Episode Overview
Episode Title: The 30-Minute System That Saves Every Listing
Host: Tristan Ahumada
Date: December 3, 2025
Episode Number: 734
In this concise, actionable episode, Tristan Ahumada reveals his proven 30-minute weekly system developed to keep real estate sellers informed, calm, and trusting—even when listings aren’t moving quickly. The episode focuses on building a communication habit that strengthens agent-seller relationships and prevents awkward, anxious silences that can lead to lost business. Tristan walks listeners through every aspect of his system, including a practical checklist, message template, and weekly workflow to ensure consistent, valuable updates for every active listing.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
The Problem with Most Agents’ Seller Communication
- Silence Breaks Trust: Tristan emphasizes that lack of communication, especially when there’s no good news, makes sellers anxious and erodes trust.
- Emotional Toll: Agents often delay updates out of discomfort, fear of tough conversations, or waiting for positive developments. This procrastination worsens anxiety and weakens relationships.
“Silence is what kills trust. You just haven't had a system to make it easy.”
—Tristan (01:08)
The Core Solution: The Weekly Seller Update System
1. The Weekly Checklist (03:16)
- What to Cover:
- Market Snapshot: Days on market for similar homes, new competing listings, price reductions nearby, relevant rate/news changes.
- Activity Recap: Showings, open house visitors, online views, calls/texts from buyers or agents.
- Feedback Summary: Buyer likes/dislikes, common objections that can be addressed (like clutter or lighting).
- Marketing Efforts: Every tactic performed that week—photos, refreshed videos, social posts, paid ads, postcards, neighbor calls, open houses.
- Improvements for Next Week: One new marketing or exposure action, and, if needed, a discussion about price or terms.
“That checklist takes 10 minutes to fill out, and it gives me everything I need for the call.”
—Tristan (06:10)
2. The Message Template (06:44)
- How it Works:
- After calling the seller, Tristan sends a written recap covering market activity, feedback, marketing efforts, plans for next week, and possible need for strategy discussion.
- Provides a clear, written record for the seller, so they never have to question what’s happening.
3. The Weekly Flow (07:22)
- The Routine:
- Pick a consistent day each week.
- Fill out the checklist, decide on a new action, call the seller, and send the recap.
- Repeat weekly, until the listing sells, creating a reliable cadence.
“Same day, same rhythm, every week until the home sells.”
—Tristan (07:38)
Benefits of the System
- Reduces Anxiety (for agents and sellers): Transform dreaded calls into confident updates.
- Proves Agent Value: Sellers see clear evidence of ongoing work, even with slow-moving listings.
- Prepares for Difficult Conversations: If a price reduction is needed, the data and communication trail make it a “natural next step.”
- Deepens Trust: Sellers feel informed, included, and respected.
“The agents who keep their listings aren’t the ones with the most showings. They’re the ones who communicate the best.”
—Tristan (08:05)
- Saves Time: Once set up, this system takes under 30 minutes per listing per week.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Fear and Avoidance:
“That fear that if you call without good news, the seller’s going to get frustrated or worse, start thinking about switching agents, that fear is normal... when you don’t have a system that proves you’re working.”
—Tristan (02:23) -
On System Benefits:
“I stopped dreading those hard conversations. I had proof I was working, and they knew it.”
—Tristan (09:42) -
On Transformation:
“It was becoming the kind of agent who never hides from a seller — who shows up every week with a plan, not an excuse, or not at all.”
—Tristan (10:28)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [00:00] – Tristan introduces the problem and teases the system
- [01:08] – Why silence happens; fear, lack of systems, agent empathy
- [03:16] – Step-by-step breakdown of the weekly seller update checklist
- [06:10] – How the checklist streamlines and preps for calls
- [06:44] – The message template and importance of written recaps
- [07:22] – Creating and sticking to the weekly workflow
- [08:05] – Why communication trumps more showings
- [09:42] – Tangible benefits and changes after adopting the system
- [10:28] – The ultimate professional transformation
Call to Action
- Get the System:
Tristan offers the complete checklist, templates, and workflow to listeners—just DM him “7:34” on Instagram. - Go Deeper:
For those wanting more systems like this, he invites them to his Brilliant Tribe group coaching.
Takeaway
This episode delivers a practical, replicable method to transform agent-seller communications, keep listings, and build lasting trust. By investing 30 minutes weekly and following a simple, structured update flow, agents can become the professional who never avoids difficult conversations and always brings value—no matter the market's pace.
