End Q1 Strong & Start Q2 Stronger

Hey there, unstoppable Realtors! Hard to believe it’s already March 31—did someone hit fast-forward on 2025?

Between last week’s sudden temperature swings and the buzz around upcoming industry events, it’s time to pause, reflect, and make sure your first quarter ends on a high note.

Today’s newsletter is all about reviewing what’s worked (and what hasn’t), resetting your marketing plan, and refreshing your goals so you can charge into April with confidence. We’ll finish up our focus on Unreasonable Hospitality—because giving clients a standout experience is the best strategy for long-term success.

Ready to close Q1 with style? Let’s get into it.

— Steve

ACCOUNTANT ANGLE

End-of-Q1 Financial Reflection

Now’s the perfect moment to take a breath and see where your numbers stand.

Compare your Q1 projections (e.g., commission goals, marketing budgets) to what actually happened.

Did you hit or miss the mark?

If you soared past expectations, great—figure out what worked and double down.

If you fell short, don’t panic. Identify the specific bottlenecks: Was your lead generation cost too high? Did an unexpected expense pop up? Or maybe closings took longer than expected? Jot down a quick action plan to address each challenge before Q2 kicks off.

Remember, an early tweak in April can make a huge difference by June. Keeping tabs on your wins and misses ensures you’re not just reacting to the market—you’re steering your business toward steady, profitable growth.

BUSINESS BOOSTER

Reviewing & Resetting Your Marketing Plan

Marketing plans shouldn’t be “set it and forget it.”

With Q1 wrapping up, grab a cup of coffee, review your metrics, and ask: Did my leads come from the channels I expected? Which campaigns underperformed, and which crushed it?

If your Instagram reels soared but your email campaign fell flat, consider shifting time or budget accordingly.

Keep an eye on emerging trends, too—if people are all over TikTok and you’re not there yet, it might be time to experiment.

On the flipside, if an old-school method like postcards still gives you a solid ROI, don’t be quick to abandon it.

The key is staying flexible. Your marketing plan is a living document; adjusting as new data surfaces will help you capture fresh opportunities in Q2.

COACHES CORNER

Goal Refresh

We all start the year with big ambitions, but let’s be honest—life happens, and those shiny goals can lose their sparkle.

Here’s how to reignite the flame.

First, revisit each goal: is it still relevant, or has your market niche evolved? Then, break them down into bite-sized milestones for Q2—small, consistent steps trump massive, overwhelming leaps.

Next, create accountability. Tell a colleague or a friend about your objectives, or jot them on a sticky note you’ll see daily.

Finally, celebrate the mini-wins. Don’t wait until you’ve fully hit your sales target to reward yourself; even small progress deserves a pat on the back.

By resetting your focus and fine-tuning your goals, you’ll roll into April with fresh determination and a game plan that actually works.

BOOK OF THE MONTH

“Unreasonable Hospitality” by Will Guidara

As we wrap up March, let’s emphasize one final nugget from Unreasonable Hospitality: the ripple effect of making people feel truly valued.

Think about your last client who walked away wowed—chances are they’ve already referred you to a friend.

Guidara’s philosophy reminds us that when you consistently go above and beyond—say, tailoring a home “move-in kit” with the neighborhood’s best-kept secrets, or sending a thoughtful follow-up note weeks after the closing—that creates a lasting impression.

This extra layer of service not only differentiates you but also cements your reputation as the go-to agent. Word-of-mouth is powerful, and thoughtful touches make it even more so.

Keep reading this book for inspiration on transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences that fuel your referral engine for years to come.

☝️ Go ahead and click the image to order the book from Amazon (it should work this time) ☝️ 

NEWS YOU CAN USE

“Over $480B in Sales Moved with Agents Last Year” — Real Estate News

Why You Should Read: Seeing how top-producing agents handle massive transaction volumes can inspire your own business strategies.

“Pending Home Sales Advanced 2.0% in February” — National Association of Realtors

Why You Should Read: A rise in pending sales signals increasing buyer confidence—time your marketing pushes and open houses accordingly.

“How Much Lower Can Mortgage Rates Go with All This Drama?” — HousingWire

Why You Should Read: Keeping tabs on rate fluctuations helps you advise clients on locking in loans or waiting for better terms.

TO-DO LIST

Your Next Move — Turn Insights into Action

✅ Conduct a Q1 Review. Compare projected vs. actual finances, note key wins or misses.

✅ Revamp Marketing. Drop low-performing channels, double down on what’s working, experiment with one new trend.

✅ Refine Your Goals. Make them specific, break them into Q2 milestones, and set an accountability check.

✅ Add a Personal Touch. Think of a new “wow” moment you can implement for clients, inspired by Unreasonable Hospitality.

✅ Track Market Shifts. Read the articles above to stay ahead of rate drops and pending sales upticks.