What Is Keller Williams Family Reunion?

It depends on who you ask.

Some say Family Reunion is the one event they can’t afford to miss every year. For many associates, yearly attendance is all about meeting new people, expanding networks, unlocking partnerships, and building a solid referral base. 

Others attend FR for fresh market insights and new strategies to level up their businesses. And then there are those who go to experience life-changing stories from world-renowned keynote speakers. Whatever their reason for attending, nearly everyone agrees Family Reunion is a chance to get energized and inspired, and to learn alongside thousands of the industry’s most driven agents. FR is a game-changer if you want to shift your mindset and grow. 

But don’t just take our word for it – hear what Family Reunion means to agents and leaders who’ve experienced it firsthand.

1. A Game-Changing Event for Every Agent

Family Reunion isn’t just for top producers or big names. (Though, you’ll find them headlining some of our most-coveted business-building panels.) Whether you’re new to real estate or an industry veteran, the annual event is for anyone who aspires to be the best in their field and achieve more in their business. 

“I’m blown away by how much I’ve learned. I’m getting ready to do a recap with my coach for our office, and it feels like I’ve been handed GOLD.”
– First-time Family Reunion attendee, Collegeville, Keller Williams Greater PA Region

“You can network with people and forecast what’s coming up in the market. [You get to] be with everyone from your office and have a good time!”
– Keller Williams Associate and Family Reunion 2024 attendee

From market updates, researched-backed economic forecasts, and story after success story, you’ll find everything you need at Family Reunion to make an immediate impact.

2. Shift Your Mindset, Find Your Focus

Annual attendance at FR is a non-negotiable for thousands of KW associates. Agents return each year because they know FR is the event that keeps them and their business fresh, sharp, and thriving. Whether you hone in on marketing, master a new system, or build a stronger team, FR breakouts, and mainstage sessions will help you shift your mindset so that you walk away with a renewed commitment to growing and succeeding all year long.

Is lead generation your focus for 2025? Maybe you need tips for better time-blocking or data-driven forecasts so you can plan for what’s ahead. Whatever your focus for this year, Family Reunion is packed with dynamic presentations that offer something for everyone.  “The energy at Family Reunion is unmatched. It’s the perfect place to refocus, set new goals, and gain new strategies that will carry you through the next year.”
– Ben Tilbury, Agent, Keller Williams Realty – Central Coast

3. Get Inspired with Epic Keynote Speakers

With inspiring keynote speakers and targeted breakout sessions, Family Reunion is designed to bring you insight and information you can use now and throughout your career. This year, we’re thrilled to have Jamie Kern Lima, founder of IT Cosmetics and a trailblazer in the beauty industry, as our inspirational keynote speaker. Known for her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, Jamie will share powerful insights on leadership, perseverance, and how to turn your vision into reality. Her story of overcoming challenges and building a billion-dollar business will inspire you to push past your limitations and unlock your full potential.

Looking for that extra executive-level boost? The CEO Summit is absolutely where you’ll want to be. In this exclusive FR experience, you’ll join Gary Keller and KW leaders in conversation with engaging keynote speakers who will open your mind to transformative ideas and inspire you to think big.

4. Existing and Aspiring Teams: Elevating and Expanding

Your next partner could be waiting for you at FR. Just ask Mike Zinicola and Greg Erlanger. In 2008, Mike and Greg attended Family Reunion as individual business owners, each focused on growing their own operations. But after hearing from a top producer who had achieved $150 million in sales, they. Both realized their goals were too small. The breakout session inspired them to combine their strengths and build a team. Today, the EZ Sales Team has expanded to 83 agents across Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus, and as Mike recalls, the decision to join forces started right there at Family Reunion.

“We realized walking back from that breakout session that if we put our talents together… we [would] become an unfair advantage in the marketplace. That day at Family Reunion pretty much changed my life because it gave me some tools that I never thought of before. And because of that, we were able to put the EZ Sales Team together.”
– Mike Zinicola, Realtor/Team Leader for the EZ Sales Team at Keller Williams Realty

Family Reunion isn’t just about collecting new ideas – it’s also about shifting your mindset, scaling your operations, and pushing yourself to achieve more than you ever imagined.

