December INSTAGRAM REELS
New to Instagram reels? They’re an amazing way to boost your visibility in the Instagram algorithm (especially to local buyers & sellers), as well as provide value to potential clients and showcase your knowledge!
Below, you’ll find instructions, examples and a caption for your Reel. We do not provide an actual template for the Reel because Instagram prefers that you add text and audio directly in their app, rather than upload a completely done-for-you video. Following this “Instagram’s best practices” rule ensures that your Reel gets as much reach and as many views as possible.
There are 10 Reels below so you can post twice per week, but feel free to get creative and do more! Please be sure to change all [CITY] placeholders to your actual city name. And make sure to get permission to share any listings that aren’t your own!
Learn more about how to post reels here.
Note: Please always get permission from the listing agent (if that’s not you!) before filming in any homes.
4 Things I’d Fix Before Listing in January
Strategy + Why It Works:
- Shows your home at its best: Winter is darker — these fixes help your home look cleaner, brighter, and more inviting in photos.
- Removes easy buyer objections: When the small stuff is handled, buyers feel more confident (and they stop mentally discounting your price).
- Helps you stand out: January sellers have less competition. A polished home grabs attention fast.
How to Film & Create This Reel:
1️⃣ Choose a Trending Audio
- Scroll Reels and look for the up arrow icon.
- Pick something simple and upbeat — no talking needed if you use text overlays.
2️⃣ Film 5–10 Short Clips (2–3 seconds each)
Mix in clips like:
- Touching up paint or showing scuffed baseboards
- Turning on lights / replacing a bulb
- Sweeping the front porch or setting down a doormat
- Tightening a cabinet pull or fixing a squeaky door
- Quick intro/outro of you with coffee, walking into a home, smiling, etc.
Tip: Keep clips bright and vertical.
3️⃣ Add Text Overlays
Use short slides like:
- “4 Things I’d Fix Before Listing in January”
- “Touch up paint + scuffs”
- “Fix lighting”
- “Winter curb appeal”
- “Small repairs buyers notice”
- “DM ‘JANUARY’ for my prep checklist”
4️⃣ Write Your Caption (see suggested caption below)
5️⃣ Post & Share
- Post to Reels + Feed
- Share to Stories with a quick seller poll
Caption:
If you’re looking for winter fun that doesn’t require hopping on a plane, [City] has plenty to keep you busy. Here are my top 5 local picks:
1️⃣ Cozy coffee crawl
Find a new favorite latte, warm up between stops, and support a few local gems along the way.
2️⃣ Scenic winter hike
Bundle up, grab your boots, and hit one of our nearby trails. Winter views > summer views… don’t @ me.
3️⃣ Holiday market browsing
Local makers, hot cocoa, twinkle lights… need I say more?
4️⃣ Ice skating with friends
Whether you’re graceful or gripping the wall, it’s the perfect winter mood.
5️⃣ A little staycation magic
Book a night at a boutique hotel, order room service, and pretend you’re on vacation (because you basically are).
Winter doesn’t have to mean staying inside 24/7. [City] has SO much to offer this season!
What’s your go-to winter activity? ⤵️
#Winter #WinterInCITY #CITYwinter #CITYthingstodo #CITYadventures #ExploreCITY #thingstodoinCITY #WinterSellingTips #CITYholidays
5 Best Local Winter Adventures Near [City]
Strategy + Why It Works:
- Builds local authority: Shows you know the city beyond listings — huge trust-builder.
- Boosts saves + shares: Local recs always perform well and get resurfaced for weeks.
- Attracts future clients naturally: People associate you with lifestyle + community, not just homes.
- Evergreen template: Reuse every season (“Spring Adventures,” “Summer Spots,” etc.).
How to Film & Create This Reel:
1️⃣ Choose a Trending Audio
- Scroll Reels for a sound with the up arrow.
- Pick something cozy, upbeat, or travel-vibe.
- No talking needed — text overlays do the work.
2️⃣ Film 5–10 Short Clips (2–3 seconds each)
Clip ideas:
- Walking down a wintery street with coffee
- Pouring a latte at a local café
- Scenic overlook, snowy trail, or winter park shot
- Holiday market, downtown lights, or local festival
- Ice skating rink footage (even b-roll!)
- A cozy hotel lobby or boutique staycation moment
- Quick selfie clip for intro/outro
Tip: Mix your clips + B-roll for the easiest creation.
3️⃣ Add Text Overlays
Suggested slides:
- “5 Best Local Winter Adventures Near [CITY] ❄️✨”
- “1. Cozy coffee crawl”
- “2. Scenic winter hike”
- “3. Holiday market or winter festival”
- “4. Ice skating at [Local Rink]”
- “5. Winter staycation”
- “Follow for more [City] favorites 🏡”
4️⃣ Write Your Caption (see suggested caption below)
5️⃣ Post & Share
- Post to Reels + Feed
- Share to Stories with a poll (“Which adventure should I try next?”)
