Home Seller

3 Simple Ways to Show Your Real Estate Clients Some Love This Valentine’s Day

By Joe Lins
January 21, 2026

This is the time of year to show your real estate clients and sphere of influence some extra love. Here are three simple ways to show your appreciation and continue to provide value to them long after the transaction has closed.

House made of paper with someone adding a red heart to the chimney.

Help Your Clients Prepare for Tax Time

Send your recent clients a copy of their closing statement from last year’s transaction. This is a great chance to reconnect with a past client. Sending them a copy of their closing statement from last year will help them more easily prepare for tax time and also position you as being proactive and helpful. Make sure to include a handwritten note and your business card along with the closing statement. Then follow it up with a phone call to let them know it’s on the way.

Support Their Home Goals with Trusted Vendor Recommendations

Ask about upcoming projects and share your trusted vendors. This is another opportunity to show your value by sharing your trusted vendors for any projects they have planned for the new year. This gesture will help maintain your relationship while also helping them check some things off their ‘To Do List’. To start the conversation, give your clients a call to see how they are doing and ask if they have any special projects planned for the year.

Offer a Complimentary Home Value Check-In

Provide an updated look at their home’s value and equity. Homeowners are often curious about their home’s value, even soon after purchase. This home equity update will keep you top of mind and remind them of your expertise. Ask if they would like a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) of their home. If they are getting ready to put their house on the market, it will help them determine what their home may sell for. If they aren’t planning to sell, it can help them track their home’s value and their equity. Either way, this could open the door to future conversations.

Whatever type of client appreciation outreach you choose to do this time of year, make sure it’s something that provides value and shows you truly care about the relationship. Which is important in a relationship-based business, like real estate

About the author: Joe Lins is President, CEO, Broker and Co-owner of CENTURY 21 Discovery. If you are interested in becoming part of the CENTURY 21 Discovery team or would like more information about our services, training and coaching we provide, contact Joe at 714.626.2069.

Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of Canva Pro.

Fall Selling Season: What Homeowners Should Know

By Stephanie Goedl
August 21, 2025

The transition from summer to fall often signals a shift in the real estate market. With the school year beginning, many sellers put their plans on pause. For the determined or motivated seller, this can actually be an advantage. With fewer homes on the market, their property has a greater chance to shine. At the same time, many casual buyers step back during the fall months, which means those who are still searching are highly focused and ready to make a move.

Here are some practical ways homeowners can help their listings stand out during this time of year:

Curb Appeal Matters More Than Ever

Seasonal landscaping: Keep lawns neat, shrubs trimmed, and add simple pops of color with potted mums, marigolds, or pumpkins by the front entry.
Exterior refresh: Pressure wash walkways, clean gutters, and add a fresh welcome mat for a crisp, cared-for look.
Lighting: With shorter days, good exterior lighting is key. Update porch lights or add pathway lighting to make evening showings warm and inviting.

Inside Staging with a Seasonal Touch

Cozy accents: Layer in subtle seasonal touches like throw blankets, warm-toned pillows, or a bowl of fresh apples or a vase with fall foliage to bring in a seasonal vibe.
Declutter and neutralize: Keep holiday décor minimal. A few tasteful pieces can add warmth, but too much can distract buyers from the home itself.
Maximize natural light: Clean windows, pull back curtains, and add warm lighting to keep spaces bright and welcoming, even on overcast days.

Pro Tips for Agents to Share with Clients

Smart upgrades: Small investments such as a coat of neutral paint, a seasonal wreath, or professional staging services can make a big impact.
Price strategically: Homes priced realistically in the fall market are more likely to sell before the holiday season begins.
Highlight move-in readiness: Buyers motivated to close before year-end—sometimes for tax advantages—are drawn to homes that are clean, updated, and move-in ready.

Fall is often overlooked, but it can be a powerful selling season when approached strategically. With the proper staging, curb appeal, and pricing, a home can stand out and attract motivated buyers who are eager to find the right property before year’s end. If you’re considering selling, talk with a Century 21 Discovery agent for a tailored plan to make the most of this season’s opportunities.

