housing-market

Your Holiday Party Survival Guide (for Real Estate Agents)

By Suzy Lins
October 21, 2025

With holiday parties just around the corner, you know it’s coming…the question every real estate agent gets asked: “So… how’s the market?”

Let’s make sure you’re ready with a confident, informed answer that positions you as the local expert – plus a few holiday party tips.

Do Your Homework

Before you head to your next gathering, carve out some time to check your MLS for the latest market stats. Most MLS platforms let you pull reports by city or zip code showing New Listings, Pending Sales, Closed Sales, Days on Market, and Average and Median Sale Prices.

These reports help you spot trends and compare data year-over-year or year-to-date. If you’re going to a party in a specific neighborhood, reviewing the numbers for that area shows that you really know your stuff. (And honestly, this is great to keep up with all year long!)

Talk to Your Lender

Another question you’ll probably hear: “What are interest rates right now?”

When you check in with your lender, they’ll probably tell you, “It depends.” Rates vary based on credit score, loan amount, loan type, and debt-to-income ratio. Instead of quoting a rate, ask your lender for a good way to respond.

A great go-to answer:

“That really depends on a few personal factors — but I can have my lender reach out to you with the most accurate info.”

This keeps the conversation professional and opens the door for a potential lead.

Bring Business Cards (and a Digital Backup)

Before you head out, grab a few business cards, but remember a key piece of etiquette: wait to be asked before handing them out. It’s more natural that way and makes a better impression.

It’s also smart to have a digital business card ready on your phone. Apps and sites like Blinq, HiHello, or Online QR Generator let you create one quickly (and most have free versions). That way, you’re never without a way to share your contact info

Basic Party Etiquette

Good manners go a long way, both personally and professionally. Here are a few quick reminders:

RSVP promptly so the host can plan accordingly.
Arrive on time — generally within 15 minutes of the start time. Avoid showing up early!
Thank your host before you leave, and consider following up the next day with a quick text or, even better, a handwritten note.

These small gestures leave a lasting positive impression, which matters in a business built on relationships.

A little preparation and consideration can turn casual holiday conversations into meaningful connections. When someone at the party is later asked, “Do you know a good real estate agent?”, your name will be the first one that comes to mind.

About the author: Suzy Lins is the Communications Director for CENTURY 21 Discovery and a Business Etiquette Consultant. For more information about CENTURY 21 Discovery you may call (714) 626-2000.

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.

Questions To Ask at the Listing Appointment

By Joe Lins
January 21, 2024

Selling a home is a big decision that involves various factors. For some sellers, this may be the first time they’ve sold a home. As the professional, you will need to ask questions and guide them through this often emotional and stressful process. When meeting with a potential seller make sure to ask them these questions before they decide to put their home on the market:

Real estate agent talking to clients at her desk

Why do you want to move?

Ask them what is triggering the move. Are they downsizing, upsizing, relocating for work? Understanding their “Why” will help in your communications with them.

How much equity do you have in your home?

You will need to ask your Seller some questions that may be considered a bit personal. To find out how much equity they have in their home you need to prepare a net sheet for them. To do this, you will need to ask if they have a mortgage or any other liens on the home.

Are you prepared to get your home ready to sell?

An important part of selling a home is getting it ready to be put on the market. You as well as the seller want the home to look it’s best to potential buyers in order to get top dollar. A simple question asking if they are prepared to make updates to the home to get it ready to sell is an important part of the listing appointment. If necessary, ask if they will be able to make any home improvements or repairs needed. Remember to ask about home staging and if they want the home staged, as well as how much they are willing to pay for that service. It’s a good idea to have tiered levels of home staging pricing to meet every budget and situation.

Are there any Legal or Regulatory considerations?

Ask them if there are any legal obligations or disclosures that will need to addressed when selling the home. Make sure to ask if they have all the necessary paperwork and documents in order. You may need to refer them to their attorney or accountant for some of the information.

What is your timeline?

You will need to know their timeline for selling and moving out. This will dictate how flexible they are with closing dates and potential contingencies. Also, make sure to ask if they have made plans for their new housing situation after the sale. Offer to assist them in finding a new place if they are not already working with another agent.

Having these questions ready to go in a Word or Google Doc to print out, will make your job easier as you go off to a listing appointment. Taking the time to ask these questions at the beginning will set the stage for a smooth transaction and more successful home-selling experience for everyone.