?
There’s no hard rule, but quarterly is a good starting point. If you’ve got high-touch clients or top referral partners, you can do them monthly. The key is showing up consistently. Regular, thoughtful touches beat doing a bunch all at once. Batch your pop-bys ahead of time so it’s easy to knock them out without stress.
Pop-bys don’t have to be a big production. Keep it quick, a simple door drop or a short “hello” works perfectly. Always add a handwritten note, even just a few words, to make it personal. Keep track of who you’ve visited so no one gets missed, and think about how it fits into your next quarterly follow-up. You also may want to keep a few extras in your car. That way, you can surprise clients on the fly without having to plan everything in advance.
Grab Your New Year Pop-By Designs
Want to make a great first impression this year? Check out our three New Year pop-by designs. Each one is branded to you, so you look polished and professional every time. Ordering is super easy, and turnaround is fast, so you’ll have them ready to drop off right at the start of the year.
The first few weeks of the year set the tone for your business. Pop-bys aren’t just little gifts. They’re relationship builders. Showing up consistently in small, thoughtful ways keeps you top of mind, builds trust, and sparks referrals that last all year long.