About the author: Stephanie Goedl is Chief Operating Officer and Broker/Owner of CENTURY 21 Discovery. If you are interested in becoming part of the CENTURY 21 Discovery team or would like more information about our services we provide contact us at 714.626.2000 or Careers@C21Discovery.com.

Are You Ready for the Spring Selling Season?

By Joe Lins
March 21, 2025

Spring has traditionally been the time of year when the real estate market heats up. That was until COVID hit, and since then the last few springs have been anything but typical. Fortunately, 2025 looks to be a return to the traditional spring selling season, where more sellers are ready to put their homes on the market, and buyers are eager to make a move.

As a real estate agent, you need to be prepared to hit the ground running as the weather warms up. The spring market moves fast, and the agents who are best prepared will have a competitive edge. Here are some key steps to get you and your clients ready for a successful Spring Selling Season.

Reach Out to Sellers

Many homeowners have been hesitant to list their homes due to market uncertainties. Now is the time to reconnect with those sellers who have been on the fence.

Update Their Home Valuation – Provide an updated Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to reflect the latest market conditions. Show them how their home compares to recent sales and active listings.
Refresh the Net Sheet – Give sellers an updated estimate of their potential net proceeds. Knowing their bottom line can be a powerful motivator to move forward.
Help Them Prepare – Offer guidance on home preparation, from decluttering to deep cleaning. Connect them with trusted vendors such as painters, landscapers, stagers, and handyman services to maximize their home’s appeal.
Boost Curb Appeal – Remind sellers that first impressions matter. Encourage them to spruce up their landscaping, paint the front door, and make minor repairs to create a welcoming entryway.

Additionally, set realistic expectations regarding pricing, marketing strategies, and timeline. Some sellers may not be aware of the nuances in pricing a home, so it’s essential to educate them on current trends.

Get Your Buyers Pre-Approved

With more buyers entering the market, competition will increase. Ensuring your buyers are financially prepared will give them a stronger position when making offers.

Confirm Pre-Approval Status – Some buyers may have been pre-approved months ago, and their financial situation or interest rates may have changed. Encourage them to get an updated pre-approval with a reputable lender.
Educate on Financial Do’s and Don’ts – Remind buyers not to make any large purchases, change jobs, or take on new debt before closing on their home. These actions can affect their loan approval.
Clarify Their Home Criteria – Work with your buyers to identify their non-negotiables versus their wish list. This will help them move quickly when the right home comes along.
Set Up Listing Alerts – Ensure your buyers receive real-time notifications when homes that match their criteria hit the market. In a competitive season, speed is crucial.
Network with Other Agents – Let your colleagues know what your buyers are looking for. Off-market or coming-soon listings might be a great match.

Get Your Checklists Ready

Having a well-organized system will save you time and keep your transactions running smoothly.

Listing Checklist – Review your process for onboarding new listings. Ensure you have a step-by-step guide that includes pricing strategy discussions, marketing plans, and open house scheduling.
Buyer Checklist – Streamline your buyer onboarding process. Have a clear roadmap that outlines financial steps, home tours, offer strategies, and next steps after escrow opens.
Marketing Materials – Update your digital and print marketing materials, including social media graphics, email templates, and flyers, to reflect the spring market.
Vendor List – Keep a list of trusted vendors ready to share with clients, from inspectors to moving companies. Being a one-stop resource enhances your value as an agent.

Watch Your Business Bloom

The spring selling season moves quickly, and the most prepared agents will thrive. By proactively reaching out to sellers, ensuring buyers are financially ready, and fine-tuning your systems, you’ll set yourself up for a busy and successful season.

Are you ready to make this your best spring yet? Start today, and watch your business bloom!

About the author: Joe Lins is President, CEO and Co-owner of CENTURY 21 Discovery. If you are interested in becoming part of the CENTURY 21 Discovery team or would like more information about our services, training and coaching we provide, contact Joe at 714.626.2069.