2025 Fall Edition of New Jersey Realtor® Magazine

THE ABC s OF SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING

Reel

A term used to refer to a short-form video on Facebook or Instagram.

Channel

References the social media platform used to post, such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, or Pinterest.

DM

Direct message, when another account sends you a message through a social media platform.

Highlights

Used most often on Facebook and Instagram, a curated group of Stories you can keep on your profile.

Page

Used most often on Facebook and LinkedIn, in reference to a profile owned by business or group.

Pinned Post

A social media post you choose to keep at the top of your social media profile.

Post

Collaborate/ Collaborator

Term used on Instagram when other accounts request to add you on to their post. If you approve, the post will appear on your account.

Content Interactions

A combined number of likes, reactions, shares, replies, and comments on your content.

Feed

The curation of posts, courtesy of the algorithm, you see on the home page of your social media app.

Followers

The number of accounts that choose to see your content in their feed.

Following

The accounts you choose to see content from in your feed.

Impressions

The number of times a post is displayed.

A piece of content published on social media to communicate with your audience.

Profile

Your identity on a social media platform that typically includes photos, a bio, and links of your choosing.

Tag

A way to mention another social media user, which generates a link to their social media profile.

Trending Audio

Refers to sounds on social media that are growing in popularity.

Organic

Any content you post that is not an ad or paid for.

Reach

How many times your content, both organic and paid, was seen by accounts.

Views

The number of times your content was displayed.

Visits

The number of times other accounts visited your profile.

Visit us at Booth #605/ 704: Tuesday, Dec 9 (10AM–6PM) & Wednesday, Dec 10 (9AM–5PM)

DEC. 9-10 2025 Atlantic City, New Jersey

Booth: #605/704

8 Set Sail in Ocean County

Discover the shore region known for its parks, shell hunting, museums, and lighthouses.

12 Spotlight on Long Beach Island

There is more than meets the eye of this 18-mile barrier island of Long Beach Island—quaint neighborhoods, spectacular views, unique homes, a community like no other.

16 Distinguishing Yourself from the Crowd

Develop a strategy that works for you, speaks directly to your target client, and sets your business apart.

14

14 Topics to Write About this Season

20 The Power of Repurposing: Maximize Your Content’s Lifespan

Don’t reinvent the wheel and discover ways to reuse your content across all marketing channels.

3 Letter from the Editor

4 President’s View Introducing H.O.M.E.— Home Ownership for Middle-Income Earners

5 From the CEO’s Desk Reimagining Future Leadership

22 How to Write Eye-Grabbing Descriptions & Take Effective Photos that Sell

Sell yourself and your listing with descriptions and photos that grab your audience’s attention.

We planned your fall content schedule so you don’t have to. Sessions to Stay Ahead of the Curve

27 30 Meet the Speakers of Realtors® Triple Play 2025

24 Social Media Strategies that Actually Work

Read about how NJ Realtors® turned 0 followers on Instagram into 14.6K.

32 Tech Column Must-See Sessions at Triple Play 2025

6 Important Dates & Deadlines 36 Board/Association News

34 Meet the Potential Decision Maker Your Gubernatorial Candidates

eal estate is unlike so many other industries because you are the brand and so this issue is all about one thing: learning how to market you—exactly as you are.

Great marketing doesn’t mean shouting the loudest or copying what someone else is doing. It means understanding your market, your voice, and what truly connects with the people you’re meant to serve. The right clients don’t just want someone who knows how to close a deal—they want someone they trust and can relate to. That connection starts with how you show up. You don’t need to become someone you’re not. In fact, the most powerful thing you can do is lead with authenticity. Know what makes you different and refine how you communicate it. And most importantly, learn what resonates with your audience, not everyone, but your ideal clients.

When you market yourself with authentic intention, you attract the clients who are the best fit for your style and your business. You already have the core of what you need. This issue is here to help you fine-tune it—and use it to build upon your business.

So we hope this issue reminds you that your brand isn’t something you need to manufacture—it’s something you can uncover and then proudly share. Because when you own who you are, you elevate everything you do

Introducing H.O.M.E.— Home Ownership for Middle-Income Earners

One of the greatest privileges of serving as your association president is the opportunity to champion the issues that matter most to our members and to the clients and communities we serve. Today, I want to speak about a challenge that touches nearly every corner of New Jersey: housing affordability for middleincome earners.

When I use the term “middleincome earners,” I’m referring to the group once commonly described as the “middle class.” These are individuals and families seeking homes in the $350,000 to $750,000 range. Importantly, when I say, “housing affordability,” I am not speaking about “affordable housing” in the policy sense—a worthy and necessary conversation in its own right, but one with a deeply political and complex history in our state. Instead, I am speaking to the reality that too many New Jersey families who would once comfortably afford a home now find themselves priced out.

Over the past decade, housing affordability in New Jersey has eroded significantly, a trend made even more acute during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The result is middle-income earners have often been overlooked when it comes to programs, policies, and resources designed to help them not only enter the housing market, but also remain stable homeowners over the long term. As Realtors®, we see this struggle every day. And as an association, we feel it is our

responsibility to help bring solutions forward.

That is why we are launching a new initiative focused squarely on this issue. We developed a three-pronged approach combining member input, public engagement, and legislative advocacy.

First, I will be convening a Presidential Advisory Group to provide comments, insights, and feedback as we develop content, resources, and strategies. Their expertise and perspectives will help ensure this effort reflects the realities of the marketplace and the needs of both our members and consumers.

Second, we will lead a public conversation around homeownership affordability. Our plan includes a series of articles addressing the many dimensions of this challenge: from infrastructure and housing policy to transfer taxes, hidden homeownership costs, evolving buyer preferences, and the ongoing debates around Not in My Backyard versus Yes in My Backyard. We will place this content strategically across key publications such as NJ Globe, InsiderNJ, and Politico Pro NJ to reach the decision-makers who can move the needle. We’ll also amplify this conversation through our own channels—op-eds, LinkedIn, and a dedicated landing page—to maximize reach and impact.

This approach represents a notable shift for our association. Historically, we have been conservative in joining public policy debates, preferring to

work quietly behind the scenes. That strategy has served us well, building our reputation and strengthening our voice in Trenton and beyond. Today, we are in a position of credibility and influence, and it is the right time to step forward. When policymakers are ready to engage on solutions, we intend to already be at the table.

Third, we will advocate for the creation of a H.O.M.E. Task Force in the legislature to directly study and recommend solutions to New Jersey’s affordability crisis for middle-income earners.

This initiative is not just about shining a light on a problem; it is about demonstrating leadership, sparking solutions, and ensuring the dream of homeownership remains within reach for New Jersey’s middle class. Together, we can make a difference.

Kathy Morin

Reimagining Future Leadership

In real estate, leadership doesn’t always come with a title.

It often starts with something small: asking a question at a meeting, showing up to an event, or getting involved in a conversation about where our industry is heading. And sometimes, it starts when someone sees potential in you and gives you what we’ve long called “a tap on the shoulder.”

For decades, that’s how many Realtors® got involved with their local, state, or national associations. Someone invited them in. Someone said, “You should be part of this.”

That model has served us well. But our industry—and our members—are evolving.

Today, many of the next generation of Realtors® aren’t waiting for a tap. They’re asking tough questions. They want to know: How does getting involved help me grow? How will it benefit the business? How will it connect them to something bigger?

And those are exactly the right questions to ask.

Because here’s the truth: involvement in organized real estate leads to better business, stronger networks, and deeper knowledge.

When you’re engaged, you learn what’s coming before it arrives—market shifts, legal updates, local and national advocacy efforts. You gain insight you can’t find on a search engine or social media scroll. That knowledge helps you serve your clients with more confidence and stay ahead of the curve.

You also build real relationships. Not just with colleagues, but with people who challenge you and help you become even better at what you do. Those connections can be gamechangers.

So if you’ve never raised your hand before, consider this your invitation. Get involved. Be curious. Say yes to one thing. It doesn’t have to be big to make a difference.

Because what you’ll find is that giving your time to this profession gives something back: insight, opportunity, and a sense that you’re not just in real estate—you’re part of shaping where it goes next.

