To brighten up your Thanksgiving this year, trainer Rachel Hite has come up with six topics to talk about for Turkey Day, and three to avoid. Wamp! Wamp!
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Many agents are struggling to find positive things to say about the industry, the market, and even the overall mood of America after a very long summer and exhausting presidential election. Never be afraid and you don’t have to be a Debbie Downer.
Here are 6 things to talk about over dinner to keep things light and throw you into a terrifying interrogation from Uncle Bob, who’s never used an agent and doubts even what he’s doing. There are three possibilities you should avoid. For life.
For the love of Bob, Aunt Bea, and all the other people who might keep you out of the game, please come to dinner with these topics.
6 Topics to Have Fun
Home Design “Core” Trends: We share the latest trends in home decor, including open floor plans and the return of vintage styles. Cottagecore? Grandma from Costa Rica? What about Barbiecore? One of the really fun things about this is that we get to talk about quirky trends, future “dream renovations” we’d like to do one day, and the potential to increase home equity. Funny House Hunting Stories: We share funny anecdotes we come across while house hunting, including strange listings and quirky property features. A strange work about chasing a cat that accidentally ran away. You can share it as long as the person involved remains anonymous. Neighborhood Comparison: Discuss interesting facts about different neighborhoods, including unique local businesses, parks, community events, and more. This is very good if someone asks about market conditions. Share a fun fact about a local neighborhood that’s selling really well right now and why you think it’s popular. DIY Home Improvement Projects: Talk about creative DIY projects you or someone you know have undertaken and their results. This is the perfect opportunity to pick up your phone and show Uncle Bob the custom fireplace and seating area one of our clients built in their backyard. Please check your camera roll. We guarantee you’ll be able to share any great photos you take this year as part of your pumpkin pie. Homes of all sizes: From tiny homes to luxury mansions, explore the different homes available and what each one has to offer. Tiny homes are always an interesting topic, especially when families are considering downsizing. It’s fun to talk about luxury mansions within the realm of reality TV examples. Offbeat Sales: Mention interesting statistics and facts, such as the most expensive homes for sale in your area or unique market trends. This is a great opportunity to share how much a house sold for that totally surprised you. Which homes have had the most offers this year? This is a great educational opportunity to show your loved one how the market is changing.
3 things to avoid, including canned cranberry sauce
To keep the atmosphere pleasant, here are three topics real estate agents should avoid discussing at Thanksgiving dinner.
Market conditions: Avoid in-depth discussions about the ups and downs of the real estate market. It can be argumentative and stressful, especially for people who are struggling with family situations. This is a quick way to start a showdown with Türkiye, so don’t do it. Please avoid. Red alert. It is not worth it, since many of your loved ones have incorrect information. Customer confidentiality and transactional nightmares: Avoid discussing specific customers, their situations, finances, and transactions. Respect for privacy is very important and personal anecdotes should be kept general. This is especially important if you live in a small rural town. Aunt Bea knows everyone’s business and it doesn’t take long for her to figure out who you’re talking about. Politics and Regulation: Discussions regarding housing regulations, property taxes, or political issues affecting real estate can be contentious. It is best to keep the conversation light and avoid such potentially divisive topics. This is where you choose your battles, friends. If someone says something terribly aggressive, that’s a really good time to either have a headache or have to leave early to let the dog out. It is very rare for someone to change their mind or heart about stuffing.
No one has a “perfect” holiday, but we hope you get together, eat good food, and have a good laugh. Loving someone despite their differences is one of the most difficult things to learn and practice, and there will be good days and bad days.
No one should have to put up with abusive language at a holiday gathering. If a gathering is particularly harmful, there is no hard and fast rule that says you must participate. If not, you can stop by and leave quickly.
Please be careful. Be a source of bright light and keep the discussion moving in a positive direction. It’s an art form in itself, and the other Debbie Downers at the table will be distracted by your interesting real estate adventure stories.
Let’s join hands, be grateful, and remember. If you can take a nap after eating, do so.
Create a holiday strategy to bring calm, peaceful energy into the new year.
Rachel Hite is an experienced housing counselor and thought leader in the real estate industry, known for her extensive expertise across business news journalism, retirement housing, and affordable housing initiatives. . Connect with Rachel on Instagram and Linkedin.
