Agent Advice

One week till Christmas action plan

There are homeowners on your database who are thinking of selling right now that you don't know about. Help ensure your name is top of mind as they consider their real estate options over the break.

Andrew Duncan

16 Dec 2024 — 6 min read

Photo by Isabela Kronemberger / Unsplash

Alright folks, it's one week until switch-off time, so let's make the most of it.

For many of you, the Christmas party season will be in full swing and during this period it can be hard to focus at work (especially if you are hungover half the time). But what you do over these next few days can have a massive influence on your income in early 2025, so don't pack it in just yet!

Let's tick off a few key tasks so you can relax over the holiday period, knowing you have done everything possible to ensure potential vendors are calling your number in January.

Step 1. Call your pipeline

I suggest carrying a printed list of all your potential vendors at all times. That's all your past appraisals, tips you've heard about, database contacts you know are thinking of selling, plus opposition listings you are tracking.

Every single one of these owners will be spending time over the holiday period pondering when to sell their home. Holidays are when real estate decisions are made. Make sure your name is top of mind by calling them now to wish them a happy Christmas.

Script: Hey Jim, it's Andrew Duncan here from Agent Monday real estate. I'm calling to wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas. Are you going away somewhere nice?

(Give them a chance to share plans if they are talkative).

I'll be back in the office from the 8th of January, the market is really picking up and we have new campaigns starting from Monday the 23rd of Jan to take advantage of increased buyer interest. If you have any questions on the current market or if there is anything at all we can do to help, please let me know."

Sharing the timing part is important. This will often spark further conversation about their plans and plant the seed of when they should try to be ready if planning to sell early in the New Year.

Step 2. Confirm your holiday real estate buddy

When you are out of town on holiday, you need a colleague to handle any buyer leads that come in. Negotiate that arrangement now so you aren't fumbling around trying to make a plan when you should be switched off enjoying your holiday.

Hint: This is a great time to help out a new salesperson in your office by sending buyers their way while you are out of town.

Be sure to get clear on the

commission split and client service expectations with any salesperson you work with so there are no hard feelings later.

Step 3. Meet with your current vendors

We often see houses sell over the holiday break - some buyers can be highly motivated during this time. So get your vendors prepped for short-notice viewings and secure a price adjustment if you can!

Tip: For massive client brownie points, find out when your vendors are going away and surprise them with fresh groceries in their fridge when they return (milk, bread, fruit, fresh orange juice and some snacks for weary travellers).

Step 4. Set your boundaries

It's time to prioritise your family and prove to them they are more important than your job. Decide on your availability now so you can be present when it matters most. We recommend checking your phone once or twice a day max (ie. at 9 am and 4 pm) and turning it off the rest of the time while you are on holiday.

Go and have fun. Work will still be there when you get back.

Tip: It's also worth creating a custom voicemail message and an 'out of office' email response so clients know when they can expect to hear back from you. Just make sure you put in your diary to update your voicemail once you get back from holiday!

Step 5. Email your database one more time

There are homeowners on your database who are thinking of selling right now that you don't know about.

Help ensure your name is top of mind as they consider their real estate options over the break. Send one great content club article to every contact on your database this week.

Make sure you add to the email when you will be back in the office, and when you recommend going on the market in case anyone is thinking of selling early next year.

Use one of these templates:

Step 6. By your partner something nice

Last but definitely not least - it's tough being a real estate spouse, so do something this Christmas to show you care. Buy them a thoughtful gift (no vouchers allowed) and write a letter or card that tells them how you truly feel.