Important Dates & Deadlines

NEW JERSEY REALTOR

A publication of New Jersey Realtors® 10 Hamilton Avenue Trenton, NJ 08611

Phone: 609-341-7100 njrealtor.com

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Douglas M. Tomson, RCE

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS & MARKETING

Colleen King Oliver | editor@njrealtor.com

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS & MARKETING

Erin McFeeters

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Lauren Melville

MARKETING COORDINATOR

Julia Ventrone

2025 OFFICERS

PRESIDENT Kathy Morin

PRESIDENT-ELECT Gloria Siciliano

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Judy Moriarty

TREASURER Jairo Rodriguez

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Gloria Monks

ADVERTISING SALES

Colleen King Oliver ads@njrealtormag.com

DESIGN

ENCOMPASS MEDIA GROUP

Rebecca Ryan McQuigg rebecca@encompasspubs.com

New Jersey Realtors® provides legal and legislative updates as well as information on a variety of real estate related topics solely for the use of its members. Due to the wide range of issues affecting its members, NJ Realtors® publishes information concerning those issues that NJ Realtors®, in its sole discretion, deems the most important for its members.

The content and accuracy of all articles and/or advertisements by persons not employed by or agents of NJ Realtor® are the sole responsibility of their author. NJ Realtors® disclaims any liability or responsibility for their content or accuracy. Where such articles and/or advertisements contain legal advice or standards, NJ Realtors® recommends that NJ Realtors® seek legal counsel with regard to any specific situation to which they may seek to apply the article.

New Jersey Realtor®, publication number 13260, ISSN number 00285919. Published quarterly each year. Member subscriptions allocated annually from annual dues: $3. Non-member annual subscription: $10. Known office of publication: 10 Hamilton Avenue,

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POSTMASTER: Send address change to Editor, 10

08611.

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS

For New Jersey residents looking to buy their first home, saving enough money for a down payment often comes second to more immediate costs of living – student loans, childcare, rent, insurance, and additional expenses.

When families are ready to purchase their new home, the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency can help.

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

NJHMFA’s Down Payment Assistance program provides up to $22,000 in assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers for down payment and closing costs, which is forgiven after five years if the borrower doesn’t sell the home, refinance or default on their mortgage.

Contact Emerlee Simons @ ESimons@njhmfa.gov to learn more about this opportunity for homeownership.

Set Sail in Ocean County

BY ERIN McFEETERS

Established in 1850 and celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, is a county renowned for its sandy shores, plentiful pine trees, and fertile farmland. From seed to shore, Ocean County is more than summer tourism and sea breezes; its storied history is full of tales of the Rockefellers, famous airships, and so much more.

OCEAN COUNTY

Offset from portions of Monmouth County, Ocean County became New Jersey’s 20th county in 1850, according to Ocean County. Just 10,000 residents resided within the county at the time, and according to John Fee, Long Beach Island Historical Museum Media and Communications Secretary, Ocean County’s residents are known across history book pages for selfsufficiency, which played a vital role in New Jersey’s development as an agricultural state and becoming the Garden State it is today.

“Ocean County was dominantly a region that thrived on agriculture, hunting, and fishing. I hear stories of people who lived on LBI, for example, in the early to mid-1800s, and they were baymen who fished all summer long and hunted all winter long. And if they needed shelter, they built a house. And if they needed food, they went and hunted and fished for it,” said Fee. “There’s

something about that grit that is dominantly a part of Ocean County.”

The opening of the Garden State Parkway in 1957 forever changed the tides in Ocean County, according to R. Joseph Latshaw III, President of the Ocean County Historical Society. The GSP brought new life to the Jersey Shore, according to the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, and revolutionized highway design. Spanning 173 miles from Cape May to the New York state line, the ease of travel the roadway created, attracted people from around the tri-state area. Discovering the beauty of Ocean County’s coastline with the help of the GSP turned its 10,000 residents upon establishment into today’s estimated 637,229 residents, according to the U.S. Census.

From Point Pleasant to Holgate, Ocean County’s beaches make up 44 miles of New Jersey’s coast, each unique in and of itself, and attract millions of visitors throughout the year. Ocean County’s community life

varies across different regions and towns, according to Latshaw. From the barrier islands with their distinct culture to the bustling northern Ocean County shores to the slower pace found in Tuckerton and Little Egg Harbor. Each has its place and coveted by its annual visitors and year-round residents.

According to New Jersey Realtors® latest housing market data report, the average single family home in Ocean County has a median sales price of $607,000 and is on the market for an average of 41 days year-to-date. Taking a closer look at the municipalities within the county, on one end of the spectrum, you have Ocean Gate Boro with a median sales price of $395,000 and Lakehurst Boro with a median sales price of $335,000. While homes in Beach Haven Boro have a median sales price of $2,300,000 and Bay Head with a median sales price of $2,325,000. All data is for single family homes year-to-date.

Lighthouses to Explore

You can still find historic beacons in Ocean County, and while neither lighthouse currently operates to aid ships navigate, both are unique experiences to visit for all to enjoy.

Barnegat Lighthouse

Old Barney to her friends, the Barnegat Lighthouse, located in Barnegat Light on Long Beach Island, is a state park complete with one of New Jersey’s last remaining maritime forests. It’s the perfect setting for bird watching and fishing, and recently underwent a $1.3 million renovation project, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, to repair the façade, interior steel platform, and install a new beacon light, which shines up to 26.5 miles away. Climb up the 217 steps for spectacular views of

Barnegat Bay and Long Beach Island.

Tucker’s Island Lighthouse

Not far from Old Barney, located on Tuckerton Creek, is Tuckerton Seaport, home to Tucker’s Island Lighthouse. Their goal is to preserve the Jersey Shore’s rich maritime history and heritage. Through museum exhibits, make-and-take crafts, and more, visitors can obtain a feel for baymen’s lives and even take a ferry ride across the bay to Long Beach Island.

Parks to Enjoy the Outdoors

Beyond the beach, Ocean County is filled with parks full of nature trails, playgrounds, water views, and so much more.

Cactus Island County Park

Enjoy 530 acres of nature trails, birding, scenic boardwalks, crosscountry skiing, and the newly renovated nature center with brand new exhibits featuring the Barnegat Bay.

Double Trouble State Park

The water of the Cedar Creek once provided power and raw materials to a sawmill and large cranberry operation at Double Trouble Village, according to the New Jersey State Park Service. Today, visitors can explore the history of the Pine Barrens while enjoying trails for horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking. Canoeists and kayakers will love the views while paddling along the Cedar Creek through the park.

Forked River Beach Bay Front Park

Equipped with a playground, picnic tables, fitness equipment, and a gazebo, it’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon and enjoy the wading bay. It’s also known for its unmatched sunrise views.

Island Beach State Park

Located just south of Seaside Park, this narrow barrier island stretches for 10 miles between the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay. Made up of over 3,000 acres, it is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier beaches along the Atlantic coast. Visit to see the Jersey Shore just as it was thousands of years ago.

John C. Bartlett, Jr. County Park at Berkeley Island

You can find impeccable views of Barnegat Bay at this park, which features a spray park, fishing and crabbing pier, walking paths, and a playground. While Hurricane Sandy severely damaged the park in 2012, it was reconstructed to make it storm-tolerant, according to Ocean County Parks.

Ocean County Park

Before the turn of the 20th century, the region was sought after by affluent figures such as John D. Rockefeller, whose vacation estate is in today’s Ocean County Park in Lakewood Township. Rockefeller’s heirs donated the estate in 1940, and today visitors enjoy walking trails, playgrounds, cross-country skiing, and unique trees such as white pine and Norway spruce—all imports by the oil-monger himself.

Windward Beach Park

Right along the Metedeconk River in Brick Township, visitors know this park for its beach-like setting, expansive playground for children of all ages, farmers market on Saturdays, free summer concerts, and more.

Museums to History Hunt

Explore the history of this shore county to appreciate all it is today for visitors and residents alike.

John F. Peto Studio Museum

You can discover the world of John F. Peto at this studio museum, which showcases his home, studio, and organic gardens, from this 19th century American still-life painter. After undergoing a preservation project, the house, and now museum, are a looking glass into Peto’s life and his paintings. The museum presents changing art exhibits, lectures, workshops, concerts, and more throughout the year.

Long Beach Island Historical Museum

Celebrating 50 years of preservation, the Long Beach Island Historical Museum shares and celebrates the diverse history of Long Beach Island. Notable island figures formed the historical association following the 1962 Nor’easter, which devastated Long Beach Island, to preserve the island’s history as it transformed during the recovery efforts after the storm. While the storm wiped out some of the original cottages, their stories remain.

“We try to tell the story of the history of the island and the people who live in it from the early 19th century all the way through to today,” said Fee. “This group of passionate

people who wanted to make sure that they retained the historical aspects of the island got together and formed the LBI Historical Association.”

