What percent of real estate agents fail

Inman reports that 71% of real estate agents didn’t close a single transaction last year.¹ However, this doesn’t necessarily mean all of them failed. Some may have been part-time agents for most of 2024, taking a break or focusing on other aspects of real estate, such as teaching continuing education courses, property management, or investing.

So, how many real estate agents fail? The truth is, there’s no single, definitive source tracking agent attrition across the industry. Many blogs cite statistics like 75% of agents failing in their first year and 87% within five years, but there is no verified data to back these numbers up.

Measuring “failure” is tricky — some agents leave their brokerage but stay licensed, while others exit real estate entirely. What we do know is that many new agents struggle to find traction, and without the proper support, training, and financial planning, it’s easy to burn out within the first few years. 

Why do real estate agents fail?

Many agents struggle to find long-term success, and understanding common pitfalls can help you avoid them.

Reason 1: Some agents have the wrong mindset

Owning a real estate business is a challenge that comes with stress. One month, you’re closing deals left and right, and the next, you’re wondering about your next client or paycheck. It’s easy to get discouraged when leads ghost you or deals fall through. Remember that you’ll fail at some point before you become a successful real estate agent. You will have to hear many no’s to listen to a yes.

So, how do you stay motivated? I won’t say it’s easy, but having the right mindset is the answer. Learn from agents who’ve made it and understand that you won’t always have a steady paycheck as an independent contractor — but you always need to be closing. Success isn’t about avoiding failure; it’s about pushing through it.

Reason 2: Some agents don’t have a financial plan

Money, or lack of it, is another main reason why real estate agents fail. Agents often make the mistake of hearing how much commission other agents make and think they’re raking it in (yup, we’re looking at real estate reality television shows!). But they overlook other essential expenses, such as brokerage splits, taxes, courses, marketing, and lead generation. Staying afloat can be challenging without a solid financial plan, especially on a tight budget.

To stay on track, stick to a financial plan from day one. Ideally, you’d set aside at least six months of living expenses as an emergency fund. However, that’s not always realistic for new agents who are still finding their footing. Many start by joining a team, working as an assistant, or opting for a brokerage that offers a salary — to gain experience while maintaining some financial stability.

No matter your path, aim to live on only 50% of your income while saving and reinvesting the 20% to 30%, even during slow months. This way, you’re not just building a business for today but securing financial stability for years.

Reason 3: Agents have a ‘get rich quick’ attitude

Many agents make the mistake of getting into real estate for a quick buck or focusing on closing as many deals as possible. This will hinder building long-lasting relationships, and you won’t have a solid career foundation. 

Since NAR’s real estate statistics stated that 88% of homebuyers would use their agent again², repeat business and referrals are enormous opportunities. If you’re constantly chasing the next deal without nurturing past clients, you’re leaving money on the table.

The best way to avoid this mistake is to invest in a good client relationship management (CRM) system early in your career to build relationships. Add every lead to your CRM and nurture them with check-in calls, text messages, and email newsletters. Real estate is a relationship business; it takes time — there’s no shortcut to success.

Reason 4: Some agents lack essential skills

While real estate education courses teach you about industry laws and regulations, they don’t teach all the ins and outs of a real estate transaction. Since most states require only 60 to 180 hours of coursework, it’s easy to get a license without much barrier to entry. New agents make the mistake of passing their exams and not learning or practicing essential real estate skills, such as adaptability, negotiation, and problem-solving.

Sharpening your skills takes effort beyond passing the exam. Consider what clients value in an agent. For starters, 94% of homebuyers want their agent to know the purchase process and 92% value strong market knowledge.³ The more you refine your skills, the more confident and effective you’ll be in every transaction. Continuing education courses can give you an edge and help you better serve your clients.

Reason 5: Some agents aren’t good at following up

Why do most real estate agents fail? Simple — they don’t follow up. Many agents give up after the first or second attempt, assuming a lead isn’t interested. But here’s the thing: most buyers and sellers aren’t ready to commit immediately. Real estate is all about timing. If you’re not consistently staying in touch, another agent will be there when your leads are ready to decide.

Following up isn’t about being pushy but building a relationship. Genuinely care about people and how they are doing. A quick check-in, a market update, or a friendly “How’s your home search going?” keeps you top of mind. Don’t just talk about business every time you follow up.

Reason 6: They quit when it gets tough

Wanna know why real estate agents fail? Because some don’t buckle up and get through the difficult seasons. Real estate isn’t always smooth sailing — every agent experiences low seasons, tough clients, and deals falling apart. The real estate agent success rate is low because agents don’t commit to the business’s ups and downs, treating it like a temporary gig rather than a long-term career.

