Hello Southwest Region Leaders & Associates,

Today’s buyers are sending a clear message, and the data backs it up.

According to Realtor.com®, the hottest home trends for 2025 are centered on efficiency, sustainability, and connection to nature. One standout stat says it all: mentions of WaterSense fixtures in active listings jumped 289 percent year over year, making it the fastest-rising home feature nationwide.

So what does this mean for your business?

 Efficiency Is the New Luxury

Buyers across all price points are prioritizing homes that save money, conserve resources, and still feel comfortable and modern. The fastest-growing features include:

• Water-saving fixtures
• Net-zero ready homes
• EV charging stations
• Energy-efficient outdoor lighting

These upgrades are no longer limited to luxury listings. They are becoming everyday expectations.

 Nature and Design Matter More Than Ever

Biophilic design is on the rise, with more buyers drawn to homes that bring the outdoors in through natural light, greenery, and indoor-outdoor flow. These homes feel calmer, brighter, and more livable, which resonates emotionally with today’s buyers.

 Smart Homes, Simplified

Smart features are shifting from nice-to-have to must-have. Buyers are responding to:

• Smart lighting systems
• Reliable hardwired internet
• Functional home offices

Convenience, reliability, and flexibility continue to drive decisions, especially for work-from-home households.

 What Is Falling Out of Favor

At the same time, buyers are moving away from overly formal or high-maintenance features like:

• Formal dining rooms
• Infinity-edge pools
• Oversized garages
• Heavy, ornate design styles

Function and flow are winning over formality.

 Coaching Takeaway

When preparing a listing or advising sellers, focus on what buyers value right now:

 Highlight eco-efficient upgrades
 Emphasize indoor-outdoor living and natural light
 Call out smart, functional improvements that support everyday life

Sustainability and efficiency are no longer trends. They are the new standard.

Aligning your listings with these buyer priorities helps you stand out today and positions your clients for stronger results tomorrow.

Let’s keep leading with data, clarity, and confidence.

If you liked this tip, hit reply. We’d love to hear your thoughts! 

Source: BAM, Sarah Lentz, November 14, 2025

Kristan Sheppeard

Heart Award Recipient

We are proud to recognize Kristan Sheppeard as this year’s Heart Award recipient.

Kristan was nominated and honored for her consistent commitment to service, compassion, and community. She is widely known for showing up often before she’s asked and for supporting others with genuine care and generosity.

As shared in Patti Bourelle’s remarks during the award presentation, Kristan lives out the spirit of “I got you.” Whether through volunteering, supporting charitable causes, or simply being there for others, she leads with kindness and encouragement in everything she does.

Kristan is deeply involved in the Yuma community through organizations and initiatives such as the AdvoKATE Foundation, the PB & Jelly Drive, and the YAR Community Outreach Committee. Her energy, creativity, and willingness to help have made a meaningful impact across countless events and outreach efforts.

Her faith, her family and her heart for others guide her actions and she is a source of light and inspiration to those around her.

We are grateful for Kristan’s servant leadership and honored to celebrate her as this year’s Heart Award recipient.

Hello Southwest Region Leaders & Associates,

Smart investing starts with understanding whether a property is better suited for flipping or holding. With interest in fixer-uppers rising nationwide, now is the time to help your investors choose the right strategy.

Fixer-Upper Activity Is Growing

 Listings marketed as fixer-uppers receive 52% more views than comparable homes
 Searches for fixer-uppers are up 3 times since 2021
 The average fixer-upper lists for about $200,000, roughly 54% below the national median price of $436,000

Where Flips Work Best

More affordable markets are ideal for fix and flip strategies:

• Toledo, OH
• Detroit, MI
• Jackson, MI
• Dayton, OH
• Saint Louis, MO

Where Holding Works Best

High-cost cities often favor long-term rentals:

• San Jose, CA
• New York, NY
• San Francisco, CA
• Los Angeles, CA
• Seattle, WA

 Three Rules Every Investor Should Know

 1% Rule – For Investments Ready to Rent
Monthly rent on the day of purchase should equal 1% of the purchase price. In hot markets, gross rental income is usually closer to 0.8%.
Formula: Monthly Rent ÷ Sales Price = 1% or Higher

 70% Rule – For Flippers Planning to Sell
Do not pay more than 70% of the property’s after-repair value after renovation costs are subtracted.
Formula: (Cost of Repairs + Purchase Price) ÷ After-Repair Value = 70% or Lower

 50% Rule – For Ongoing Financial Planning
No more than half of a property’s monthly rental income should go towards expenses like maintenance, taxes, insurance, and vacancy periods.
Formula: Net Operating Income ÷ Gross Rental Income = 50% or Lower

These rules guide buy-and-sell decisions, make expectations clear, and protect long-term returns.