Navy Lakehurst Historical Society

Learn about New Jersey’s ties to airships and hangars at this unique museum located at the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. In its early days, Lakehurst often hosted airships, which carried European tourists across the ocean to the U.S.

The most well-known aircraft, the Hindenburg, made several trips to the station before it crashed at Lakehurst in 1936. Visitors can see where the Hindenburg crashed and explore other areas of the base: Cathedral of the Air, the Ready Room, the POW-MIA Room, and Historic Hangar One.

New Jersey Maritime Museum

Located on the southern end of Long Beach Island, the New Jersey Maritime Museum began as Deb Whitcraft’s personal collection of information and artifacts from New Jersey maritime disasters, and since opening its doors in 2007, it has expanded with the help of donations

from the diving community. Visit the museum on a rainy LBI day and explore the vast history of New Jersey’s maritime ties.

Ocean County Historical Society

Located in the Elizabeth Sculthorp Force House, “Visitors can be transported back to how home life was like during the Victorian Era,” said Latshaw. Each room within the home showcases different aspects of life in Ocean County since the dawn of time, such as toys, kitchens, the county’s full history dating to the Lenape people, the industries that made their mark on the county, and visitors can conduct research and look into genealogy at the research center.

Vintage Automobile Museum of New Jersey

Take a drive down memory lane at Point Pleasant’s only museum dedicated to vintage cars. Admission is free, and the museum brings in new vehicles every two to three months, so visitors can come back time and time again to learn about different eras in automobile history.

Island Beach State Park

Town Spotlight

Spotlight On LONG BEACH ISLAND

BY ERIN McFEETERS

Deep through the pines, traveling Route 539 and over The Causeway, is one of New Jersey’s barrier islands, chock full of more small businesses, eclectic homes, and stories of summers down the shore than one could fathom. Long Beach Island, LBI to most, isn’t like other Jersey Shore towns. There’s no boardwalk, chain establishments are few and far between, and in some spots, there are only a few steps between the bay and the ocean’s sea foam.

While most lump LBI’s 18-mile stretch into one big town, it’s made up of six municipalities, and even more communities and neighborhoods known mainly to those who live or visit them year after year. You have spectacular Old Barney views in Barnegat Light, mailboxes that catch your eye in Loveladies, Peahala Park remembered by the old water tower you could spot from the beach, Spray Beach’s quaint neighborhood feel, and at least eight towns with Beach Haven included in its name, but who’s counting?

It’s a place where residents still place ads in the local paper to advertise their yard sales, there’s a Facebook page dedicated to helping each other find their lost deliveries, and the host at your favorite pancake place knows you by name.

“Here you have to learn how to ride a bike, build a drip castle, and figure out how to have your own fun in the sand and in the water safely,” said Fee.

Long Beach Island

“Find the joy in your first lick of ice cream, find the joy in your toes in the sand, and not seek out things like a big boardwalk…If you want to relax, the place in time is now, and it’s on LBI, because there’s no place like this.”

Long Beach Island

The LBI draw began early. Inhabitants and visitors, mostly men at that time, came to hunt and fish, but soon enough, the families wanted in on this little slice of the Jersey Shore; thus, they built more elaborate accommodations. Soon after, they started building cottages and more permanent residences, according to Fee.

Some of the original cottages remain, but over time, the island has transitioned into what it is today. A big factor? Superstorms like the 1962 Nor’easter and Hurricane Sandy in 2012 wreaked havoc on the island. Rebuilding takes time, but to preserve the history and LBI-feel everyone loves, municipalities have tight regulations in place to prevent tall buildings and expansive development, while some municipalities even have preservation commissions to preserve designated historical areas.

Other areas, such as Barnegat Light State Park and parts of the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, are undeveloped protected lands that serve as critical habitats for wildlife. The Holgate Wilderness Area of the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge closes for visitors during the spring and summer seasons to protect the many beach-nesting and migratory birds that call LBI home. Also in Holgate: The best seashell and

sea glass hunting on the island.

“LBI is probably one of the most beautiful places on the Jersey Shore,” said Fee.

Year-round, Long Beach Island is home to approximately 10,000 residents, but in the summer months, it’s estimated there could be upwards of 100,000 people on the 18-mile island.

“You could walk it from one end to the other and never be disappointed by what you’re looking at,” said Fee. “18 miles is a nice, long hike, but you would probably get lost in everything you’re seeing. You would never realize you’re walking 18 miles, it’s just stunning that way.”

Beyond the beach, LBI is known for its unique restaurants with some being on the island since the early days like Kubel’s or the Porthole, the ice cream from Skipper Dipper and Dairy King, the unique attractions such as the Long Beach Island Historical Museum and the Surflight Theatre, iconic clam chowder from Country Kettle and Stefanos, and its unique places to explore like Viking Village and Schooner’s Wharf.

“It’s what’s most pure about the island. It’s that experience. Toes in the sand, the sun on the shoulders, salt in you know, every other place,” said Fee. “That’s the call of LBI in my humble, humble opinion.”

MUNICIPALITIES & NEIGHBORHOODS on Long Beach Island

Barnegat Light

Long Beach Township

• Bay Vista

• Beach Haven Crest

• Beach Haven Gardens

• Beach Haven Heights

• Beach Haven Inlet

• Beach Haven Park

• Beach Haven Terrace

• Brant Beach

• Brighton Beach

• Haven Beach

• High Bar Harbor

• Holgate

• Loveladies

• North Beach

• North Beach Haven

• Peahala Park

• Silver Sands

• Spray Beach

• The Dunes

Harvey Cedars

Surf City

Ship Bottom

Beach Haven

Local Summer BUCKET LIST

Explore the Long Beach Island Historical Museum

Go on the Ferris Wheel at Fantasy Island at Sunset Climb Old Barney

Have Peach Pancakes at Uncle Will’s

Buy Fresh Seafood from Viking Village

Get Up in Time for the Sunrise Over the Ocean

Try a Poptart from The Local

Have a Salty Dog Coffee on the Rooftop at Guapos

Order the Wipeout Flight at Ship Bottom Brewery

Go to Daqs on the Deck at Bird & Betty’s

Read the Sandpaper

Hunt for Seaglass in Holgate

Find the Mickey Mouse Mailbox in Loveladies

Eat Outside at Wally’s

Go to Mustache Bill’s for Lunch

Topics to Write About this Season

BY JULIA VENTRONE

Writing is a powerful tool for Realtors® to market themselves. As the summer season comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to try something new in your marketing strategy. “From a business standpoint, blogging helps you get the attention of potential clients and also informs and educates them, positioning you as an authority in your niche,” according to a Realty Times article on “6 Reasons Real Estate Agents Should Be Blogging.” Whether it’s seasonal design tips or advising your potential leads, connect with your audience through these 14 blog post ideas that will help educate your clients in the coming months.

HOUSING MARKET

August Housing Market Data

As a member, you get access to the latest NJ Realtors® statewide, county, and municipal housing market data reports. Write about your town’s housing market and how it compares to your county and state. If you specialize in adult-community sectors or the townhousecondo market, we’ve got data for it all. From new listings to median sales price, there is plenty to dissect and discuss in a new blog.

October Mortgage Rates

As of Oct. 2, the 30year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.34% and remains below the 52week average of 6.71%, according to Freddie Mac. Recommend your trusted mortgage brokers in a blog that explains current rates and what clients can expect when working with a lender.

Buying or Selling a Home Before the Holidays

According to Zillow, the most common time to buy a home is around late spring or early summer. But the late fall or early winter can yield some unexpected advantages for both sides, like eager sellers and less competition for buyers, and a less crowded pool for sellers to stand out. Discuss the pros of buying or selling a home during the colder months to get your client excited for the possibilities to come.

DESIGN TIPS

2026 Home Design Trend Predictions

Keeping up with home design trends can yield higher pay-outs when you go to sell your home. Use your expertise to write about popular home design trends you expect to stick around and which will fall by the wayside. Take notes of what clients are gravitating toward now versus a few years ago. According to Schaefer Homes, trends sticking around include biophilic designs, accent walls, and ambient lighting.

Fall Safety Tips for Homeowners

Write up a list of home wellness projects before it’s officially winter. You could cover the importance of cleaning out gutters before the first snow, repairing uneven walkways or railings to prevent a fall when they are covered in ice, and testing smoke and fire detectors to safely light as many candles as you like all winter long.

