In this episode, Anya Chrisanthon interviews Leah Fellows, founder of Blue Gypsy Inc., to discuss the findings from the 4th Annual Online Homebuyer Mystery Shop Report. Leah shares insights on the importance of having dedicated online sales counselors (OSCs), effective lead follow-up strategies, and the critical role of marketing in driving high-quality leads. The discussion also covers the decline in OSC usage among builders in 2023, the need for diverse communication channels, and the significance of adopting technology to improve the customer experience. Leah emphasizes the importance of focusing on lead quality over quantity and provides advice on how builders can adapt to the ever-changing online-first buyer.

Leah Kaiz Fellows, founder and owner of Blue Gypsy Inc. is an online sales training expert, adventurer, and home building industry professional.

After graduating with a degree in communication from Boston University, Leah chose the unconventional path of a wanderer as she gained insights into different cultures, places, and people. Her Gypsy years allowed for crazy adventures and unique jobs giving her the skills and confidence to work in any setting and relate to a multitude of personalities and professionals.

She spent 13 years traveling the world as a backpacker, sailboat captain, and dive instructor. In 2006 Leah began work in the new home sales industry managing leads, setting appointments, and assisting with new home sales for a large local builder in Virginia Beach. It was here that she developed her first online sales program with metrics reaching to 32% of the overall sales for that builder, at a time when the industry standard was 20-25%. She often joked that her non-existent Customer Relationship Management software (CRM) was put together with bubble gum and duct tape.

The Gypsy naturally thrived in this role and was intrigued with the relationship building that is necessary to be successful in online sales. Her writing skills played a key role in her travels as she worked freelance for magazines and newspapers and these skills continue as an important part of her duties in writing custom campaigns, website copy, and relevant blogs.

Leah then went on to start Blue Gypsy Inc. in 2010 working with builders, developers, and real estate related businesses as she developed a proven Online Sales System along with her very own Online Sales Process.

Since 2014 the Blue Gypsy has focused on Online Sales Training for builders across the country to help them improve their sales and the way they handle digital leads. Writer and speaker, Leah brings real world experience, and a unique, relatable quality to all her engagements.

Giving back to the building industry is important to her. She is an active member of the Professional Women in Building Council and the Sales and Marketing Council locally and nationally. Currently a board member at the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver PWB, she also is also the past chair (2019-2021) the Mentoring committee and is the past co-chair (2021) of NAHB PWB’s Membership and Communications sub-committee and the current 2nd Vice Chair of the Professional Development sub-committee. Leah is also a on the board of Trustees for NSMC and is the past chair (2021) of the Membership and Communication sub-committee.

She writes numerous articles for Building Women Magazine, Build Maryland Magazine, Colorado Builder, and other industry blogs and publications and has spoken at the International Building Show both onstage and in PWB Headquarters, SEBC, as well as on industry webinars and podcasts around the country.

Download the 4th Annual Homebuyer Mystery Shop Report HERE

In this episode of Anewgo of New Home Sales, host Anya Chrisanthon interviews Carrie Deweese, a realtor from Tulsa, Oklahoma with a passion for making a difference in the building industry. Carrie shares her journey from lobbyist to real estate, her involvement with NAHB councils like PWB and 55+ Housing, and the importance of attending NAHB's Legislative Conference to advocate for housing issues. She also discusses the current housing market in Oklahoma, challenges facing new construction, and tips for builders looking to work with outside sales agents. Carrie's enthusiasm for creating positive change shines through in this engaging conversation.

In this inspiring episode, Steph Reed, owner of Partners by Design Homes, shares her journey as a successful female home builder in Iowa. She discusses her involvement with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the importance of networking and mentorship through Professional Women in Building (PWB), and her role as a state representative. Steph also highlights the challenges facing the home building industry, including workforce development and housing affordability, and encourages listeners to get involved with their local Home Builders Associations to make a difference. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the home building industry, whether you're a builder, realtor, supplier, or simply passionate about supporting the American dream of homeownership.

Steph grew up in Texas where her father was a contractor. As a teen, she worked alongside her father learning the trades of wallpaper hanging, drywall, painting and the value of hard work.

Steph worked with another local builder for years doing all that she does today to help him build his portfolio and add to her own. In 2017, she went out on her own and launched Partners By Design Homes along with her husband Randy. Randy does many important behind the scenes things like their books, real estate and helps keep her grounded. Together they are Licensed REALTORS in the state of Iowa at The Reed Team with REMAX Concepts. Combined they have accumulated many years of awards including REMAX Hall of Fame for Steph in 2017 as well as Rookie of the year in 2010.

