Hello SW Region Leaders & Associates,

Stop Saying “Just Checking In”

How many times have you reached out to a lead and typed, “Just checking in”?

It feels harmless, but that one phrase may be the reason your message gets ignored.

When a lead sees “just checking in,” they may assume there’s nothing new to share, you need something from them, or your message sounds like every other follow-up they receive.

Instead, shift the conversation by bringing value first.

Try the OFQ Framework: Opening, Fact, Question.

✅ Opening: Set the context and remind them why you’re reaching out.
✅ Fact: Share something useful they didn’t know before.
✅ Question: Invite them into a conversation.

Instead of:

“Hey, just checking in. Are you still thinking about buying?”

Try:

“Hey, Sarah! A few new homes just came on the market in your area this week, and two are within the price range we discussed. Have you had a chance to see them?”

Here are a few ways to use OFQ in your follow-up conversations:

🏡 New Listings
“Three homes just hit the market in your neighborhood this week. Did you happen to see those?”

📉 Market Updates
“Interest rates shifted this week, which may impact your buying power. Has your lender had a chance to update you?”

📊 Inventory Changes
“Inventory in your price range has increased over the last month, giving buyers more options. Does that feel like good news for your search?”

💡This Week’s Challenge

Catch yourself before you type “Just checking in.”

Instead, use the OFQ Framework:

✅ Opening to set the context
✅ Fact to share something valuable
✅ Question to invite a response

This week, rewrite three follow-up texts or calls using OFQ. Notice how the conversation changes when you lead with value instead of a generic check-in.

Hello SW Region Leaders & Associates,

Stop Posting. Start Conversations.

Social media isn’t just about staying visible. It’s about creating opportunities to connect.

Instead of posting and hoping someone reaches out, create content that invites people to engage. A simple question, poll, or market insight can spark conversations with buyers and sellers who are already following you.

Above are five Instagram Story ideas you can start using this week to turn your social media into a lead generation tool.

Remember: Conversations create appointments. Appointments create opportunities.

This Week’s Challenge

Post one conversation-starting Instagram Story this week using one of the examples above.

Then commit to responding to every reply within 24 hours. Your goal isn’t just engagement. It’s to start meaningful conversations that lead to real opportunities.

Your next client is probably already following you. Give them a reason to start the conversation.

If this tip helps, feel free to reply. We’d love to hear how it worked for you.

Hello SW Region Leaders & Associates,

This week’s coaching tip is inspired by an example shared by Byron Lazine and focuses on a small shift that can completely change your conversations with sellers and prospects.

Stop Defaulting to “I’m Just Following Up”

Instead of using “just following up” as your opener, shift your approach to be more intentional and value-driven.

Here’s an example of what to say when calling an expired:

“I don’t know if you’ve seen this, but nationally, single-family inventory just went net negative. We’re seeing that same trend here locally. Sellers on the market right now have more leverage than when your home was listed before.

If that leverage could get you closer to your number, would it make sense to go back on the market in the next 30 days?”

This Week’s Challenge

Before your next follow-up call, text, or email, replace “I’m just following up” with the three-step formula above and see how the conversation changes.