Housewarming and closing gifts: a portrait of the house

A new home is a big deal, and the gifts that go with it are usually forgettable: a candle, a bottle of wine, a plant that won't survive the move. A portrait of the house itself is different. It's about the place they chose, it goes on a wall instead of in a cupboard, and years later, after they've moved again, it's the thing that reminds them of that first front door.

For friends and family

A house portrait works for first homes, for parents who've just downsized, and for anyone leaving a home they loved. That last one is easy to miss: when a family sells the house the kids grew up in, a portrait of it can mean more than a gift for the new place.

Our house portraits are digital files at 3600 x 4800 px, which print sharply up to 12 x 16 inches. The most popular styles for homes are watercolor and minimal line art. You can add a family name, the address or "Est. 2026" underneath. If you'd rather give something ready to hang, our 12 x 16 inch house canvas and our round ceramic new home ornament, with the year printed on it, are printed and shipped by our production partner, Printful.

For real estate agents and lenders

Closing gifts have a job to do: thank the client and keep you in mind for the next move and the next referral. A gift basket gets eaten. A portrait of the house they just bought gets framed and hung, and every time they look at it, they remember who helped them get there.

We have a watercolor house portrait listing made for exactly this, for real estate agents and lenders to give their clients. A few practical notes:

• Order before closing. We usually send a proof within 24 hours, but leave time to print and frame it, or to send the file to a local print shop.
• Use a good photo you're allowed to use. Your own photo of the front of the house is ideal. If you use the listing photo, make sure you have permission.
• Personalize it. The clients' family name or "Welcome home" can be typeset under the house.
• Closing several homes a month? Message us on Etsy before ordering and we will set up a simple routine for you.

How to photograph a house

The photo makes the portrait, and houses are easier than pets because they hold still. Take it from the front, in daylight, standing straight on rather than at an angle, with the whole house in the frame, roof and front steps included. Cloudy days are fine and often better than harsh sun. Cars in the driveway, bins or a sign in the way? Mention it in your note at checkout and we will leave them out.

Other ideas that pair well

• A takeout gift card for a local restaurant, for the first night when nobody can find the plates.
• A short list of your favorite places nearby: the bakery, the hardware store, the good park.
• A spare key holder or a simple doormat, if you know their taste.

When to order

Digital portraits can be ordered right up to the day you need them, since nothing ships. For a canvas or an ornament before Christmas, please order printed items by December 7.

See the house styles on our styles page, or go straight to our Etsy shop.

Each portrait is created by our designer using AI tools from your photo, then reviewed and finished by hand. Printed and shipped by our production partner, Printful.

More guides: How to take a photo for a pet portrait, Pet memorial gift ideas.