May Momentum: Level Up Your Finances

Good Morning Real-Estate Rockstars! Hard to believe April’s final week wrapped with the Fed hinting rates might hold steady a bit longer—cue every buyer breathing half a sigh of relief.

As we slide into May, let’s flip that cautious optimism into real momentum. In today’s issue we’ll smooth out cash‑flow bumps, give listing photos the glow‑up they deserve, and talk about running your calendar instead of letting it run you.

Oh, and our new book of the month—Covey’s 7 Habits—is on deck with a habit that’s basically a life cheat code: Be Proactive.

Coffee ready? Great. Let’s turn May into the month your business stops jogging and starts sprinting.

— Steve

ACCOUNTANT ANGLE

 Strategies for Consistent Cash Flow

Cash flow is less about luck and more about choreography: commissions in, expenses out—ideally not the other way around.

Start by mapping the next 90 days of known costs: MLS fees, ad spends, that shiny CRM subscription.

Then add a modest “oops” buffer (I like 10 percent) because surprises love Realtors.

Divide last quarter’s average commission by three, pretend it’s all you’ll earn, and budget from that baseline.

Too conservative? Perhaps. But when a slow week hits, you’ll thank past‑you for the cushion.

Finally, funnel 5‑10 percent of every closing into an emergency reserve—treat it like a non‑negotiable bill. Three months of expenses in that account and you’ll sleep like a listing with twenty offers.

BUSINESS BOOSTER

Polishing Your Listing Photos

Even the best copy can’t rescue bad lighting. Smartphone snaps are fine for brunch; your listings deserve better.

Step one: schedule photos during “golden hour” (shortly after sunrise or before sunset). The light forgives a multitude of sins—dated cabinets magically look warmer.

Step two: declutter ruthlessly; one rogue shampoo bottle destroys the spa‑bath vibe.

Step three: hire a pro editor or use AI touch‑up software for minor color corrections. It costs maybe fifty bucks and can add thousands to perceived value.

Lastly, test a vertical crop for mobile users—most buyers scroll on phones first. Smooth, punchy visuals stop thumbs and start showings.

COACHES CORNER

Being Proactive, Not Reactive

If your calendar feels like a whack‑a‑mole board, try Covey’s Habit 1: Be Proactive (more about this below 👇️).

Block tomorrow’s high‑impact tasks—lead calls, deal follow‑ups—before client chaos sneaks in.

Then ask, “What recurring fire keeps flaring?” Maybe it’s last‑minute document hunts. Fix it with a shared folder now, not during your next adrenaline rush.

Finally, build a micro‑buffer: maybe 15 silent minutes between appointments. It’s just enough to reset, breathe, even jot a quick gratitude note (seriously, it works).

Small intentional choices today will save you a week of stress next month.

BOOK OF THE MONTH

“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey

This month, we’re cracking open Stephen Covey’s classic, and Habit 1 sets the tone: Be Proactive.

Covey argues we own our responses, no matter what rates, inventory, or demanding clients throw our way.

One exercise: list everything bugging you, then circle only what’s within your control—your “Circle of Influence.” Spend energy there; ignore the rest.

Another gem? Begin with the end in mind (yes, Habit 2 sneaks in). Picture closing day: ecstatic clients, referrals pending. Work backward to identify the steps—and frogs—you must tackle first.

Implement just these two habits for a week and watch distractions lose their grip.

☝️ Go ahead and click the image to order the book from Amazon ☝️ 

NEWS YOU CAN USE

“Pending Home Sales Jumped 6.1% in March” — National Association of Realtors

Why You Should Read: Rising contract signings hint at a brisk spring—prep buyers for quicker decisions.

“Labor Market Still Keeping Mortgage Rates Elevated” — HousingWire

Why You Should Read: Strong jobs data props rates up; advise rate‑sensitive clients accordingly.

“Is It Starting to Look Rosy for Buyers This Spring?” — Real Estate News

Why You Should Read: Shifts toward buyer favor may affect your pricing strategy—stay nimble.

TO-DO LIST

Your Next Move — Turn Insights into Action

✅ Draft a 90‑Day Cash Map – Plug known expenses and set a 10 % cushion.

✅ Schedule Golden‑Hour Shoot – Pick one current listing and re‑shoot key rooms.

✅ Circle of Influence Exercise – Identify one worry you can control and act on it today.

✅ Block Tomorrow’s Frog – Reserve 30 minutes in the morning for your toughest task.

✅ Share Market News – Email or post one headline above with your quick take.