Sending You Gratitude and Good Wishes
As 2025 draws to a close, it's an ideal time to offer thanks to those who made a positive difference in others' lives. Enjoy this special time of the year with your loved ones, family and friends.
Google Test-Drives Real Estate Listings
In some markets, Google's data partner HouseCanary and its IDX site ComeHome are beginning to experiment with placing home listings at the top of Google search results. These include basic details, the property's price, images, and a "Request a tour" button.
Some industry analysts are already wondering how the appearance of listing details in Google search results will have on sites like Zillow, Redfin and Realtor.com. As the leader in home search, Zillow would be the site with the most to lose. Zillow's share price reacted to Google's initial foray into property listings by dropping by around 8% during December 15th trading.
But some analysts say the concerns may be exaggerated, stating that the experiment may simply present a new opportunity for Google to generate more revenue.1
Put Your Spare Time to Work When Business is Slow
The holiday season sees most buyers and sellers putting their efforts on hold so they can relax with friends and families. While you've certainly earned your own down time during this month, check out these tips and strategies for getting ahead in the New Year.
Stay on top of your inquiries. You may not be getting as many, but the ones that do come during this time of year are often from serious buyers or sellers. If they haven't been able to postpone their move until 2026, chances are there's a major reason why, such as a job or educational transfer.
Make thoughtful connections. Send handwritten notes to those most valuable to your success: referral sources, recently closed buyers, and prospects who you think will make their move with just a bit more encouragement.
Get smarter. If you've been postponing booking your CE or thinking of learning about a market niche or new tech skill, now may be the best time to pursue them.
Make a pet project a reality. Something that seemed too time-consuming during the rest of the year may be easier to fit into your schedule this month. Start a blog, launch your YouTube or TikTok channel, plan a seminar you've been wanting to host.
Prospect. Quite a few prospects are planning to buy in 2026, including first-time buyers, so it's time to put yourself ahead of other agents who are offline. Reach out to that FSBO you spotted last week, market yourself to renters, and chat to prospects whose plans are on hold.
This month is also an ideal time to check out the joint marketing materials I can assist you with. Contact me to check out the newest additions to our library.3
Homebuilder Sentiment Rises
Builder sentiment edged up to an eight-month high in December, but remained constrained by rising construction costs because of continued tariffs on imports.
According to December's National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market index, home builder sentiment increased one point to 39 this month. While it's the highest score since April 2025, it's still below the 50 break-even point for the 20th consecutive month. NAHB also citing economic uncertainty and potential buyers sidelined by affordability concerns as keeping sentiment low.
NAHB chairman Buddy Hughes mentioned that builders were struggling with rising material and labor prices, as tariffs on imported lumber, kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities affected affordability.
The survey's measure of current sales conditions ticked up to 42 from 41 in November, while its gauge of future sales climbed to 52 from 51 in the prior month. A measure of prospective buyer traffic was unchanged at 26.3
Serve Some Grinch-i-licious Punch
Sources: 1realestatenews.com, 2realestatenews.com, 3reuters.com
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