- Save to a Local Guides or Community highlight
Caption:
If you’re looking for winter fun that doesn’t require hopping on a plane, [City] has plenty to keep you busy. Here are my top 5 local picks:
1️⃣ Cozy coffee crawl
Find a new favorite latte, warm up between stops, and support a few local gems along the way.
2️⃣ Scenic winter hike
Bundle up, grab your boots, and hit one of our nearby trails. Winter views > summer views… don’t @ me.
3️⃣ Holiday market browsing
Local makers, hot cocoa, twinkle lights… need I say more?
4️⃣ Ice skating with friends
Whether you’re graceful or gripping the wall, it’s the perfect winter mood.
5️⃣ A little staycation magic
Book a night at a boutique hotel, order room service, and pretend you’re on vacation (because you basically are).
Winter doesn’t have to mean staying inside 24/7. [City] has SO much to offer this season!
What’s your go-to winter activity? ⤵️
#Winter #WinterInCITY #CITYwinter #CITYthingstodo #CITYadventures #ExploreCITY #thingstodoinCITY #WinterSellingTips #CITYholidays
3 Amazing City Shops for Holiday Gifts
Strategy + Why It Works:
- Builds hyper-local authority: Shows you know your city’s hidden gems — not just listings.
- Boosts engagement + saves: People love gift guides, especially local ones in December.
- Supports local businesses: Great for building relationships and organic shares.
- Highly repurposable: Turn it into a carousel, blog post, email, or next year’s updated version.
How to Film & Create This Reel:
1️⃣ Choose a Trending Audio
- Scroll Reels and tap any sound with the up arrow (trending).
- Choose something festive, cozy, or upbeat holiday pop.
- No talking needed — let text do the work.
2️⃣ Film 5–10 Short Clips (2–3 seconds each)
Mix clips like:
- Walking into a local shop
- Close-ups of candles, accessories, or gift displays
- Holiday décor inside each store
- A branded bag or wrapped gift from the shop
- You holding a coffee + shopping bag
- Streets decorated for the holidays
- Quick selfie clip for the intro or outro
Tip: Shoot vertically, use natural light, and grab quick b-roll inside shops (most love the exposure).
3️⃣ Add Text Overlays
Suggested slides:
- “3 Amazing [City] Shops for Holiday Gifts 🎁✨”
- “1. [Shop Name #1] — cozy + unique finds”
- “2. [Shop Name #2] — trendy + fun gifts”
- “3. [Shop Name #3] — handmade + local treasures”
- “Support local this season ✨🏡”
Keep each slide matched to the relevant clip.
4️⃣ Write Your Caption (see suggested caption below)
5️⃣ Post & Share
- Post to Reels + Feed
- Share to Stories and tag each shop
- Add a poll: “Have you been to these shops?”
- Save to your Local Guides or Holiday Tips highlight
Caption:
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect holiday gifts this year, skip the big-box stores and check out a few of my favorite local gems right here in [City]:
✨ [Shop #1] – The spot for cozy candles, home décor, and little treasures you didn’t even know you needed. Perfect for hosts, teachers, and you-know-who.
✨ [Shop #2] – Trendy, fun, and full of gifts with personality. You’ll walk in for one thing and walk out with five.
✨ [Shop #3] – Handmade, local, and totally unique. Great for supporting small businesses and finding gifts nobody else will give.
Shopping small this season makes a big impact — and honestly, it’s way more fun. If you hit any of these spots, tag me in your finds! 🎄🛍️
#CITY #CITYliving #CITYlife #LocalLiving #CITYrealestate #HolidaysInCITY #CITYbusinesses #CITYshops
Where to See the Holiday Lights in City
Strategy + Why It Works:
- Positions you as the local expert: You’re the go-to person for not just homes, but community + lifestyle.
- Highly shareable + saveable: People love holiday light recs and will save or send to friends.
- Softly tied to real estate: Showcases neighborhoods and areas people might want to live in.
- Great for relationship-building: Tagging local spots and neighborhoods boosts reach and connections.
How to Film & Create This Reel:
1️⃣ Choose a Trending Audio
- Scroll Reels and pick a sound with the up arrow (trending).
- Choose something magical, cozy, or holiday-themed.
- No talking needed — text overlays + visuals are enough.
2️⃣ Film 5–10 Short Clips (2–3 seconds each)
Grab clips like:
- Driving or walking past a street full of lights
- Close-ups of houses decorated for the holidays (from the street/sidewalk)
- A park, zoo, or garden light display
- Downtown/plaza trees wrapped in lights
- A neighborhood known for going “all out”
- You bundled up with lights in the background (selfie style)
Tip: Film at dusk or dark when lights pop, but hold your phone steady to avoid super blurry clips.
