Tag Archives: realtor

Smart Prospecting for the Holidays: Checking In and Updating Home Values

The holiday season is a time for connection, reflection, and sincere appreciation—and that makes it one of the best times of year to reach out to your database. Instead of traditional, sales-heavy prospecting, the holidays offer an opportunity for genuine, thoughtful outreach that strengthens relationships while still delivering meaningful value. One of the most effective ways to do this is by gifting homeowners a complimentary update on their home’s current market value.

Start your outreach with warm, personalized holiday greetings. This sets the tone for a friendly, heartfelt conversation and reminds clients that you value them beyond the business relationship. When you begin with sincerity, the real estate insights that follow feel natural and welcome.

Show genuine interest in their life and their home. Ask how their year has been, inquire about any updates or improvements they’ve made, and take the time to listen. People appreciate when you remember details and take a personal interest—it builds trust and lays the foundation for more meaningful conversations.

Offering a complimentary home value update is a valuable and thoughtful gift. With your expertise and access to current market data, you can provide homeowners with an accurate picture of what their home might sell for today. This simple gesture demonstrates your knowledge, keeps you top of mind, and provides information homeowners truly care about.

Along with the home value estimate, share a quick snapshot of today’s market trends. Homeowners appreciate understanding current conditions, whether that includes shifting interest rates, low inventory, or neighborhood-specific changes. Sharing relevant insights positions you as a trusted advisor who helps them make sense of the market.

Use this opportunity to offer guidance for future plans. Whether they’re considering selling next year, refinancing, or simply staying put, your expertise can empower them to make informed choices. A simple reminder that you’re available whenever they’re ready goes a long way.

Most importantly, create a zero-pressure experience. The holidays should feel generous, not sales-driven. Make it clear that your outreach is simply a helpful check-in and a valuable update—not a push for immediate decisions. When clients experience you as a resource rather than a salesperson, they remember your professionalism and integrity.

Smart prospecting during the holidays isn’t about chasing leads—it’s about deepening relationships. By checking in with warmth, offering meaningful value, and empowering homeowners with information, you reinforce your role as their trusted real estate advisor. This season, give the gift of knowledge, connection, and clarity.

Looking to be part of our Real Estate Expansion Team or referral network? Fill in the form below, and let’s start a conversation about how we can collaborate. Your referrals are important to us, and we value the potential of growing our network with like-minded professionals. We’re excited to connect with you!

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Hour of Power consistently: develop good habits and routines

As a real estate agent, I know that success in this industry is all about productivity and generating new leads. That’s why years ago I started implementing Howard Brinton’s Hour of Power into my daily routine, and it’s been a game changer.

The Hour of Power is a simple concept that involves dedicating the first hour of each workday to lead generation and prospecting. During this time, I focus solely on making phone calls, sending emails, and networking to build my client base and generate new business. I turn off all distractions and notifications to be present for the hour of prospecting.

What I love about the Hour of Power is that it provides me with a clear and concise plan for my workday. Before I started using this method, I would often get sidetracked by other tasks and lose focus on what’s most important – generating leads. But now, I know that the first hour of each day is dedicated to this critical task, and I can stay on track and avoid getting distracted.

The Hour of Power has also helped me hold myself accountable. By committing to this program and making lead generation a top priority, I can track my progress and see tangible results over time. It’s incredibly motivating to see my client base grow as a result of my consistent efforts.

Another benefit of the Hour of Power is that it’s helped me develop good habits and routines. By consistently dedicating the first hour of each day to lead generation and prospecting, I’ve established a routine that’s become second nature over time. It’s amazing how a simple change to my daily routine can make such a significant impact on my business.

The Hour of Power is a highly effective real estate sales program that’s worth implementing for any agent looking to take their business to the next level. By dedicating the first hour of each workday to lead generation and prospecting, agents can create a steady stream of new business and build a strong foundation for long-term success. I know it’s made a huge difference in my career, and I highly recommend giving it a try.

Looking to be part of our Real Estate Expansion Team or referral network? We’re excited to connect with you! Simply fill in the form below, and let’s start a conversation about how we can collaborate and explore new opportunities together. Your referrals are important to us, and we value the potential of growing our network with like-minded professionals.

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Mastering Inner Excellence: A Guide for Entrepreneurs and Real Estate Agents

Jim Murphy’s book Inner Excellence is a roadmap to peak performance and personal mastery. While it was originally written for athletes, its principles are just as relevant to entrepreneurs and real estate agents. Success in business, much like in sports, requires mental clarity, emotional resilience, and an unwavering focus on your goals.

What Is Inner Excellence?

At its core, Inner Excellence is about cultivating a mindset that allows you to perform at your best, no matter the circumstances. Murphy emphasizes the importance of being present, understanding your purpose, and aligning your actions with your values. These concepts are powerful tools for anyone navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and real estate.

