Your Daily Real Estate Podcast with Tristan Ahumada

Episode 662: Stop Saying “Just Checking In”
Date: September 22, 2025
Host: Tristan Ahumada

Episode Overview

In this concise yet impactful episode, Tristan Ahumada challenges real estate professionals to rethink how they connect with clients and contacts. Rather than sending generic "just checking in" messages, Tristan encourages a more genuine, thoughtful, and context-aware approach. He lays out a five-step system (inspired by friend and client Diane Stone) that helps agents reach out in a way that's authentic, offers real value, and builds stronger relationships.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Problem with “Just Checking In”

• Tristan stresses that simply saying “I’m just checking in” is impersonal and ineffective.
• The how and why of reaching out matter; tonality and relevance are crucial.
• Quote:

  “It's not just calling up people and touching base with them. It's not about reaching out to people to just check in. I'm just checking in with you—no, that's, that's, that's not good.” (Tristan, 00:16)

2. Five Steps for Meaningful Connection

Step 1: Read the Room (00:59)

• Stay aware of what's happening locally, nationally, or in your sphere—be it news, weather, or local events.
• Use tools (like ChatGPT or Grok) to automate gathering this info.
• Write a "mood note" for yourself to summarize the general sentiment (worry, joy, excitement, etc.).
• Quote:

  “Read the room. Because those things allow you to better connect with the people you're going to reach out to.” (Tristan, 01:41)

Step 2: Decide Who to Contact and How (02:33)

• Organize outreach by priority groups (active clients, recent clients, small business owners, etc.).
• Pick the channel that fits—usually text or a quick call.
• Use personalized, informal openers (example from Diane Stone: “Howdy, stranger. What's new in your world?”).
• Quote:

  “See that? It gives the character of who you are, the tonality. And it's by text, easy. They'll respond. And they're not a stranger. It's fun, right?” (Tristan, 03:14)

Step 3: Reach Out with Care (03:36)

• Be specific when referencing recent events or circumstances.
• Show empathy and make it clear it’s not a sales call.
• Example outreach:

  “Hey, Joe, thinking of you after the fire. How are you doing today? Let me know if you want to talk. I'm right here for you.”

• Quote:

  “Make sure that it's specific. … If you're calling, 'Hey, Joe, I'm calling to check in on you. Not to sell you anything. How are you feeling about the fire?’” (Tristan, 04:01)

Step 4: Deliver One Helpful Item Fast (04:29)

• Use AI or your own resources to deliver immediate, relevant value—like a local vendor list or a resource sheet.
• The goal: show you’re there to help, not just talk.
• Follow up with a thank you note or a thoughtful message after your conversation.
• Quote:

  “If you can help out, great. If you can't. But you listened to that conversation and it could leave it open for you to give something else, right?” (Tristan, 04:49)

Step 5: Log and Follow Up in Your CRM (05:08)

• Record date, channel, and—importantly—the contact's mood.
• Tristan's team has logged moods since 2016, using stickers and a simple mood circle (happy, sad, angry, etc.).
• Use this to personalize future outreach and ensure you’re showing up when it matters.
• Quote:

  “Record the date, the channel, the mood. … This is how we know the last time we talked to them they were happy, sad, mad, angry, excited, disappointed.” (Tristan, 05:15)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On authenticity:

  “People will connect with you based on how you reach out and the words that you use.” (Tristan, 00:22)

• On listening:

  “If it's a phone call, then make sure that you're listening. Because sometimes these conversations take a long time.” (Tristan, 03:45)

• On timely follow-up:

  “You can't text somebody and then not respond for like two hours. Set time to do this.” (Tristan, 03:57)

• On boundaries:

  “What are your guardrails? I put mine—no politics, no fear tactics. Respect privacy and refer legal or medical needs to the right person or people or pros.” (Tristan, 06:29)

Additional Tips

• Tristan offers to share his outreach Google Doc—contact him via Instagram for details.
• Reminder to subscribe to the newsletter for more insights.

Episode Structure with Timestamps

• [00:00] Introduction: The importance of how you reach out
• [00:59] Step 1: Reading the room and leveraging AI for trend awareness
• [02:33] Step 2: Prioritizing and personalizing who/when to contact
• [03:36] Step 3: Sample scripts and the importance of empathy
• [04:29] Step 4: Providing quick, tailored value after outreach
• [05:08] Step 5: Logging outreach, mood tracking, and ongoing engagement
• [06:29] Tristan’s personal outreach guardrails

Takeaway

Rather than a superficial “just checking in,” Tristan urges real estate professionals to engage in authentic, context-driven communication that demonstrates genuine care. By following this five-step method, agents can deepen relationships, provide real value, and nurture trust with their clients and community.