What Real Estate Professionals Really Think About Promotional Products

If you are in real estate, you already know relationships drive everything. But here is what the data says about how promotional products actually influence those relationships.
According to ASI Research’s end-buyer study of the real estate industry, “93% of real estate professionals view promotional products and apparel as an effective medium for improving brand awareness.”1 That is one of the strongest endorsement rates of any industry surveyed.
In other words, promotional products are not just extras in real estate. They are proven branding tools. Most successful real estate agents know they only have a few seconds to make a positive impact.2

Brand Perception Improves With the Right Promo

The research shows that “83% of real estate end-buyers would have a more positive view of an advertiser if they received brand-name promotional apparel from them.”3 That is higher than other industries surveyed.
This is important for brokers, team leaders, and agents building a long-term reputation. A high-quality jacket, fleece, or name-brand item does not just create visibility. It elevates perception.
Premium matters in a profession built on trust.

What Real Estate Professionals Call It

When it comes to terminology, real estate professionals most commonly use:4

• 37% say “promo products”
• 31% say “swag”
• 21% say “merch”
• 10% say “freebies”

That tells us something subtle but important. The majority are thinking strategically about branded merchandise, not just handing out free items.

Why Real Estate Professionals Keep Promotional Products

The study also reveals why promotional items stick around.Real estate end-buyers keep promo items because of:

• Utility: 82%
• Quality: 58%
• Attractiveness: 43%
• Point of reference: 24%

Utility ranks highest among all markets surveyed. That perfectly tracks with the Top 5 promotional products people actually keep and use.5
For real estate professionals, this makes perfect sense. Items that serve a real purpose, such as a portable phone charger, umbrella, microfiber glasses cleaner, or even a quality cooler, stay in use. And when they stay in use, your brand stays visible.

Favorite Promotional Items in Real Estate

Some of the most appreciated promo items real estate end-buyers have received include:6

• Pet leashes
• YETI coolers
• Zip-up fleece jackets
• Leather briefcases
• Portable phone chargers
• Reversible umbrellas
• Microfiber glasses cleaners

Notice a pattern. These are practical, lifestyle-driven, and often premium. See what recipients think premium promos look like.
They align with how real estate professionals work and live.

Social Responsibility Matters

Another key finding: 74% of real estate end-buyers say it is important that the promotional products they receive are made in a socially responsible manner.7
Clients are paying attention. Eco-friendly and responsibly sourced products can reinforce brand values and community commitment.

E-Commerce Adoption Is Strong

The data shows that 7 in 10 real estate end-buyers have purchased promotional products or apparel from an e-commerce site multiple times, more frequently than other industries surveyed.8
This signals a comfort level with online ordering, company stores, and streamlined purchasing processes. Real estate professionals want convenience and efficiency.

Real Estate and AI

The research also explored views on artificial intelligence.9

• 51% view AI positively
• 25% are neutral
• 24% view it negatively
• One-third, or 33%, believe AI will significantly affect their day-to-day lives during the next three yearseb-real-estate

This shows an industry that is forward-thinking but cautious. Technology is changing real estate, and promotional strategies can evolve alongside it, including smart products and digital integrations.

What This Means for Real Estate Professionals

The numbers tell a clear story.
Real estate professionals:

• Believe promotional products are effective
• Respond strongly to quality and brand-name apparel
• Value utility above all else
• Care about social responsibility
• Are comfortable purchasing online
• Expect technology to shape the future

For agents, brokers, and teams, this means promotional products are not optional marketing fluff. They are measurable tools that improve brand perception and visibility when chosen thoughtfully.
In a competitive market where trust and recognition are everything, the right promotional product is not just a giveaway. It is a strategic investment in how your brand is remembered.
References:

1. “End-Buyer Research: Real Estate.” The Advertising Specialty Institute.
2. “The 5-Second Impact: Why Promotional Products Win or Lose Almost Instantly.” Perfect Imprints.
3. “End-Buyer Research: Real Estate.” The Advertising Specialty Institute.
4. “End-Buyer Research: Real Estate.” The Advertising Specialty Institute.
5. “Top 5 Promotional Products People Actually Keep and Use.” Perfect Imprints.
6. “End-Buyer Research: Real Estate.” The Advertising Specialty Institute.
7. “End-Buyer Research: Real Estate.” The Advertising Specialty Institute.
8. “End-Buyer Research: Real Estate.” The Advertising Specialty Institute.
9. “End-Buyer Research: Real Estate.” The Advertising Specialty Institute.

See the PDF infographic here.