3 Key Lessons from Inner Excellence for Entrepreneurs and Real Estate Agents

1. Clarity Is Key

Murphy stresses the importance of having a clear vision of your goals. As an entrepreneur or real estate agent, this translates into knowing what success looks like for you. Whether it’s closing a certain number of deals, building lasting client relationships, or growing your business, clarity helps you focus your energy.

Application Tip:

  • Create a vision statement for your business. Revisit it daily to remind yourself of your why.
  • Break your big goals into smaller, actionable steps.

2. Embrace the Process

Murphy encourages readers to focus on the journey rather than just the outcome. In real estate, not every deal will go through, and as an entrepreneur, not every idea will succeed. Learning to find joy in the process helps you stay motivated and resilient.

Application Tip:

  • Celebrate progress, not just results. Did you improve your prospecting efforts or make a new connection? That’s a win!
  • Reflect on lessons learned from challenges and failures.

3. Master Your Mindset

Inner Excellence is built on the idea that success begins in the mind. Negative thoughts, distractions, and self-doubt can derail even the best plans. Murphy’s methods teach you to stay present, manage your emotions, and maintain confidence.

Application Tip:

  • Practice mindfulness to stay focused during high-pressure moments, like client negotiations or deal closings.
  • Develop a morning routine that includes affirmations or visualization to set a positive tone for the day.

Why It Matters in Real Estate and Entrepreneurship

Both fields demand adaptability, perseverance, and a strong connection to others. Whether you’re closing deals, managing client expectations, or building your brand, Inner Excellence gives you the tools to handle stress, stay motivated, and build a business that aligns with your values.

Putting Inner Excellence Into Action

  1. Define Your Purpose: Why did you become a real estate agent or entrepreneur? Write it down and revisit it often.
  2. Be Present: In every interaction, give your full attention. Clients and colleagues will notice your focus and authenticity.
  3. Focus on What You Can Control: Let go of outcomes you can’t influence, and instead, pour your energy into your preparation and effort.

Success is more than just reaching your goals—it’s about who you become along the way. Jim Murphy’s Inner Excellence reminds us that with the right mindset, we can overcome challenges, connect deeply with others, and create a fulfilling and successful career.

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Looking to be part of our Real Estate Expansion Team or referral network? Fill in the form below, and let’s start a conversation about how we can collaborate. Your referrals are important to us, and we value the potential of growing our network with like-minded professionals. We’re excited to connect with you!

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How One Smart Call Stays on Top of a Prospect’s Mind

In real estate, we all know that “no” doesn’t always mean “never.” But how do you get a foot in the door with a prospect who’s not interested in moving right now? A recent example of a real estate cold call sheds light on the power of a skillful opener and a subtle follow-up.

Here’s how the call played out:

Agent: “Hi, this is Sam, I’m a real estate agent here in Austin. Do you still own the property on Cedar Avenue?”

Prospect: “Yes, I do.”

Sam: “I don’t suppose you’re thinking of selling it?”

Prospect: “Not at the moment. I like the place.”

And right here is where most calls end. But Sam, in this example, took it one step further, without being pushy.

Sam: “Sounds like that’s your forever home.”

This small comment triggered the prospect’s desire to clarify.

Prospect: “Well, maybe not forever…”

Sam used this small opening to plant a seed:

Sam: “Once a quarter, I send out an email with updates on what homes in East Austin are selling for. If you’d like, I can add you to the list.”

The result? The prospect said yes, allowing Sam to stay on their radar without overstepping.

Lessons for Building Rapport and Staying Top of Mind

1. Acknowledge Reality

It’s a fact: most people aren’t thinking about selling at any given moment. Acknowledging this, instead of pushing past it, can be disarming for your prospect. When Sam said, “Sounds like that’s your forever home,” it was a gentle acknowledgment of reality, showing understanding rather than insistence.

2. Ask Permission, Don’t Assume

By framing his follow-up as a “Would you like?” rather than an assumption that they want more information, Sam gave the prospect control over the conversation. This approach can make the difference between being remembered positively or dismissed as just another sales call.

3. Become a Familiar Name

Quarterly updates on neighborhood pricing is a non-intrusive, value-added approach. By staying top of mind through these updates, Sam ensures that when the prospect does consider selling, his name is the one they think of first.

Phrases to Create Subtle Openings

If you’re a real estate agent, or in any field where repeat interactions matter, here are a few lines to try:

  • “Sounds like it’s perfect for you right now.”
  • “Seems like it’s ticking all the boxes.”
  • “Out of curiosity, are there any situations where you might consider other options?”

The Takeaway: Be a Better Opener, Not Just a Closer

If you want to close more deals down the road, focus on being a good opener today. When the timing is right, your prospect will remember your professionalism and gentle persistence, making it more likely they’ll reach out to you.

Looking to be part of our Real Estate Expansion Team or referral network? Fill in the form below, and let’s start a conversation about how we can collaborate. Your referrals are important to us, and we value the potential of growing our network with like-minded professionals. We’re excited to connect with you!