Hosting the Perfect Holiday Gathering in Your Home

Get your audience ready for the holiday season by sharing tips for hosting a holiday gathering in their new home. From optimizing space to the perfect table scape with some design elements, these ideas can get potential clients excited to move into their new space and give them something to look forward to after closing.

Seasonal Staging —Tricks and Treats

Staging your home to match the season can have a lasting impact on a potential buyer. For autumn, recommend embracing the cozy atmosphere when staging their home with a fall-scented candle, plenty of pillows and throw blankets, colorful leaves, pumpkins, acorns, and more. At the same time, caution them against the staging pitfall of going overboard, as this could distract from the property.

NAVIGATING THE PROCESS

How I Work For You

As a Realtor®, express how many different hats you wear for your clients. From assessing your clients’ credit to negotiating on their behalf and ultimately guiding them into the right home, the more they know about what you do, the higher the chance they will trust you. Whether you are a listing or a buyer’s agent, expressing your skillset is what you do regularly; just put pen to paper this time around.

Step-By-Step Process

Working with a first-time buyer? Write about the journey and educate them on the homebuying process. From start to finish, what does this look like for them? Keep in mind you’ve been through the process over and over again, and they are looking to learn. This can help build an immense amount of trust because at the end of the day, Realtors® are there to help.

Understanding Types of Agents

More often than not, consumers will not know the difference between types of agents and what to look for in their Realtor®. In a blog, break down the difference between a buyer’s agent and a seller’s agent, a dual agent, and designated agency.

LOCAL LIFESTYLE

Explore Your Town

As a Realtor®, no one knows your town quite like you. “Blogging is a great way to share knowledge, spotlight what makes your community special, and trumpet any good news you have to share,” according to an article in The Title Resource Network, sharing reasons a real estate blog can help you stand out. From the backroads to the best spots, give your audience a comprehensive list of your favorites in town. If they are going to take advice about their future home, they will probably take advice on the best take-out.

Halloween Town Events

Spooky season is here! From pumpkin decorating to haunted attractions, let your clients in on all the Halloween happenings in your area. Head to your town or county’s website to discover events happening in your area this fall.

Pumpkin Patches & Apple Orchards in Your Area

They don’t call us the Garden State for nothing. Share your favorite farms and orchards with your clients moving to the area. All members of the family can create lasting memories in their new corner of the world.

Thanksgiving Town Events

Help clients get into the holiday spirit by sharing local Thanksgiving events. From turkey trots to seasonal festivals, point them toward activities that make your town feel like home.

Distinguishing Yourself

The market is tight, and differentiation is essential, but it doesn’t mean you need to compete in the digital marketing arms race. With Realtors® under so much pressure to post, presence on social media has become the norm. Not to mention, creating and sharing content is both time-and labor-intensive. What’s more effective, efficient, and economical is speaking to your specific target market in other ways.

“Top producers don’t try to market themselves to their entire market. If they do, they’ll spread themselves too thin.

Instead, they focus on one small part of the market, like first-time or military buyers, specific types of properties like condos, eco-friendly, or luxury homes, or specific neighborhoods.

Narrow Your Focus

Maybe you’re an expert on Victorian architecture or properties in flood zones. Or you reside in a large development, or you used to work at the largest company in town. Consider what makes you distinct when honing in on your target market. “The more niche you can make yourself, the better off you’ll be,” said Craig Grant, owner, instructor, and coach, The Real Estate Technology Institute.

“Top producers don’t try to market themselves to their entire market. If they do, they’ll spread themselves too thin. Instead, they focus on one small part of the market, like first-time or military buyers, specific types of properties like condos, eco-friendly, or luxury homes, or specific neighborhoods,” said Grant.

Then, make sure your marketing reflects your focus. If you used to work as an engineer, consider integrating blueprints and technical drawings into your website design. If you studied art history, organize a gallery hopping event. To highlight expertise in architectural history, partner with a local historical association and create a historic neighborhood guide.

Leverage Your Brokerage’s Marketing

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to marketing.

“The industry has gone down the path of having agents build their own brand and personality,” said Realtor® Jennifer Darby Metzger, broker, owner, and managing partner at The Agency Rutherford. “But some brokerages don’t provide marketing support. You need both: a brokerage with a strong brand and a Realtor® with personality,” said Metzger. She starts with marketing materials created by her brokerage. Then she adapts them to her market, where the average home is under $1 million. She might, for instance, include an image of a historic home so it’s more applicable to her market specialty.

Partner With Local Businesses

Along with leveraging your brokerage’s brand and marketing assets, collaborate with local businesses and organizations. Metzger posts about new coffee shops and restaurants on social media, helping these businesses benefit from her brokerage’s large network and brand recognition. In return, shops and cafes might offer her brokerage meal coupons or invites to tastings or grand opening events. Metzger and her team can then extend these perks to their clients, which helps nurture relationships. Plus, by sharing information about local spots, Metzger’s team reinforces its reputation as community experts.

From the Crowd

Invest in Simple and Recognizable Branding

With so many Realtors® turning to Canva and AI tools for quick marketing materials, it’s easy to blend in. That’s why investing in original, consistent branding is key to standing out. The good news: unique logos and templates don’t have to break the bank. Consider working with a freelance designer through platforms like Etsy or Fiverr, or start with lesser-used Canva templates and customize them. Tools such as Coolors and MyFonts can also help you refine your color palette and font choices, ensuring your brand looks polished and professional.

Think Like a Local Reporter

“Data storytelling separates the memorable agents from the forgettable ones,” said Nicole Farber, CEO, ENX2 Marketing, whose company has worked with attorneys transitioning into real estate. “Become the definitive voice for one specific aspect of your market that others ignore, like flood zone expertise, historical home renovations, or investment property cash flow analysis. Create content that positions you as the neighborhood historian and market predictor.”

One of her clients, an employment lawyer-turned-Realtor®, wrote detailed posts about zoning changes and their impact on property values. “She became the go-to person when homeowners wanted to understand what new developments meant for their investment,” said Farber.

Rather than sharing generic market reports, another Realtor® created and distributed infographics featuring ‘your block versus the town’ comparisons, Farber said. She has also seen agents produce mini-documentaries about neighborhood changes. “This content gets shared organically because it’s genuinely interesting, not just sales material,” said Farber.

BY DINA CHENEY

…Or a Magazine Editor

Try to position yourself as a local lifestyle curator, said Rebecca Falzano, principal and content and creative director at Vernacular Agency, a division of Helm Digital. “We helped one Realtor® launch a monthly neighborhood spotlight featuring local businesses, hidden gems, and seasonal activities, designed with the same visual quality as shelter magazines,” said Falzano. “Her listings started receiving 60% more inquiries because buyers saw her as the expert on living in the area, not just selling it.”

Falzano recommends hiring a professional photographer and asking them to take “lifestyle” shots of you, rather than headshots. These images should capture you in action in your community, chatting with neighbors, strolling down the main street, or picking up a coffee.

Go Old School

These days, most of us receive more spam on our phones and in our email than in our actual real-world mailboxes. With the deluge of digital content, screen fatigue can set

“Falzano recommends hiring a professional photographer and asking them to take “lifestyle” shots of you, rather than headshots. These images should capture you in action in your community, chatting with neighbors, strolling down the main street, or picking up a coffee.

in—and print can stand out. “We found print still works for a certain demographic,” said Metzger, who said her brokerage runs both digital and print campaigns to reach the broadest audience. That means social media, plus billboards, postcards, and ads in the local newspaper.

Give Back To Your Community

Try to become known for doing good in your area. The Michael Martinetti Group, with offices in Scotch Plains and Westfield, sponsors an annual college scholarship for a local high school senior and holds annual “Santa” and teacher drives. For the former, parents and guardians submit their children’s wish lists. The team responds with hand-written letters from “Santa” and hand-delivered gifts. During the teacher drive, they ask teachers statewide to submit school supply wish lists. Then they purchase many of these items.

Another strategy is distributing branded swag at large celebratory events in your community. The Sudell Team, in Avalon, captains the final boat of the town’s annual Independence Day boat parade,

throwing out more than 5,000 custom T-shirts to spectators lining the bay. During this past year’s high school graduation, when it was more than 100 degrees, Metzger’s team donated 100 branded fans.

Or give back in a smaller way. Recently, one of Martinetti’s agents went door-knocking in the neighborhood of one of their listings. He brought all the supplies for lemonade, including lemons and custom cups. In the process, he gained six potential new clients, said team leader, Realtor® Michael Martinetti.