The key to lasting in this industry is knowing your why. If your only motivation is a paycheck, it’ll be easy to walk away when things get complicated. Successful agents stay focused on their bigger purpose — helping clients or building financial freedom. Lean on a strong support system and remind yourself daily why you started in the first place.

Reason 7: The wrong brokerage can hold agents back

Picking the wrong brokerage, especially as a new agent, can make or break your success. Some offer little to no training, leaving you to figure things out alone. Your brokerage firm should be more than just a place to hang your license; it should set you up for long-term success.

So, how do you choose a brokerage? Before signing with a brokerage, find out what training and coaching resources they offer. It’s much harder to realize later that you’re stuck somewhere that isn’t helping you grow. If your team doesn’t offer coaching and give you tools to succeed, invest in one yourself, as long as it fits within your budget.

Is real estate hard: Challenges real estate agents face

Whether you’re still considering a real estate career or already licensed, it’s essential to understand the hurdles many agents face.

• Struggling to generate consistent leads: New agents often underestimate the effort required to generate leads, leading to inconsistent income and frustration.
• Handling rejections and difficult clients: Rejection is inevitable, but how you handle it makes all the difference.
• Managing long work hours and work-life balance: A flexible schedule can blur the line between personal and professional time. Without proper time management, you may find yourself overwhelmed.
• Keeping up with the latest technology: There’s always a new platform that can make an agent’s life easier. While the learning curve might be steep, staying on top of the latest tools and trends helps you remain competitive.
• Unsteady income and financial pressure: Having a commission-based business means income can be unpredictable.

Winning strategies for real estate agents

I know, I know. You’ve already seen countless strategies from many real estate books and articles. But here are some things we’ll keep reiterating because they actually work:

• Surround yourself with the right people. This might sound cliché, but real estate is all about networking — not just with clients, but with the right peers. Find a mentor who’s been through it all, attend all real estate conferences and networking events (as long as they’re within your budget), and choose a team to support your growth.
• Invest in relevant agent training and stay coachable. With the internet at your fingertips, there’s no shortage of free resources to level up your skills. Listen to real estate podcasts, dive into audiobooks, and read industry blogs for the latest trends. Even lifestyle blogs can help you master home staging and interior design.
• Master financial planning. Commission checks can be inconsistent, especially when starting, so don’t just wing it when it comes to money. Set aside savings and emergency funds, reinvest your earnings, and plan for taxes early on. Real estate is a long-term business, and those with healthy financial habits remain successful even during slow months.
• Double down on learning new tech tools. In this digital age, the agents who thrive embrace innovation. Spend time learning new real estate software and platforms, automate what you can, and use tech to boost productivity.
• Increase your online presence. We’re already seeing this now — buyers and sellers search for agents online before picking up the phone. If you don’t have a strong digital presence, you’re missing out on leads big time. Stay active on social media, update your real estate agent bio, collaborate with influencers and other brokers, and ensure potential clients can easily contact you.
• Be realistic about the difficulties of the industry. Let’s be honest — real estate is a competitive industry. With so many agents in the market, you have to outstrategize the competition. Successful agents go in with their eyes wide open and are committed to constant learning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is being a real estate agent hard?

What do most realtors struggle with?

Is there a future for real estate agents?

Your take

At The Close, we’re here to help you at every step of your career. It doesn’t matter what percent of real estate agents fail — what matters is what you do to avoid becoming part of that statistic. Remember, real estate success comes from consistency, adaptability, and the willingness to keep learning.

Do you practice any of these winning real estate agent tips? Do you know of any other reasons why real estate agents fail? Share your experience in the comments!

Sources

¹Inman

²National Association of Realtors

³NAR Homebuyers and Sellers Generational Trends

The post Why Real Estate Agents Fail and 7 Reasons Behind It appeared first on The Close.

1. Use Eye-catching, High-definition Images to Grab Attention

Let’s chat about branding vibes from Ryan Serhant, the luxury broker and “Million Dollar Listing” star, who is absolutely killing it in NYC real estate. This guy is everywhere! His branding is spot-on, totally synonymous with high-end living. Just check out that pic of him lounging in a fancy marble bathtub with an astonishing view—wow!

Can you capture your brand in just one image? It’s a tough challenge, but Ryan nails it. Just make sure your images are high-definition. Facebook loves a good cover image, so avoid anything that looks grainy. Stick with a PNG file for text or logos, and keep it in a 16:9 aspect ratio—at least 400 pixels wide by 150 pixels tall.

2. Target Your Niche Audience With a Specific Property Type

Michele Bellisari is rocking her colorful real estate Facebook posts that jibe with the South Florida lifestyle in Boca Raton. Her Facebook cover photo is bursting with bright South Florida colors, the beach, the sun, and all the fun real estate vibes she’s serving up. When it comes to your Facebook cover image, it should reflect who you are and connect with your audience. But hey, if one image just doesn’t cut it, feel free to mash up a bunch of pics together, just like Michele has done. Create real estate cover photos for Facebook like this in Canva without breaking a sweat.

