As we move into the holiday season, most of us naturally start looking ahead to our 2026 game plan — we’re thinking about business goals, new marketing ideas, and ways to expand our pipeline. But before we shift all our energy into the new year, there’s one group we cannot forget: the clients you worked hard to engage in 2025 who didn’t end up buying. Do we just cross our fingers and hope they magically reappear in 2026? Absolutely not.

You invested time, trust, and expertise with them. For many, it wasn’t a “no,” it was simply not the right moment. Maybe they couldn’t find the right home, needed time to strengthen their financial profile, or had life events that paused their search. All of those buyers are still opportunities waiting to be reactivated.

Here are a few questions to ask to bring them back into your 2026 pipeline with purpose:

1. Have their needs evolved?

A new job, a growing family, a lifestyle shift — any of these can take a buyer from “condo curious” to “suburban-home ready.” Checking in with thoughtful, human questions keeps you connected and top-of-mind.

2. Has the market shifted in their favor?

Inventory, pricing, and monthly payments all look different today than they did a year ago. Partner with your Key Mortgage lender to share updated payment examples, rate trends, and affordability scenarios. Sometimes all a buyer needs is clarity, not a headline.

3. Is their preapproval still valid or even aligned with their goals?

Preapprovals expire every 120 days, and a buyer’s financial snapshot can change quickly. An early 2026 refresh can:

• Open new price ranges
• Improve program eligibility
• Identify small credit or income items that can be addressed now, before they’re under contract
• Prevent surprises during their search

Early preapprovals are important because they give buyers time to plan strategically and give you time to guide them with real numbers, not assumptions. A refreshed preapproval going into 2026 means your clients will be ready to act the moment the right home hits the market.

Don’t forget the value of collaboration.

While you’re catching up with your network, your Key Mortgage loan officer is having these same conversations with their future-buyer pipeline. We’re here to partner with you, share insights, run scenarios, and help you re-engage clients with confidence.

And if their original preapproval wasn’t with Key Mortgage? You now have a perfect opportunity to remind them of our $250 Second Look. It’s a simple, low-effort way for them to confirm they’re getting the best possible deal. For many buyers, that’s the nudge that gets them out of the CRM and into a new home in 2026.

Intentional outreach now becomes closed transactions later. Bring value, bring clarity, and bring your Key Mortgage partner into the conversation early. Your future buyers will thank you, and your 2026 pipeline will show it.