Be Consistent

You’ve heard this advice before, but it’s commonly shared for a reason: it works. “ROI is rooted in recurring, sustainable visibility and traffic, the kind of brand awareness that builds steadily over time,” said Metzger. “Consistency creates the ROI, not the one-off new shiny thing you do.”

So, even if you execute a one-time out-of-the-box marketing campaign, don’t neglect regular marketing outreach.

THE POWER OF REPURPOSING: MAXIMIZE YOUR CONTENT’S LIFESPAN

BY LAUREN MELVILLE

Content doesn’t have to be one-and-done. Whether it’s long-form or short-form, every piece you create can be adapted for different platforms and formats. Repurposing content isn’t the same as simply reposting—it’s about taking the core idea and reshaping it to fit the audience, tone, and style of each channel. At New Jersey Realtors®, for example, magazine articles and blog posts are often transformed into social media content to extend their reach. As a Realtor®, you can apply the same strategy— repurposing your content to maximize impact, save time, and streamline your business workflow.

WHY REPURPOSE CONTENT?

Everyone has a busy schedule: sales deadlines, client meetings, open houses in different towns, those important closings, oh, and don’t forget your social media pages. Save your precious time and rework the content you already created. It’s more efficient to use your time making small tweaks to already existing content than brainstorming new ideas.

Rewriting and reformatting content on new platforms allows for new audiences to find your content they may not have seen the first time the content was posted. Don’t stick to one platform to post your repurposed content. According to Grad Girl Marketing, a global digital community for marketers with over 200K LinkedIn followers, “Every platform has its own audience behavior, and tailoring your content makes sure it actually fits in. What takes off on TikTok won’t land the same on LinkedIn, so adjusting your approach is key if you want people to really connect with it.” Utilizing different platforms allows you to target specific audiences found on each platform.

HOW TO START REPURPOSING

Start by identifying the highest-performing content on your platforms. Choosing which content to repurpose is important. Ask yourself, “What resonated with my audience?” Take a look at engagement levels, for example, what post on Instagram has the highest amount of likes or the highest amount of shares. The high-performing content would be the one to choose when thinking about repurposing content.

WHAT TYPES OF CONTENT CAN BE REPURPOSED

No type of content is off limits. All types of content can be reformatted or rewritten to match the tone of each social media platform. Do you have old informational blog posts sitting at the bottom of your website? Or need to promote a new listing? Have timely statistics you want to share? These

are perfect examples of content that can be repurposed.

TAILORING YOUR CONTENT

For successful repurposed content, you’ll need to tailor your content for each social media platform. For example, you want to repurpose your lengthy blog post so you have multiple social media posts for your Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube pages.

According to Amanda Kehoe, a creative marketing strategist and former adjunct professor at Quinnipiac University, “When repurposing content across social media, tailoring it to each platform’s audience is key to making sure it resonates.”

For Facebook, cut down the word count and highlight the most important piece of information you want to share, adjust the language to a more casual tone fitted for social media, and add an attention-grabbing image. For X, you’ll need a strong opening sentence, according to Buffer.com. For LinkedIn, the content should be more structured here than on any other social media platform, and the tone should be more formal.

“Adapting tone, format, and messaging helps maximize engagement and extend the life of your content,” said Kehoe. For Instagram, it’s all about the image. Whether you post a single image or a well-used carousel. In recent years, Instagram introduced Reels. Similar to TikTok, Reels allows you to post shareable short-form video content that relates to your business or previous posts, ideal for content repurposing.

Other examples of repurposed content can look like turning a long-form listing video into short clips highlighting unique features posted on Instagram Reels or TikTok, turning weekly newsletter content into short snapshot posts on Facebook, and reformatting longer videos into blog posts.

Repurposing your content is meant to simplify your business practices, not complicate them. Instead of stressing over new ideas, make the most of what you already have.

HOW NJ REALTORS® REPURPOSES CONTENT

While New Jersey Realtors® creates relevant and consistent content, we are no strangers to repurposing content. Articles from our past magazine issues are turned into multiple different social media feed posts, blog posts, and highlighted in weekly newsletters.

WAYS NJ REALTORS® REPURPOSES CONTENT:

“Picturesque Passaic County,” article written for the Summer edition of New Jersey Realtor® Magazine.

Wrote a blog post from article content, published on our consumer-facing site, consumer.njrealtor.com.

Published three different posts on social media from article content:

#1 “Picturesque Passaic County” This post is solely images featured in the article in carousel style, posted on Instagram and Facebook, and highlighting the magazine article in the caption.

#2 “3 Ways to Explore Passaic County” Still utilizing the popular carousel style on Instagram and Facebook, this post also features images from the article but includes small lists of downtowns to explore, different state and national parks to visit, and popular ice cream places on the local scene. With the call to action in the caption to read more about Passaic County, we are guiding the reader to visit our previously made blog post.

#3 LinkedIn Article Share: As LinkedIn is more business and less image-focused, we paraphrased our article with a call to action, with a link to continue to read the entire article. For some visual appeal, we included an image that was also featured in the article.

Highlighted as the feature story in one of our weekly e-newsletters, New Jersey Realtors® Weekly, to lead people to read the article, feature New Jersey Realtor® Magazine, and use it as another piece of content for the newsletter that week.

How to Write Eye-Grabbing Descriptions & Take Effective Photos that Sell

BY LEE NELSON

Awe-dropping, catchy adjectives. Amazing, inspired verbs. Perfect, brilliant sentences. That’s what Realtors® have to create in their listing descriptions every time to catch the attention of potential buyers. It takes time, creativity, and patience, even now, with the help of Artificial Intelligence.

Back in 2003, when Realtor® Darlene Fiore started her career in real estate, she would spend hours, sometimes eight to 10 hours, writing a single listing.

“I’d research the town, neighborhoods, and local amenities,” said Fiore, Realtor® sales associate with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach in Turnersville. “I would go as far as actually going through the other listings that had sold in my area, and I’d take bits and pieces from those to put in a Word document. It was tough to make it flow.”

With years of experience, she grasps what captures people’s eyes, and with the use of AI over the last few years and adding great photos and videos, things go smoother and faster for her. Yet, Realtors® like Fiore still have to construct an attentiongetting listing that doesn’t sound like a robot composed it.

“I just always want to capture the lifestyle that someone could live in that home, and now I understand what things stand out in neighborhoods. I know what buyers are looking for, and that all makes writing easier,” said Fiore, who is also a certified stager.

ABCs of Crafting Better Listings

Simon Vassalo became a Realtor® at 18 years old and now, at 26, serves as broker-manager of 42 agents and founder of Elevate, powered by Coldwell Banker Realty in Sparta.

With a creative mind, writing listings wasn’t as hard as it is for some. He also learned quickly that the most important thing he could do to get an accurate, but great storytelling description is by asking the seller a lot of questions about their home.

“I ask them to tell everything they know about the house and what they have done in the home to improve it,” said Vassalo. “I ask them to tell me everything, bit by bit, like if they replaced woodwork or knocked down walls.”

That helps him dissect all the distinctive, new, and unique things in the home. He pinpoints in his descriptions such things as when the roof was redone, what HVAC equipment has been replaced, when the pool was built, and what items in the house are customized, such as the cabinets or molding. Buyers want to know they won’t have to replace expensive items in the near future.

“You focus on what’s unique about that property as you write it and highlight what might attract more buyers,” said Vassalo.

One of Vassalo’s recent descriptions portrays a dream home with a relaxed but fun lifestyle built right in. “Welcome to this beautifully maintained and spacious split-level home located in the highly desirable Pleasant Valley Lake community. Fully renovated from top to bottom in 2021, this move-in-ready gem offers an open floor plan with a custom kitchen, featuring stainless steel appliances, new quartz countertops, and sleek cabinetry. Gorgeous hardwood flooring runs throughout the main living areas, complemented by a finished basement with brand new carpeting, perfect for additional living space, a home office, or media room. As part of the Pleasant Valley Lake community, you’ll enjoy exclusive lake privileges, boating, fishing, a playground, and a clubhouse embracing a lifestyle of leisure and recreation. There’s truly nothing left to do but move right in and start living your dream.”

Fiore feels the hardest places to sell are those with a distinct smell, such as cigarettes or animals. Sometimes, all you can do is ask the seller to rip out carpets, do a deep clean, get rid of all the furniture, and paint and prime everything. Also, if someone struggles with clutter and is not willing or can’t do it themselves, you have to mention the great location and great bones of the home.

Perfecting Pictures

Dmytro Flisak has worked in photography since 2008, but has specialized in real estate for five years. He offers agents video services as well as interior walkthroughs, aerial drone footage, and cinematic highlight videos.

