Welcome to this week's edition from Real Estate Mentor Hub (@AspenAgi). February and the lead-up to spring represent one of the most pivotal periods in the real estate calendar, a time when buyer and seller psychology shifts dramatically from winter hibernation to active preparation for the peak buying season. With days lengthening, tax refunds arriving for many, and the traditional spring rush on the horizon, potential clients are increasingly tuning in to market signals, researching neighborhoods, and contemplating moves. Heavy, consistent marketing now captures their attention before competition intensifies. Buyers start seriously shopping to beat rising rates or inventory crunches, while motivated sellers position properties early to maximize exposure and pricing power. Agents who ramp up visibility through targeted outreach, content, and events during this window often secure listings and buyer commitments that carry momentum straight into March and April, turning a quieter month into a strong foundation for the year's biggest opportunities. Consider signing up as a member with Real Estate Mentor Hub to get all your marketing for each month, tips on building your business, brand and personal wealth.
Inflations numbers: This week's lower-than-expected inflation numbers, specifically the January 2026 CPI report released on February 13, showing headline inflation easing to 2.4% year-over-year (down from 2.7% in December) and core at 2.5%, provide a positive tailwind for residential real estate. The softer reading came in below forecasts and marks the lowest headline pace since mid-2025, largely due to declines in energy and used vehicle prices, though shelter costs remain sticky. This development reinforces expectations for steady or modestly lower mortgage rates in the near term, as it gives the Federal Reserve more room to maintain or potentially ease policy without reigniting inflation fears. For homebuyers, improved affordability could unlock more demand, particularly among first timers and move-up buyers, while sellers may see steadier buyer traffic and less pressure on price concessions as borrowing costs ease slightly.
What Executives Across All Industries Are Saying: Industry leaders are increasingly viewing AI as a transformative force that will reshape future employment across all sectors, blending significant disruption with new opportunities. Executives from companies like Anthropic, OpenAI, and Ford have warned of potential unemployment spikes (10-20% in some scenarios) and the elimination of many entry-level white-collar roles through automation of routine tasks, with recent data showing declines in young worker employment in AI-exposed fields. At the same time, reports from PwC, Deloitte, and others highlight productivity gains, wage premiums for AI-skilled workers (up to 23% in some markets), and the creation of hybrid roles that combine human creativity, judgment, and leadership with AI capabilities. The consensus among HR leaders (89% in recent surveys) is that AI will impact most jobs in 2026, shifting focus from outright job loss to reskilling, role reimagination, and augmentation, urging professionals in real estate and beyond to adapt by embracing AI tools for efficiency while honing irreplaceable human elements like relationship building and strategic advising.
Late Winter: As we head into late winter (February-March 2026), several factors could influence residential real estate activity. Seasonal slowdowns typically persist due to weather and holidays but improving affordability from moderating mortgage rates (forecast around 6.3% averages) and modest home price growth (projected 1-2% nationally) may encourage more showings and pending sales. Inventory continues to recover gradually (up ~9% expected year-over-year in some forecasts), offering buyers slightly more choices without flooding the market, while wage growth outpacing price appreciation supports sustained demand. However, persistent challenges like affordability hurdles in high-cost areas, regional variations, and economic uncertainty could keep overall volume subdued until the traditional spring surge, making this a strategic window for proactive listing prep and targeted buyer outreach.
3 Tips for Realtors to Generate New Leads This Week
- Leverage the fresh inflation data in targeted social media posts or email blasts. Highlight how cooling CPI could mean better mortgage affordability to attract hesitant buyers and position yourself as the informed local expert. Think “Video” of yourself speaking to your audience on social media.
- Host a quick virtual or in-person "Late Winter Market Update" webinar or open house series, focusing on current inventory trends and rate outlook to capture contact info from attendees and follow up personally.
- Run hyper-local Facebook/Instagram ads or door-knocking campaigns in neighborhoods with recent equity gains, offering free home value reports tied to the improving affordability narrative and emphasize urgency before potential spring competition heats up.
Remember, you are the EXPERT, so make sure you are front and center on your social media with informative information and your face talking to your audience… video, video, video…
Long-Term Stock Pick For Your Portfolio: Visa (V) remains a compelling long-term hold for diversified portfolios, thanks to its dominant position in global digital payments, resilient business model, and consistent growth in transaction volumes driven by e-commerce, travel recovery, and cashless trends. Despite short-term market volatility, Visa benefits from network effects, high margins, and strong free cash flow for dividends and buybacks, making it a defensive growth play in an uncertain economy.
Friday, February 13, 2026, Visa closed at $314.08
52-week high of $375.51
52-week low of $299.00
As always, this is not personalized financial advice, consult a professional advisor, do your own due diligence, and consider market volatility before investing.
In Closing: As real estate agents, staying motivated, focused, and steady is essential amid seasonal ebbs and market shifts. Remind yourself daily of your "why" whether it's helping families find their dream home, building generational wealth for clients, or the freedom your career provides. Break big goals into small, achievable actions (like consistent prospecting calls or skill-building sessions), celebrate small wins to maintain momentum, and lean on your network for support during slower periods. Resilience comes from discipline and perspective. Markets cycle, but your value as a trusted advisor endures. Stay the course, this week’s efforts compound into spring success.
Every call you make, every post you share, and every relationship you nurture this week is planting the seeds for your strongest spring season yet—keep going, you’ve got this!
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With Continued Enthusiasm,
The Team at Real Estate Mentor Hub
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