3️⃣ Add Text Overlays
Suggested text slides:
- “Where to See the Holiday Lights in [CITY] 🎄✨”
- “[Spot #1] – classic, family-friendly lights”
- “[Spot #2] – big displays + photo ops”
- “[Spot #3] – downtown/plaza lights”
- “[Neighborhood #4] – locals go ALL OUT”
- “Save this for your holiday light tour ✨”
You can list 3–5 spots depending on how many clips you have.
4️⃣ Write Your Caption (see suggested caption below)
5️⃣ Post & Share
- Post to Reels + Feed.
- Share to Stories with a poll: “Are you doing a holiday lights drive this year?” (Yes / Of course)
- Save to a Holiday or Local [City] highlight so people can revisit it all season.
Caption:
If you’re ready to soak up all the holiday magic, [City] has some seriously sparkly spots worth checking out. Here are my top picks for lights that never disappoint:
1️⃣ [Neighborhood or Park #1]
The classic. Think glowing trees, twinkling pathways, and the perfect backdrop for cozy photos.
2️⃣ [Local Event or Festival #2]
Huge displays, music, food trucks… it’s a whole holiday mood.
3️⃣ [Downtown Street or Plaza #3]
Grab a warm drink and stroll under thousands of lights strung between shops and buildings.
If you check any of these out, tag me in your photos! And if you fall in love with a neighborhood while you’re exploring… I can help you find a home there too. 😉🏡✨
#ChristmasinCITY #CITYthingstodo #HolidaysInCITY #CITY #CITYlife #CITYactivities #thingstodoinCITY
Where to Find the Best Peppermint Mochas in [City]
Strategy + Why It Works:
- Positions you as the local “in the know” friend: Not just an agent, but someone who actually lives + loves [City].
- Super saveable + shareable: People LOVE coffee recs, especially seasonal ones.
- Easy local networking: Great excuse to tag and build relationships with local cafés.
- Soft real estate tie-in: Coffee shops = lifestyle = neighborhoods people may want to live in.
How to Film & Create This Reel:
1️⃣ Choose a Trending Audio
- Scroll Reels and pick a sound with the up arrow (trending).
- Choose something cozy or chill — think café vibes.
- You can stay text-only or layer your voice if you want.
2️⃣ Film 5–10 Short Clips (2–3 seconds each)
Grab simple, aesthetic clips like:
- Close-up of a peppermint mocha being made or on the table
- You holding a festive coffee cup in front of the café
- The café sign or storefront
- Inside: cozy corner, barista at work (if they’re cool with it), decorated interior
- A little “cheers” clink of two cups
- Selfie-style clip of you with your drink
Film at 2–3 favorite spots around [City]. Vertical, bright, and cozy is the goal.
3️⃣ Add Text Overlays
Suggested text slides:
- “Where to Find the Best Peppermint Mochas in [CITY] ☕️❄️”
- “[Cafe #1] – rich, minty, & cozy”
- “[Cafe #2] – festive cups + fun vibes”
- “[Cafe #3] – less sweet, super smooth”
- “Save this for your next coffee run ✨”
Optional final slide:
“Love [City] coffee shop life? I can help you find a home near your favorite spots. 🏡”
4️⃣ Write Your Caption (see suggested caption below)
5️⃣ Post & Share
- Post to Reels + Feed.
- Share to Stories with a poll: “Peppermint mocha: Yes or no?”
- Tag each café and save to a Local [City] or Coffee Spots highlight.
Caption:
If your personality this season is basically “peppermint mocha,” same. So I rounded up a few local spots serving the very best holiday sips in [City]:
1️⃣ [Local Café #1]
Rich espresso, creamy texture, and just the right amount of mint. It’s the one that ruins all other mochas for you.
2️⃣ [Local Café #2]
Their holiday cup alone is worth the trip, but the peppermint mocha? Perfection.
3️⃣ [Local Café #3]
A cozier vibe, extra whipped cream, and perfect for catching up with friends or warming up after errands.
4️⃣ [Local Café #4]
If you like yours a little less sweet, this is the spot. Balanced, smooth, and dangerously easy to drink.
5️⃣ [Local Café #5]
Festive, Instagrammable, and the cup you’ll think about until next December.
If you try one, tag me — I want to know your favorite! And if you’re out exploring coffee shops, I can also help you explore homes near your favorite spots. 😉🏡
#CITY #CITYthingstodo #ExploreCITY #CITYlife #CITYliving #CITYcafes #CITYcoffeeshop #LocalLiving