“When I first started shooting for Realtors®, most were looking for clean, well-lit photos that showed the whole space clearly,” said Flisak, owner of DF Photography LLC in Cliffside. “What I quickly noticed was that many listings missed capturing the property’s unique features and the feeling of the space—things like natural light, flow between rooms, and key details that help buyers connect.”

“You can get creative but also be honest. You can help buyers envision the potential and maybe highlight natural lighting coming through windows,” said Fiore.

So, he focused on highlighting those elements to make the photos more engaging and effective.

Flisak suggests some of the most important elements to include when photographing a home or business:

• Good, natural lighting to make spaces feel bright and inviting.

• Clear, uncluttered views that show the layout and flow.

• Key features like fireplaces, unique architectural details, and upgraded finishes.

• Wide-angle shots to capture entire rooms.

• Exterior shots that highlight curb appeal and surroundings.

• Consistent style and exposure across all photos to create a cohesive gallery.

• Close-ups of unique finishes or standout features that add value.

Fiore believes since the pandemic, people are looking for a home office, open concepts in the kitchen and living areas, plus a quiet place to do their own thing, such as a separate den, sun room, or family room.

By highlighting those spaces with living scenarios, it catches people’s own imaginations about their life while living in this home.

“You can get creative but also be honest. You can help buyers envision the potential and maybe highlight natural lighting coming through windows,” said Fiore.

When people search for their dream home, they usually want to see photos of key rooms such as the kitchen, bathrooms, primary bedroom, and living room, said Flisak.

“Curb appeal is crucial with well-maintained landscaping, front entrance, backyard space, patios, and any standout features like pools or gardens,” said Flisak. “Realtors® should know that first impressions matter, and high-quality visuals are key. Most importantly, every shot should focus on what makes the home unique and desirable.”

Social Media Strategies that Actually Work

BY ERIN McFEETERS

We often talk about social media algorithms as if they’re living, breathing organisms. While not alive, these algorithms are constantly shifting and deciding in real time which posts, videos, and stories to put in front of users. If you’re unfamiliar with how they work, think of them as filters that match content to people based on past behavior and preferences. Their ultimate goal? To keep you scrolling as long as possible, serving up content you’ll likely engage with—so the platform can, in turn, serve you more ads and generate more revenue.

Understanding how algorithms operate can help you optimize your content, grow your audience, and connect with other users with similar interests.

According to Sprout Social, a content scheduling and analytics tool, “Understanding how social media algorithms work is like unraveling the intricate threads that govern the digital tapestry of user experiences,” said Dorcas Adisa in a Sprout

AT NEW JERSEY REALTORS ®

Social blog post. “These algorithms, like invisible guides, determine the content on our feeds.”

At New Jersey Realtors®, we’ve seen tremendous growth on Instagram over the past five years— starting from 0 followers to our current 14.6K followers. It wasn’t until we began researching the algorithm and testing out different strategies that we began to grow and see the potential reach of our content. But it’s not an exact science.

“For marketers, keeping up with the Instagram algorithm is a lot like chasing Moby Dick: It feels ever-moving, and ever-elusive,” said said Adisa in a Sprout Social blog post.

Here are five strategies we’ve adopted at New Jersey Realtors® to enhance our content, reach a broader audience on Instagram, and maximize overall engagement.

FIND YOUR NICHE

Think big, but not too big, and think small, but not too small. Confusing, right? It would be impossible to come up with the perfect niche overnight. You want to reach more users, but at the same time, grow a community that cares about what you’re posting? Our solution: Test different content types and track post performance to see what resonates with your audience. A New Jersey-based real estate trade association was too small, the real estate industry was too big, so we landed somewhere in the middle to become the Instagram account we are today. We post everything from how long homes are on the market in the Garden State to the best pancakes in New Jersey.

PROVIDE VALUE

In today’s social media age, posting a few photos isn’t enough. With every post, you must provide value to your audience. While you’re creating content, ask yourself: “What is the goal of this post? Am I educating my audience? Am I entertaining my audience?” If it’s neither, it’s unlikely the post will resonate with your audience. If you’re announcing a new listing, think beyond listing photos and instead share local businesses nearby, housing market data for the town where the home is located, or details about the property itself. Turn your photo post into content packed with invaluable information applicable to a wide audience.

UNDERSTANDING HOW ALGORITHMS OPERATE CAN HELP YOU OPTIMIZE YOUR CONTENT, GROW YOUR AUDIENCE, AND CONNECT WITH OTHER USERS WITH SIMILAR INTERESTS.

POST CONSISTENTLY

To grow on social media, you must post regularly. The once-a-month “Home Sold” post will not cut it in today’s social age. Create a post-per-week goal for yourself that is attainable for your business and stick to it. Not only will you discover what type of content performs best, but your followers will begin to expect to hear from you.

ENGAGE WITH YOUR AUDIENCE

Social media is a two-way street—don’t post and ghost. Spend time scrolling the platform and engaging with your followers and people you follow to grow your channel. Take it a step further and visit the Instagram Explore Page to search keywords related to your niche. You’ll find other accounts within your field with similar interests.

STAY UP TO DATE ON SOCIAL MEDIA NEWS

The algorithms at Meta and beyond are everdeveloping. Subscribe to marketing and social media email newsletters to keep up with what’s new in social. Try Social Media Today, the Daily Carnage, Hey Orca, Later, and Sprout Social. These marketing newsletters frequently cover new social app features, required image sizes, trending audio recommendations, and more. By keeping up with what’s new in social media, you’ll learn how to leverage all social media special features, implement a strategy that works for you, and ultimately grow a channel with a strong community.

Meet the Speakers of Realtors ® Triple Play 2025

HARRISON BEACHER

Managing PartnerCoalition Properties Group

As a member of a topproducing real estate team serving the DC metro area, Harrison works to strengthen his personal and professional mission by being the bridge for all things real estate, lifestyle, and wealth building.

Nationally recognized as a leader, Harrison was selected for Realtor® Magazine’s 30 Under 20 Class of 2016 and named an inaugural Fair Housing Champion by the National Association of Realtors® in 2022.

SESSIONS:

TUESDAY, DEC. 9

9–10 a.m.

Navigating the New Real Estate Landscape

2–5 p.m.

Embracing Diversity: Steps Realtors® Can Take to Form a More Inclusive Business

DEBRA BETOLATTI Broker

and Instructor

As a seasoned broker and licensed instructor since 1994, Debra stands out for her real estate education and sales experience. The motivation and support she brings is invaluable to her programs.

SESSIONS:

MONDAY, DEC. 8

1–4 p.m. Culture Fusion

TUESDAY, DEC. 9

9 a.m.–12 p.m. Culture Fusion

1–2 p.m.

Failing Forward: Embrace, Evolve, Excel

GARRY CREATH

Founder of The Paperless Agent

As the Founder of The Paperless Agent, Garry equips agents with modern marketing strategies and cutting-edge technology to grow profitable businesses. Recognized as a thought leader and proptech pioneer, Garry’s insights have empowered many agents to embrace the digital era and achieve lasting success.

SESSIONS:

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 10

1:30–2:30 p.m.

Endless Pipeline: Proven Marketing Strategies to Consistently Generate Real Estate Leads, Clients, and Deals

3:30–4:30 p.m.

Unstoppable: Mastering Perseverance and Resilience for Real Estate Success

JOHNSON CEO +

Visionary

Brandon Johnson is a high-energy and engaging speaker. He has a passion for introducing Realtors® to the best apps to use, smart home technology, and how to utilize social media and video to connect with clients.

SESSIONS:

TUESDAY, DEC. 9

11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Game On! Lessons on Real Estate from Games with My 5-Year-Old

2:30–5:30 p.m. Five Layers of Sphere Building

Schedule is subject to change. Visit realtorstripleplay.com for the most up-to-date schedule.

KAYLA JOHNSON

Real Estate Training Specialist

Kayla Johnson has nearly ten years of experience designing innovative programs and accountability systems that elevate agent performance and client service. As the founder of STATEMENT, a platform for education and speaking, Kayla blends expertise with advocacy to create sustainable pathways to homeownership.

SESSIONS:

TUESDAY, DEC. 9

1–2 p.m.

Exploring Multigenerational Housing: A Comprehensive Perspective

2:30–3:30 p.m.

Transitioning from Renter to Homeowner

NATE JOHNSON

Realtor® and Educator

Nate Johnson is a Realtor® and educator known for engaging presentations.

