3 Simple (and Surprisingly Easy!) Tweaks to Boost Your New Home Sales

Ah, the start of a new year.

This year has a different kind of energy.

I have a kid heading off to college in the fall, another about to start driving, and for the first time in a long time, I find myself wanting life to just slow down. That’s not my usual pace. I used to be the queen of ambitious resolutions, the kind that fill an entire notebook with different colored pens and make you feel unstoppable… at least until mid-February. But this year? It’s about something deeper. Anyone else feeling this?

Recently, I came across a LinkedIn post by Abby Cornelius that made me pause mid-scroll. She wrote:

"I’ve spent the last few years focused on the ‘next thing.’

But this year I am going to pour into the ‘real things.’

The real people in my life. The real opportunities I’ve been given. The real experiences that bring me joy. The real me. It’s 2025… Time to Rise and Shine ?."

So good, right?!

How often do we hustle so hard toward the next big milestone that we completely miss the beauty of what’s right in front of us? Abby’s words hit me square in the heart, and this year, I’m determined to follow her lead.

For me, pouring into the “real things” means slowing down and savoring the simple moments: taking a slow evening walk just to enjoy the sunset, putting down my phone to pick up more books (The Nightingale is still my all-time favorite—any contenders for 2025?), and embracing the joy in small, intentional rituals.

And naturally, this got me thinking about real estate. (Because honestly, when am I not thinking about real estate?) In the world of new home sales, what separates a good agent from a truly great one? It’s not about big, dramatic gestures.

When I talk to my friends in the industry about the agents they love working with, their answer is always the same. It’s the small, thoughtful actions—the subtle tweaks of the dial—that create unforgettable experiences for buyers.

So, let’s dive into three slow-living-inspired tweaks that can take your new home sales game from good to absolutely great in 2025.

1. Be the Connector: Always, Always, ALWAYS Reach Out to the Onsite Sales Rep First!

Better yet, start by contacting the Online Sales Counselor (OSC) to make an appointment, and then follow up with a call directly to the onsite rep that you will be meeting with to establish a personal connection. (If you missed why a connection with builder OSCs are so important, check out last month’s newsletter! There are a few tips given to me by some of the best in the biz!)

• Good agents make a showing schedule, show up, and guide their buyers through model homes.
• Great agents take it a step further by reaching out to make appointments ahead of time

This really simple tweak does more than you might imagine. It builds a connection and gives you valuable insight into the community’s vibe, inventory, and unique features. But it also creates something even more special: a space where your buyer feels truly understood. When you share your buyer’s needs with the onsite rep, you’re setting the stage for alignment. Your buyer isn’t just touring a house; they’re being seen as someone who’s about to make one of the most meaningful purchases of their life.

The result? Your buyer feels cared for, the onsite rep appreciates the effort, and you’ll look like an absolute pro. Bonus: this intentional preparation gives your clients the chance to absorb the community without feeling rushed.

2. Create Contrast: Add a Resale Home to the Tour

• Good agents stick to new homes for their buyer showings.
• Great agents include a resale home in the same price range.

This comparison is everything.

It’s not just about showing another option; it’s about helping your buyers feel the difference. There’s nothing like walking through a resale home to highlight what makes a new build so special.

The smell of fresh paint. The untouched, modern layout. The absence of deferred maintenance. The promise of lower energy bills. These are details your buyers can experience firsthand. By weaving this contrast into the tour, you’re helping them feel the value of a new home—not just see it on paper.

3. Build Trust: Be Transparent and Present

• Good agents explain the basics of the new home process.
• Great agents focus on managing emotions and setting realistic expectations.

Let’s be honest: building a home is equal parts thrilling and stressful. It’s an emotional journey, and the best thing you can do for your buyers is to be their anchor. Be upfront about the challenges. Tell them there will be bumps in the road—but also remind them you’ve got their back.

A simple pep talk can go a long way: “There’s a lot that goes into building a home, and it can feel overwhelming at times. But I’m here for you every step of the way. Together, we’ll make sure it’s as smooth and fun as possible.”

Pair that transparency with a strong relationship with the onsite team, and you’ll create a sense of trust and calm that will carry your buyers through the process. When your clients know they can rely on you, the entire experience becomes smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.

Slow Living, Big Wins

Whether it’s savoring tea, reading a great book, or helping buyers find their dream home, small, intentional tweaks make all the difference.

This year, let’s embrace slow living in everything we do. Call the reps, add the resale, and build trust like it’s your superpower. These little shifts separate the good from the great, turning your buyers into lifelong fans and making your job infinitely more rewarding.

Here’s to a great 2025.......one thoughtful and intentional tweak at a time!

P.S. I’d love to hear about any other small tweaks you’ve made in your business or life in general that have had a big impact.

Also, since I’m planning to dive into more reading, I’m open to your book recommendations too!