3. Include Your Business Tagline in Your Image

Ingrid Lawson has a fun tagline: “Your DFW Home Girl!” How cute is that? (Dallas/Forth Worth for those outside the Texas area) She’s all about helping folks find their dream homes in the Dallas metroplex, which keeps her busy. But you can tell she’s loving it. In one picture, you’ll see just how genuine and warm she is; her sense of style is on point. And I can’t help but mention her outfit—it totally matches her tagline. Who wouldn’t want to team up with someone as awesome as Ingrid?

4. Stand Out With Your Brand Colors

Sue “Pinky” Benson is all-in when it comes to her color palette. Thanks to those fab shades of pink, you can spot her epic page on Facebook and Instagram from a mile away. She even rocks pink in her hair—how cool is that? She’s 100% dedicated to her brand, no doubt about it. Hailing from sunny Naples, Florida, Pinky shares all the juicy deets about her incredible community on her socials. It’s impossible not to feel her lively personality with the iconic pink flamingos that represent her home state—totally the look she was going for.

5. Include a Strong Call to Include in Your Image

Not all Facebook covers for real estate include a call to action (CTA), but if you can pull it off, you should! There’s a CTA button just below the image, so toss a CTA right into the image for extra oomph. Mark Spain leans into it big time. His entire Facebook cover is one massive shoutout to take action, featuring a fun cutout of himself. And since he’s already rockin’ the cover image with his headshot, he adds his logo as the profile pic. I’m all about this cover image’s simplicity and clear-cut direction. It’s a straightforward message that stands out and catches your eye.

6. Let People See Your Personality With Your Headshot

Jen Hannigan loves to connect with others. You can see this on her Facebook page, where she proudly shares that she’s a “USAF Veteran.” Her cover photo features some fun snaps of her just being herself, including a couple of headshots—laid-back in a chaise lounge. With her friendly smile and approachable vibe, Jen radiates confidence and openness. She’s sending a clear message: she’s here to help you find your next property. If your smile is your logo and your personality is your business card, show them off in your Facebook cover image.

7. Show Off Your Team

Elham Ghaderian gets how crucial it is to show prospects who they’ll be working with. She put together this fab Facebook cover image featuring the whole crew. Putting their smiling faces front and center, Elham knows she’s building that trust factor and pulling in potential clients to her brokerage. Whether you’re rollin’ with a big squad or just a couple of folks, including everyone in the cover image puts a face to the fam. People connect with people, not just businesses.

8. Showcase Your Listings

If you want to up your real estate game, consider slapping some of your best listing photos as your Facebook cover image. Just get the thumbs up from your photographer and sellers first. Then, pick out some absolutely stunning pics—like what the Van Buren Real Estate Group does. It’s a great way to show off your style and catch some eyes.

Next Steps to Level Up Your Real Estate Facebook Cover Photos

Regarding your real estate Facebook cover image, your branding matters just as much as your Facebook realtor page. Like the rest of your social media marketing, the cover image can either make you look like a pro or hurt your brand and stall your business growth. It’s vital to always showcase your best work to keep your image sharp. Check out these tips to upgrade your real estate Facebook cover photos:

• Choose high-quality images: Use professional photos highlighting properties, your team, or your branding.
• Incorporate branding elements: Add your logo, brand colors, and fonts for a cohesive look.
• Showcase your niche: Feature specific types of properties or neighborhoods you specialize in to attract your target audience.
• Use text wisely: Include a catchy tagline or contact information, but keep it minimal to avoid clutter.
• Update seasonally: Refresh your cover photo regularly to reflect seasonal themes or current listings.
• Highlight client testimonials: Include brief quotes from satisfied clients to build trust and credibility.
• Add a call to action: Encourage viewers to visit your website or contact you for more information.
• Ensure mobile optimization: Check how your cover photo appears on mobile devices, as many users access Facebook via smartphones.
• Utilize proper dimensions: Follow Facebook’s guidelines for cover photo sizes to ensure clear and crisp images.
• Engage with video: Consider using a video cover photo to catch the attention of Facebook leads and showcase virtual tours or quick market updates.
• Monitor engagement: Track likes and comments to gauge the effectiveness of your cover photo and make adjustments as needed.

Once you have those Facebook leads, check out Top Producer to manage your transactions. It integrates with the MLS and gives you a neat visual timeline for each deal, making it easy to figure out what’s next and keep track of your earnings. With Social Connect, Top Producer’s social media ad tool, you can snag 30 monthly exclusive leads. Pick your target area, and you’re all set—no need to stress about creating content or digging into analytics.