He’s an instructor for the NAR CRD and has been developing courses and educating Realtors® for over a decade. Nate brings fresh energy to topics such as fair housing, smart growth and sustainability, leadership and professional development. He’s also an instructor for the RRC, teaching CRS courses. Nate served as President for St. Louis & Missouri Realtors®, and served on the NAR Leadership Team as 2024 Vice President of Advocacy.

SESSIONS:

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 10

9 a.m.–12 p.m.

Big Tent Diversity & Fair Housing

2–5 p.m.

At the Corner of Smart Growth and Sustainability

TYLER MOUNT

CEO, Henry Street Creative

Serving as a consultant to nearly 1,000 agents spanning over 14 countries, Tyler is an expert in real estate branding and marketing. His nontraditional, direct approach empowers agents and business owners to take control of their businesses and build empires.

SESSIONS:

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 10 9:30–10 a.m.

The Power of Effin Up: Loss, Resiliency, and the Art of Radical Authenticity

11–11:30 a.m.

Harnessing the Networking Power of LinkedIn to Supercharge Your Lead Generation

ZOLA SZERENCSES

Broker and Trainer

Zola Szerencses is a globally recognized real estate educator, consultant and leader with over two decades of experience serving both U.S. and international markets. Based in Orlando, he has built a thriving practice while coaching agents, brokerages, and associations for maximum success. Zola teaches numerous NAR and REBI designation courses, leads strategic planning and consults worldwide on global business development.

SESSIONS: WEDNESDAY, DEC. 10 9–11 a.m.

Working with International Clients

2:30–3:30 p.m.

Beyond the Local Market

Schedule is subject to change. Visit realtorstripleplay.com for the most up-to-date schedule.

DECEMBER 8-11, 2025 | ATLANTIC CITY, NJ

Sessions to Stay Ahead of the Curve

08 MON

12–1p.m. SHOW ME THE MONEY: AGENT FINANCIALS

Bobbi Howe, Realtor®

Understand where your money comes from and what happens to it from the time you receive it and when you get to keep it. Learn to plan your income and expenses in a way that will take you from yawn to yay.

2–3 p.m. WHAT’S NEXT: MANAGING IN A RAPIDLY CHANGING MARKET

Robert Morris, International Speaker, Certified Trainer & Consultant

Examine what the real estate industry might look like in the future, review resources available to brokers and agents to help thrive in this new environment, and introduce real estate institutes and societies that provide valuable, timely, and relevant information available to you.

09 TUE

11 a.m.–12 p.m. FROM OVERWHELMED TO ORGANIZED

Katie Lance, CEO of Katie Lance Consulting

Learn how to plan an entire year of content around one big idea a month, how to batch and repurpose content like a pro, and see results while minimizing stress.

1:30–2:30 p.m. MAGNETIC LISTING MASTERY

Chris Abazis, Speaker, Coach, and Entrepreneur

Learn how to generate enticing content and utilize innovative technology, such as ChatGPT and various AI tools, to obtain high-caliber leads. This session will help you strategically identify your perfect clients, expand your email list, and develop compelling offers that sellers find impossible to turn down.

10 WED

10 a.m - 12 p.m. DATA SECURITY

Trista Curzydlo

In 2020, real estate professionals showcased agility, flexibility, and adaptability in response to the pandemic’s challenges. They swiftly adjusted to new regulations, leveraging remote work technologies while prioritizing data security. This session evaluates safety measures in popular apps and platforms, offering best practices for data protection.

11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. REEL ESTATE: WINNING CLIENTS WITH SHORT FORM VIDEO MARKETING

Jeremias Maneiro, Chief Edutainment Officer, Realtor®

Learn the essentials for producing short-form videos to attract clients and expand your digital reach on Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. You’ll gain stepby-step instructions on content creation, editing strategies, and ways to repurpose longer videos.

10 WED

3:30–4:30 p.m. CRAFT YOUR WINNING VALUE PROPOSITION WITH AI: ATTRACT TODAY’S CONSUMERS AND TURN THEM INTO CLIENTS FOR LIFE

Amy Chorew, President, Curated Learning

Craft and communicate a value proposition that resonates with the modern consumer using AI tools, and learn how to answer the pivotal question every client has, such as “Why should I work with you?”

11

THUR

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. ECONOMICS AND REAL ESTATE

Melanie McLane

What’s the Fed got to do with it? Lots! Economic forces impact real estate in many ways. We’ll discuss the history of economic trends and housing in the United States and give students the tools necessary to look at economic trends in order to be prepared for their effect on the housing market. This course is designed to help Realtors® and appraisers put economic trends in perspective within their market.

MUST-SEE SESSIONS AT TRIPLE PLAY 2025

BY WILLIAM THOMPSON NJ REALTORS® DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY

TRIPLE PLAY REALTOR® CONVENTION & TRADE EXPO

returns to Atlantic City December 8-11, and the tech track is stacked with sessions you can put to work right away. Here are the five standout sessions I’m circling for practical, real-world tactics to save you time, generate leads, and move you to the closing table. Learn more and register at realtorstripleplay.com.

AI, Canva and ChatGPT

Katie Lance

Tuesday, Dec. 9 9-10 a.m.

Katie Lance, CEO and founder of Katie Lance Consulting, a speaker, business coach, and author of #GetSocialSmart, brings 15 years of marketing experience to share practical, low-effort strategies that free you up for clients and closing. Expect a hands-on tour of Canva’s latest AI tools paired with ChatGPT to generate graphics, draft captions, and build a content rhythm that you can actually keep. If your current process swings between “overthink” and “last-minute scramble,” this one will calm the chaos.

Let’s Get Social—Authentic Social Media Strategies That Will Turn Likes into Listings

Billie Parrott

Tuesday, Dec. 9 2-4 p.m.

Since 2009, Montana agent Billie Parrott has built a reputation for approachable, ethical, everyday social media that still converts. This session zeroes in on building a sustainable content process that fits your authentic brand, choosing the right tools, and turning engagement into real conversations and contracts without feeling like you’re “performing” online.

Own the Market: Niche & Video

Chris Abazis

Tuesday, Dec. 9

11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Digital Avatars: Personalizing Real Estate Client Experiences

Jeremias Maneiro

Wednesday, Dec. 10 9-10:30 a.m.

JMan is a high-energy “edutainer” whose sessions are fun, fast-paced, and practical. In this session, he’ll demonstrate how a lifelike virtual persona can strengthen connections and build trust, from initial engagement to follow-up, enabling you to personalize interactions without losing the human element. You’ll leave ready and prepared to implement this technology to establish meaningful online interactions and set yourself apart.

A “Top 20 Under 40” honoree and brokerage leader, Chris has trained and developed more than 1,000 agents, bringing an operator’s lens to help you carve out a niche and dominate it with easy-to-follow video marketing. You’ll walk away with a clear framework, a realistic plan, and actionable strategies to help you stand out in a crowded market.

Future Agent: AI Leveraged & Automated for Success

Ifoma Pierre

Wednesday, Dec. 10 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Founder of Maximizers Elite and a 2023 John Maxwell Stage Time Event winner, Ifoma focuses on AI that drives results. In this session, he’ll share the “Mother Prompt,” an AI blueprint you can use to uncover sellers, create compelling ads, streamline emails, and draft social media content with ease. Schedule

Congratulations to the Winners of This Year’s Fair Housing Art Contest

FIRST PLACE:

Ages 6-10: Zoe T.

Ages 11-14: Leyla M.

Ages 15-18: Ella W.

SECOND PLACE:

Ages 6-10: Ava-Lynn J.

Ages 11-14: Casey K.

THIRD PLACE:

Ages 6-10: George D.

Ages 15-18: Gabriella F.

11-14:

Ages 15-18: Cara

TMeet the Potential Decision Maker YOUR GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES

he two leading candidates for New Jersey governor— Jack Ciattarelli and Mikie Sherrill—addressed more than 300 New Jersey Realtors® and builders at a candidate forum. The event provided members the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates on their plans to address New Jersey’s pressing affordability and housing challenges.

Both candidates addressed the audience and then took part in a question-and-answer session.

Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli emphasized his commitment to reducing the tax and regulatory burden on New Jersey families and businesses.

“From day one this campaign has been talking about how New Jersey needs to be more affordable. The American dream of homeownership is becoming increasingly more difficult in our overtaxed state, and I look forward to my administration rolling back the dangerous tax policy you’ve seen for the last eight years and removing burdensome regulations that prevent us from addressing the affordability crisis facing our disappearing middle class,” said Ciattarelli.