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Tips for Being Fully Present as a Realtor: Embrace the Weirdness!

As Realtors, we’re constantly juggling. Listings, showings, emails, texts, phone calls—sometimes it feels like our phones are just an extension of our hands. But here’s the thing: to be really effective (and stay sane), we’ve got to learn how to be fully present. Yep, I’m talking about actually being there—mentally and emotionally—when you’re with your clients, your family, and even with yourself.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Who has time to be fully present when I’ve got three showings, two closings, and a text from a buyer at 10 p.m. asking if the paint color in the kitchen will go with their dog’s fur?” I hear you. But that’s exactly why these tips are essential. Trust me, it’ll feel weird at first, but stick with it, and you’ll thank yourself later.

1. Put Your Phone on Do Not Disturb—Yes, You Can Do It!

I’ll admit it—this one freaked me out at first. Realtors live on their phones. The idea of putting it on Do Not Disturb felt like asking a fish to breathe air. But after trying it, I can say it’s a game-changer. Set a time, maybe an hour or two each day, where your phone goes into DND mode. No texts, no emails, no pings from that one client who’s already sent you 17 questions before breakfast.

During this time, be with the people (or task) in front of you—whether it’s your spouse, a friend, or that pile of laundry you’ve ignored for a week. Sure, it feels weird at first. You’ll have that urge to check your phone every 30 seconds like you’re waiting for a winning lottery ticket notification. But the world doesn’t end. Your clients will be there when you’re available again, and you’ll be amazed at how much more focused and refreshed you feel when you come back online.

Here’s the truth: If you’re constantly glued to your phone, you’re not fully there. Clients can sense that. And if we’re being honest, nobody’s ever closed a deal based on how fast they replied to a midnight text. So take the plunge, put the phone down, and see what happens.

2. Find a Group of Agents You Can Confide In—We All Need Our Tribe

This business isn’t just hard; sometimes, it’s downright brutal. Buyers who ghost you, deals that fall apart at the last minute, and sellers who suddenly think their house should be listed for $100k more because “their neighbor down the street did.” It can take a toll, emotionally and mentally. That’s why it’s so important to have a group of fellow agents you can vent to and confide in.

These are the people who get it. They know how it feels when you’re driving from one end of town to the other, scarfing down a granola bar between showings because you haven’t had time for a proper meal. They know what it’s like to have your weekend hijacked by a last-minute showing request that you just can’t turn down. (Cue the eye roll.)

Having a trusted group of colleagues who you can laugh with, cry with, and share battle stories with is essential. It’s like therapy but with more coffee and a lot more “Oh, I’ve been there” moments. Plus, it keeps you grounded and reminds you that while the business can be tough, you’re not alone.

3. Laugh Off the Chaos—Seriously, It’s Better Than Crying

In real estate, if you don’t laugh at the craziness, you’ll probably cry—and nobody needs to see that, right? The truth is, this job is a rollercoaster. One minute you’re on top of the world because a client finally went under contract, and the next minute you’re explaining to another why their dream home just went to someone who offered $50,000 over asking.

Instead of letting the chaos overwhelm you, embrace it. Laugh about the absurdities—like the time I rushed to a showing only to find out my client was running an hour late because they had to “stop for a snack.” (Yup, that happened.) Or that time I almost locked myself in a basement during a showing because I was too busy checking my email instead of focusing on the house.

Real estate is unpredictable, and it’s easy to get caught up in the stress. But when you laugh about it and realize that no one transaction will make or break your career, it becomes a lot easier to handle. And your clients will appreciate the calm, confident vibe you give off. Plus, you’ll enjoy the journey a whole lot more.

4. Take Time to Recharge—Because Burnout Is Real

Look, we all hustle. We pride ourselves on working hard, being available, and going the extra mile for our clients. But there’s a fine line between being dedicated and being burnt out.

So, take some time for you. Whether it’s a quiet morning with a cup of coffee, a yoga class, or even just an uninterrupted hour binge-watching your favorite show (I see you, Netflix), find what recharges you and do it. Not only will you feel better, but you’ll also be a better Realtor for your clients because you’ll have the energy and focus to give them your all.

Being fully present as a Realtor doesn’t just make you better at your job—it makes you better at life. Sure, it feels a little weird at first to put your phone on DND or to confide in your fellow agents, but trust me, it’s worth it. Clients will always be there, but if you’re running on fumes, you won’t be able to give them your best. So, embrace the weirdness, laugh at the chaos, and make time to recharge. Your clients, your family, and your sanity will thank you.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, my phone just came off Do Not Disturb, and I’ve got 37 new messages to check. Wish me luck!

Looking to be part of our Real Estate Expansion Team or referral network? Fill in the form below, and let’s start a conversation about how we can collaborate. Your referrals are important to us, and we value the potential of growing our network with like-minded professionals. We’re excited to connect with you!

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