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> In this context a small gift (what I am describing) also isn't necessarily a bribe.

It absolutely is, exactly because it has an effect. Another post here says that 'the broker's behavior seems to be on thin ethical ice here' -- no, there's no ice whatsoever. This behaviour is outside of the ethical (and regulatory!) standards.

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Note that I said:

"After a real estate deal last year I bought the broker a gift and delivered it."

So importantly this was "after" not before.

And it was "a small gift". Not a large gift. (Don't recall exactly perhaps < $50?)

Not a large enough gift to do anything other than say "I appreciate what you have done for me".

Gifts of nominal value are allowed--to give and to accept them--in the ethical system of every Western business of which I am aware. Saying "thank you" and making small talk also have an effect... adding a token of trivial value to the equation isn't a poison pill.

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