Democratic nominee Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill underscored the critical role of housing affordability the state’s economy and expanding access to homeownership.

“We can’t make New Jersey more affordable without making housing more affordable. But right now, housing costs are up over 50% in just the past five years—making homeownership inaccessible for so many families. That will change when I’m governor. I’ll

expand first-time homebuyer assistance to increase access to homeownership and generational wealth, end diversions from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund so these funds actually go toward expanding housing options families can afford, and work collaboratively with municipalities to redevelop underutilized properties like office parks and strip malls. I’m committed to working with New Jersey Realtors® and New Jersey Builders to make housing more affordable and accessible for all families, and to creating goodpaying jobs in this sector,” said Sherrill.

As a nonpartisan event, the forum was designed to provide members with direct access to the candidates and their positions on housing, development, and economic policy. Neither organization endorses candidates in the gubernatorial election.

“We were proud to provide an opportunity for our members to be face-to-face with the candidates and hear from them directly on the issues that matter most to our industry and to the future of our state,” said New Jersey Realtors® CEO Doug Tomson.

“We greatly appreciate the candidates took the time to address our respective memberships. While housing supply and affordability are always top of mind for our members, it’s become a crucial issue for New Jerseyans in this election and the candidates each acknowledged the issue and offered specific plans to address the lack of housing supply in our State,” said New Jersey Builders Association CEO Jeff Kolakowski.

MEET THE CANDIDATES

Jack Ciattarelli, the Republican nominee, was born in Somerville and raised in the Borough of Raritan. He earned a degree in accounting from Seton Hall, where he also got his MBA. Jack is a successful entrepreneur and small business owner twice over, having founded two successful Main Street businesses right here in New Jersey.

In the public arena, he has served at every level of government, including the Raritan Borough Council, the Somerset County Freeholder Board, and the State Assembly— each time winning tough races, and then voluntarily term-limiting himself. In 2021, Jack ran for governor and re-energized the state’s Republican Party, defying media predictions and coming within a few points of knocking off the sitting incumbent governor.

Mikie Sherrill , the Democratic nominee, is a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Navy helicopter pilot, former federal prosecutor, wife, and mother of four proudly serving New Jersey in Congress, and is running for governor to make life easier and more affordable for Garden State families.

Following her service in the Navy, Mikie attended and graduated from law school. She worked in private practice and then joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey as an Outreach and Reentry Coordinator and then as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. In her first-ever run for office, she led a grassroots movement and was elected to the U.S. House in 2018 to represent New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. Her campaign—where she drove an entrenched Republican incumbent out of the race—marked the biggest swing from red to blue in the country that year.

S4452

Singleton (D7)

“New Jersey Neighborhood Homes Investment Act”; establishes gross income tax credit for certain residential development

New Jersey Realtors® Position: SUPPORT

We support this bill as it incentivizes additional residential development in New Jersey to create more affordable living opportunities and address housing inventory issues in our state.

Bill History:

5/19/2025 – Introduced in Senate and referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee

A5944

Torrissi (R8), Fantasia (R24)

S4610

Tiver (R8)

“Affordable Home Energy Protection Act”; prohibits adoption of State or local rules that restrict the use of certain fossil-fuel powered appliances or heating systems.

New Jersey Realtors® Position: SUPPORT

We are supporting this bill which the rights of private property owners to use natural gas, propane or fuel oil appliances and heating systems in their homes and businesses.

Bill History:

6/19/2025 – Introduced in Senate and referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee

7/25/2025 – Introduced in Assembly and referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee

A5927

Carter (D22)

S4501

Scutari (D22)

Permits owners, agents, or other persons to elect to contract with private on-site inspection agencies to complete inspections under the construction code; provides for charging of separate inspection fee.

New Jersey Realtors® Position: SUPPORT

We support this bill as it streamlines inspection processes by allowing property owners or agents to hire private inspectors if an inspection cannot be completed within three business days from when it is requested.

Bill History:

5/22/2025 – Introduced in Senate and referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee

6/19/2025 – Transferred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee

6/19/2025 – Reported from Senate Committee, second reading in Senate

7/24/2025 – Introduced in Assembly and referred to Assembly Housing Committee

RPAC OF NEW JERSEY

Fundraising total as of Oct. 8, 2025

$840,442.81

Monmouth Ocean Regional Realtors®

The Monmouth Ocean Regional Realtors® RPAC raised over $10,000 in support of RPAC at their Annual Day at the Races at the Monmouth Park Racetrack.

Cape May County Association of Realtors®

The National Association of Realtors® recognized Christina “Chris” Clemans and Allan “Dutch” Dechert for 40 years of membership and dedicated service in the industry. Both Chris and Dutch held the status of NAR Directors, RPAC Trustees, and service-oriented careers at the state and local levels. Celebrated posthumously, the association celebrated and installed Steven Ahern on the Matthew Iannone Wall of Fame for his decades-long service in the real estate industry.

Mid Jersey Association of Realtors®

The Mid Jersey Association of Realtors® Community Service Committee hosted a blood drive, partnering with New Jersey Blood Services, and a food drive, partnering with REPLENISH, Mercer Street Friends, and The Food Bank Network of Somerset County.

North Central Jersey Association of Realtors®

Members of the North Central Jersey Association of Realtors® donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Union County to ensure underprivileged children receive new school supplies for the upcoming school year. This generous contribution helps students from kindergarten through eighth grade start the year fully prepared for academic success.

Greater Bergen Realtors®

The Greater Bergen Realtors® Community Outreach Committee completed its Backpack Supply Drive, delivering 200 supply-filled backpacks to students supported by CAMP Youth Development Program and Never Alone Again Resource Center. With donations from GBR members, community partners, and sponsors Luminate Bank and Built Right Generators LLC, the initiative helps children start the school year prepared and confident.

The Greater Bergen Realtors® Young Professionals Network and Professional Development Committees hosted its Top Producer Panel: How To Be Successful in Tough Times at Fort Lee’s Barrymore Film Center, for a discussion on succeeding in today’s challenging real estate market. Five top-producing agents—Sean Farley, Henry Song, Merna Testino, Connie Vavra, and Kelly Weber—shared actionable tips and advice on resilience, adaptability, and growth. The evening culminated with networking and refreshments, with proceeds supporting Covenant House New Jersey.

Questions? Comments?

Email editor@njrealtor.com

Statement of Ownership

1. New Jersey Realtor® 2. Publication #13260 3. Filing date: 09/18/2025 4. Issue frequency: quarterly. 5. 4 issues per year. 6. $3. 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known office of publication:10 Hamilton Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08611. Contact person: Colleen King Oliver, 609-3417115. 8. Complete mailing address of headquarters or general business office: 10 Hamilton Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08611-1806. 9. Full Name and Complete Mailing Address of Publisher: New Jersey Realtors® 10 Hamilton Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08611. Editor: Erin McFeeters 10 Hamilton Avenue, Trenton NJ, 08611. Managing Editor: Colleen King Oliver 10 Hamilton Avenue, Trenton NJ, 08611. 10. Owner: New Jersey Realtors® 10 Hamilton Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08611. 11. None. 12. Tax status has not changed during preceding 12 months. 13. Publication title: New Jersey Realtor® 14. 08/05/2025 15. Average no. copies during preceding 12 months | No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date—15a. 54,171 | 52,890. a(1) Mailed outside county paid subscriptions: 54,050 | 52,722. a(2-4) 0 | 0. 15c. Total paid distribution: 54,050 | 52,722. 15d(1-3) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution 0 | 0. 15(d)4. Free or Nominal Distribution Outside the Mail: 0 | 0. 15e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution: 121 | 168. 15f. Total distribution: 54,171 | 52,890. 15g. Copies not distributed: 0 | 0. 15h. Total Sum: 54,171 | 52,890. 15i. Percent paid: 99.78% | 99.68%. 16. Electronic copy circulation is present.16a. n/a. 16b. Total Paid Print Copies + Paid Electronic Copies: n/a. 16c. Total Print Distribution + Paid Electronic Copies: n/a. 16d. Percentage Paid: n/a. I certify that 50% of all my distribution copies (electronic and print) are paid above nominal price: n/a. 17. Publication of Statement of Ownership: If the publication is a general publication, publication of this statement is required. Will be printed in the Fall Edition of this publication. 18. Signed by Erin McFeeters, Deputy Director of Public Relations & Marketing, 09/18/2025.

REALTOR ® PALOOZA