No Debbie Downers right here. 6 upbeat Thanksgiving ice-breakers

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Many brokers are struggling to seek out some optimistic issues to say in regards to the business, the market, and even simply the final vibe of the American expertise after a really lengthy summer season and exhausting presidential election. By no means worry, and no have to be a Debbie Downer.

Listed below are six issues to debate at dinner that may preserve issues gentle and brilliant and three issues to avoid that may take you down the dreaded interrogation from Uncle Bob, who by no means used an agent — EVER — and is skeptical about what you even do for a residing.

For the love of Bob, Aunt Bea and all of the others who would possibly throw you off your recreation, come to dinner ready with these speaking factors.

6 matters to maintain it candy

1. Residence design “core” tendencies: Share the most recent tendencies in house decor, similar to open flooring plans or the return of classic kinds. Is it cottagecore? Costal grandma? How about Barbiecore? One of many issues that’s actually enjoyable about that is to speak about wacky tendencies and even discuss future “dream renovations” that you’d like to do at some point and their potential to extend house fairness.
2. Humorous house-hunting tales: Share amusing anecdotes you’ve encountered whereas trying to find houses, like peculiar listings or quirky property options. Chasing down the cat that by accident escaped, an odd piece of artwork — these are all OK to share so long as you retain the concerned events nameless.
3. Neighborhood comparisons: Focus on enjoyable details about totally different neighborhoods, like distinctive native companies, parks or neighborhood occasions. That is actually good to say if somebody asks about market situations. Share a enjoyable reality a few native neighborhood that’s promoting rather well proper now, and why you assume it’s widespread.
4. DIY house enchancment tasks: Discuss inventive DIY tasks you or somebody you realize has undertaken and the outcomes. It is a nice alternative to seize your telephone and present Uncle Bob the customized firepit and seating space that one in all your purchasers did of their yard. Test your digital camera roll; I assure a slice of pumpkin pie you have got some nice photos to share that you’ve got captured this yr.
5. Completely different-sized houses: Discover the number of houses accessible, from tiny homes to luxurious mansions, and what makes every interesting. Tiny houses all the time make for an attention-grabbing subject, particularly when you have family members who’re contemplating downsizing. Luxurious mansions are enjoyable to speak about within the scope of actuality TV examples.
6. Quirky gross sales: Point out attention-grabbing statistics or details, like the costliest house offered in your space or distinctive market tendencies. It is a nice alternative to share how a lot a house offered for that absolutely shocked you. Which house had essentially the most provides this yr? It is a nice academic alternative to point out family members how the market is altering.

3 issues to keep away from just like the canned cranberry sauce

Listed below are three matters an actual property agent ought to keep away from discussing at Thanksgiving dinner to maintain the environment nice:

1. Market situations: Keep away from in-depth discussions in regards to the ups and downs of the actual property market, as it would flip right into a debate or create stress, particularly for individuals who is likely to be scuffling with their very own house conditions. It is a quick option to begin a Turkey showdown, so don’t do it. Steer clear. Purple alert. It’s not value it since lots of your family members have misinformation.
2. Consumer confidentiality and nightmare transactions: Avoid discussing particular purchasers, their conditions, funds or offers. Respect for privateness is essential, and private anecdotes needs to be saved common. If you happen to dwell in a small rural city, that is particularly vital as a result of your Aunt Bea is aware of everybody’s enterprise, and it’ll not take her lengthy in any respect to determine who you’re speaking about.
3. Politics and laws: Discussions about housing laws, property taxes or political points affecting actual property will be contentious. It’s greatest to maintain the dialog gentle and free of those doubtlessly divisive matters. That is the place you select your battle, buddies. If somebody says one thing horrifically offensive, it’s a very good time to get a headache or to have to go away early to let the canine out at house. It’s very uncommon you can change any minds or hearts over the stuffing.

Nobody has a “perfect” vacation, however hopefully, you get a very good plate and a very good chuckle on the gathering. Loving folks the place they’re at, even when you have variations, is among the hardest issues to study and observe, and you will have good days and dangerous days.

Nobody ought to put up with verbal abuse at vacation gatherings, and if the gathering is very poisonous, there isn’t a laborious or quick rule that it’s important to go in any respect — or you possibly can drop in after which promptly roll out.

Care for yourselves; be a superb supply of sunshine and preserve the discussions shifting in a optimistic route. That in itself is an artwork type and can preserve the opposite Debbie Downers on the desk distracted together with your attention-grabbing actual property journey tales.

Maintain fingers, give thanks and keep in mind: If you happen to can take that nap after the meal, go for it.

Construct a technique for the holidays that promotes calm, peaceable power to take into the New 12 months.

Rachael Hite is a seasoned housing counselor and thought chief in the actual property business, identified for her in depth experience throughout enterprise information journalism, retirement housing, and inexpensive housing initiatives. Join with Rachael on Instagram and Linkedin.