5. Networking and Building Long-Term Relationships

One of the biggest perks of Family Reunion? Networking. With over 170,000 agents worldwide, Keller Williams associates have access to one of the largest and most powerful networks of real estate professionals. Whether you’re looking for new partners, referral sources, or someone to brainstorm with, the in-person connections you make at Family Reunion are invaluable. 

“I’ve been to Family Reunion 23 times, and it just gets better every year. The energy, the speakers, the connections—it’s unmatched … Family Reunion is where I find the inspiration and tools to keep improving. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
– Terese Brittingham, Operating Principal, Keller Williams Realty Group and Team Lead at the Terese Brittingham & Thomas McCouch Team

“The networking here is unbelievable. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a top producer, you’ll find people who are just as driven as you and willing to share their knowledge.”
– George Kelly, Regional Tech Trainer, Greater PA Region

With attendees from coast to coast and across the globe, this one-of-a-kind event offers opportunities to establish lasting relationships and nurture potential partnerships.

6. Staying on Top of New Tech & Industry Trends

FR Exhibit Hall: Its Own Experience!

At Family Reunion, the exhibit hall is where real estate challenges meet real-world solutions. With hands-on learning demos from KW Tech and KW Labs, it’s the perfect spot to discover new platforms and products that can boost your efficiency and production. You can also visit with representatives from KW Communities and vendors from across the industry who offer everything you need to stay ahead in the ever-evolving real estate landscape.

Breakout Sessions: Dive Deeper into Key Topics

In addition to the exhibit hall, Family Reunion offers an all-access pass to a wide range of breakout sessions that dive deep into topics across the real estate spectrum. Whether you’re looking to refine your marketing strategies, master time management, or learn the latest in KW Command and technology, breakouts have something for everyone. Expect to walk away with practical insights you can implement immediately, from lead generation and conversion techniques to strategies for marketing, branding, and closing the deal. With sessions on everything from financials to leadership, you’ll leave with fresh ideas to take your business to the next level.

“If you’re not at Family Reunion, you’re missing out. This is the one event where you can get everything you need to supercharge your business for the next year.”
 – George Kelly, Regional Tech Trainer, Greater PA Region“It’s my first Family Reunion. I came out here to make my PC [Productivity Coach] program stronger, learn how to build our team even better, and keep our productivity going up.”
– Nathaniel Rottmayer, Productivity Coach & Market Center Tech Trainer, Collegeville, Keller Williams Greater PA Region

7. Level Up Your Leadership

In addition to all the business systems, Family Reunion also focuses on leadership, culture, and team building – essential elements for growth at every stage of your career. You’ll get practical ideas for improving your leadership skills and building a supportive, high-performance team. With top industry leaders sharing their best practices and networking opportunities around every corner, you’ll leave feeling inspired and ready to take your business to new heights.

“You don’t just meet other agents at Family Reunion, you meet true partners. It’s all about building long-lasting relationships that fuel each other’s success.”
– Mary Cheatham King, Owner & Lead Broker of Mary Cheatham King Real Estate, Operating Principal, Crystal Coast, N.C.

Ready for 2025? Watch your Keller Williams Southwest Region Regional Director Michaelann Byerly share your 2025 Gameplan. 🙂

✨New Survey Reveals Who’s Selling in 2025—and Why ✨

According to a new nationwide survey conducted by Bright MLS, nearly one in five homeowners are gearing up to list their property in 2025. But if you’re thinking the main driver behind these moves is long-time homeowners looking to downsize, think again.  Homeowners aged 30 to 49, many of whom bought their homes during the pandemic, are planning to sell in record numbers, while just 6.7% of homeowners aged 60-69 and 5.4% of those aged 70-79 are showing any inclination to sell. Dive into the surprising reasons behind this trend and what it means for the market.Homeowners in Their 30s and 40s Are Driving the MarketForget the stereotype of older Baby Boomers downsizing after decades in the same home. The homeowners most likely to sell in 2025 are younger and more recent buyers. According to the survey, homeowners aged 30 to 49 will dominate the market:26.8% of homeowners aged 30-39 plan to sell.28.0% of homeowners aged 40-49 plan to list their property.Compare that to just 12.1% of homeowners aged 60 and older planning to sell in 2025. Many of these younger sellers purchased their homes during the pandemic, when historically low interest rates and rapidly appreciating home values created opportunities for swift equity gains. Among prospective sellers aged 30-49, about one-third have owned their current home for less than five years.