Steph is extremely hardworking and her passion for the home building industry knows no bounds. She is currently serving as the Iowa State Representative for the National Home Builders Association and is on the boards of the Iowa state HBA and the Des Moines HBA. She is a mentor for young women coming into the industry and when she is not with her family at an ISU event she is likely speaking to youth about their career options in the trades, attending an industry function or drinking her beloved DrPepper!

In 2018, Steph won Builder of the Year and member of the year at the Des Moines HBA. In 2020, Steph won the National Home Builders Association Professional Women in Building Member of the Year award.

To learn more:

Professional Women in Building (PWB)

NAHB Leadership Academy

Spring Leadership Meetings and Legislative Conference

Don't miss this inspiring episode featuring Anya Chrisanthon and Mindy Lepp as they discuss their experiences in the NAHB Leadership Academy, the power of networking, and the importance of supporting women and young professionals in the industry through PWB and YP. Plus, discover a game-changing tip for boosting online reviews and learn about the upcoming Spring Leadership Meeting and Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. Tune in now and take your career to the next level!

Mindy Lepp is the Co-Founder for LEPPDESIGN, a full-service design and marketing firm based in St. Augustine, FL, but serving clients nationwide. Mindy and her husband, Eddie, run the company together and offer remote ongoing marketing services (Social Media Management, Website Management, Print Marketing, etc) with a particular niche in the building industry. Visit www.leppdesign.com for more information. Mindy is an active member of her local HBA, PWB Trustee and Chair for the NAHB PWB Professional Development Subcommittee. She was also listed as one of the top 10 “People to Watch” in Jacksonville by the Jacksonville Business Journal.

In this episode, we shine the spotlight on JobTread, a game-changing construction management software that earned its place as a Best of IBS Awards finalist. Join us as we sit down with Eric Fortenberry, JobTread's Founder and CEO, to explore how this innovative platform is revolutionizing the way home builders and remodelers manage their projects. Discover the software's standout features, gain invaluable advice for entrepreneurs in the construction industry, and get a sneak peek into JobTread's exciting upcoming features. Tune in to learn how JobTread is setting a new standard for construction management and how you can leverage cutting-edge technology to outpace your competition in today's rapidly evolving market.

Eric shares his inspiring journey of creating JobTread to address the common pain points and inefficiencies plaguing the construction industry. He highlights the software's standout features, including the budget builder, seamless communication tools, and real-time job costing, which empower construction professionals to streamline their processes, boost productivity, and increase profitability.

Throughout the conversation, Eric emphasizes the importance of creating a strong company culture and assembling a top-notch team, offering invaluable advice for entrepreneurs aiming to make their mark in the construction industry. He also provides an exciting sneak peek into JobTread's upcoming features, such as an on-screen takeoff solution, and discusses how the company actively incorporates customer feedback to drive continuous improvement and innovation.

Whether you're a seasoned home builder, a ambitious remodeler, or simply fascinated by the latest advancements in construction technology, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to discover how JobTread, a distinguished Best of IBS Awards finalist, is setting a new standard for construction management and learn how you can leverage cutting-edge technology to outpace your competition in today's rapidly evolving market.

Over the last two decades, New Home Marketing and Sales have well-adjusted to changing mediums from print to websites to apps. But unlike these preceding channels, AI, not just people, may be doing the shopping. If so, this completely flips the customer journey from directing new home buyers where and how to shop to Virtual Assistants bringing recommended homes to the buyers. All static and generic “dumb” content and channels must become “smart” and data-driven. We’ll draw the road map for Marketing and Sales success in this new AI-driven world.

To learn about Anewgo Interactive Websites please visit https://anewgo.com/websites\

In the second part of our captivating discussion with Bobby Juncosa, Co-Founder and CTO of Edgewise, we dive into the transformative impact of AI on the real estate industry. From data analysis and generative design to virtual assistants and AI-driven home shopping experiences, Bobby shares his insights on how AI is revolutionizing the way we buy, sell, and build homes. We explore the importance of data collection and digitization for home builders, the potential for AI to augment or replace certain roles, and the groundbreaking advancements in 3D printing and AI-generated architectural design. Join us as we navigate the exciting future of real estate technology and discover the opportunities that lie ahead.

Get ready to dive into the world of real estate technology with Bobby Juncosa, co-founder and CTO of Edgewise! In this exciting episode of Anewgo of New Home Sales, hosts Anya Chrisanthon and John Lee explore the cutting-edge solutions that are revolutionizing the home buying experience. From personalized online platforms to seamless collaboration between buyers, sellers, and agents, Bobby shares his vision for a more efficient and data-driven future. He also weighs in on the recent NAR settlement and its potential impact on the industry. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how Edgewise is paving the way for a new era of home buying!