Why Are Homeowners Selling?For younger sellers, life changes are the driving force behind the decision to move. The survey revealed significant differences between age groups:Homeowners aged 30-39:36.7% are selling due to job-related reasons, such as career changes or relocations.34.4% cite family reasons, including marriage, having children, or divorce.Homeowners aged 40-49:43.8% point to family-related changes as their primary motivation.25.8% are selling for job-related reasons.Among the homeowners aged 60+ planning to sell, downsizing is the most common reason. But the majority of Boomers report no plans to move—with nearly 60% having lived in their homes for 20 years or more and owning them outright.This finding is consistent with data from surveys by Redfin and Clever earlier this year showing Boomers are least likely of all homeowner age groups to sell in 2025. 

Homeownership Tenure Across Age GroupsThe survey highlights clear distinctions in how long homeowners of different ages have stayed in their current homes:Homeowners aged 30-39: About one-third of prospective sellers in this age group have owned their homes for less than five years. These younger homeowners are more likely to have purchased during the pandemic and quickly accumulated equity due to rising home values.Homeowners aged 40-49: While slightly more settled, a considerable number in this age group have also owned their homes for less than five years, reflecting similar trends as their younger counterparts.Homeowners aged 60+: Nearly 60% of Boomers have lived in their homes for 20 years or more. This long tenure is tied to owning their homes outright, providing financial security and reducing the need to sell.

What About Mortgage Rates?While today’s elevated mortgage rates (currently averaging 6.69% for a 30-year fixed loan) have deterred some would-be sellers, this isn’t the case for everyone. Among homeowners in their 30s and 40s planning to sell, many are still benefiting from favorable pandemic-era rates:30.3% have mortgages with rates below 4%.67.4% (more than two-thirds) have rates below 5%.These lower rates, combined with significant equity gains, provide financial flexibility for sellers despite the higher borrowing costs facing today’s buyers.Challenges for First-Time BuyersWhile younger homeowners are poised to dominate the market as sellers, their prospective buyers face steep hurdles. The average age of a first-time buyer has risen to 38, the highest on record, due to affordability challenges brought on by elevated home prices and high interest rates.The Big Picture: Life Events Drive Real Estate DecisionsUltimately, the survey underscores that major life changes—marriage, children, job relocations, retirement—continue to be the primary reasons people buy and sell homes. Despite market challenges like high mortgage rates, these milestones remain key drivers of movement in the real estate market. For 2025, expect younger, financially flexible homeowners to lead the way, reshaping expectations of who’s selling and why. Use this information as you develop and refine your marketing plan for 2025. 

Hello SW Region Leaders and Associates,

Welcome to the first edition of our Southwest Spotlight newsletter! We’re excited to bring you the latest news, strategies, and insights to help you grow and thrive in the dynamic world of real estate.

This month, we’re thrilled to share:

🚀Your Region in Action:
Check out the highlights from our recent events and trainings that have brought the KW Southwest Region together. Take a look at some of the moments that made an impact and fueled our journey forward!

🏆Achievements Worth Celebrating:
Meet the stars of our region and celebrate their incredible accomplishments. From top performers to community champions, we’re proud to highlight the hard work and dedication that make our region stand out.

🎉 Welcome New Associates:
Join us in welcoming the newest members of the KW Southwest family! We’re excited to have these talented individuals on board and can’t wait to see the incredible things they will achieve. Let’s make them feel at home as they begin their journey with us.

📅 Can’t-Miss Events:
Check out the exciting upcoming events that will help you build connections, grow your business, and take your skills to the next level. Don’t miss these opportunities to engage with your peers and expand your knowledge!

✨ Get inspired, stay informed, and set your business up for success with this issue!