FAQs

Should you watermark real estate photos?

What apps do realtors use for pictures?

Can you use photos from a previous listing?

Your Take

An excellent Facebook cover photo is key for real estate professionals to make a strong impression online. Take inspiration from the examples above to create a visually appealing image highlighting your brand and attracting potential clients. Make it a vital part of your marketing strategy to stand out.

Do you have any additional suggestions that I didn’t mention? Do you do something different that is generating business? I would love to hear about it. Share your secrets with me in the comments.

The post 8 Real Estate Facebook Cover Photo Examples That Inspire appeared first on The Close.

Pros Multiple membership options 14-day free trial and free consult for PRO membership Option to cancel anytime Mobile-friendly	Cons Significant jump in price from basic to Plus PRO pricing not available without a consult Course not sold outside of membership 1:1 support only available in PRO membership

My Verdict on Sell It & Why You Should Trust It 

As a real estate agent, I understand firsthand how expensive it can be to invest in a coaching program and learn how to scale your business. So, when considering a program, it’s important to evaluate all your options before deciding. While the industry offers many coaching choices, affordability is often a key factor, especially for new agents. The Sell It membership program provides various tiers, making it an attainable option for agents at any stage of their careers.

Receiving the tools and resources necessary to grow your business is essential when investing in a real estate coaching program. That said, it’s up to you to put in the work and apply what you learn to achieve your desired results. The Sell It membership offers a blend of individual and group activities, providing an excellent combination for testing your knowledge and collaborating with others to refine your approach as needed.

This program is a great investment for agents based on the resources available, such as guides, templates, interactive workshops, community engagement, and various membership options. Since the memberships can be expensive, I see this as a stepping-stone program, especially for those who are not yet top-producing agents. It would be wise to start with the basic membership, then upgrade to Plus as you begin to earn more. When you’re ready, move on to PRO and keep elevating your business to the next level.

Sell It Alternatives

Just like there are different brokerages for everyone, there is a different coaching program for everyone as well. It’s important to find the right fit so that you get the most out of what you’re paying for. If you don’t see specific resources and support that you need with the Sell It memberships, try one of these alternatives.

Key Features of Sell It 

The Sell It membership has a range of features that vary as you move up in tiers. However, all membership tiers include learning, coaching, and networking opportunities, as well as a library where you can access additional guides, templates, and courses. Let’s take a look at some of the key features you get when you become a Sell It member. 

Sell It Core Course

Ryan Serhant’s course is offered across all membership tiers, and if the course is the only thing you’re signing up for, the base membership tier may work perfectly for you. The course focuses on proven sales methods, which will help you unlock your next level of income. There are 22 video modules, four and a half hours of content, and additional content continuing to be added. The curriculum includes: 

• Prospecting techniques 
• Relationship building 
• Leading your prospects 
• A well-executed demo 
• Negotiation and closing 
• Follow-up for lead generation 

Live Workshops & Recordings

Every membership tier comes with live workshops that occur multiple times a week. You’ll get to hear from top experts and thought leaders who share tactical strategies to get you selling more. These workshops remain in the library as a recording if you happen to miss the live, and there are already over 100 recorded workshops at your disposal as soon as you sign up. 

When on the website, I noticed a pop-up offering “emergency training” regarding the NAR settlement. This training is also offered to non-members for a one-time fee. In my opinion, this shows that Sell It strives to provide timely and relevant training and support to keep you educated and on top of your game. 

Networking With Peers

As we all know, having a strong, supportive network is key in real estate. Whether it’s talking about business strategy or just venting about a deal gone wrong, we all need like-minded professionals to lean on, and you get 24/7 access to the Sell It digital community when you’re a member. This is a great way to hone your skills, ask questions, share knowledge, and discover new ways to grow your business. 

In addition, connecting with agents all across the world helps to build your referral network and potentially bring in leads. To date, the Sell It community members have completed over $250,000,000 in referrals.

Digital Library & Knowledge Base

Access to a digital library is available to every member. You’ll be able to use templates, step-by-step guides, and how-to explainers to help you implement every step of the Sell It Sales System. Get your business strategy in order by creating a custom plan specific to your business goals using the mini-courses and resources available in the library. 

In addition, through the digital library, you’ll receive two new courses each month. Some example topics include: 

• Strategic prospecting mastery
• Mastering advanced negotiation techniques
• Personalization in the age of AI
• Digital sales accelerator 

Coaching

Let’s face it: a real estate coach can significantly impact how you manage your day-to-day business. The coaching support offered through Sell It varies depending on the tier you choose, ranging from group sessions to one-on-one coaching. It would be beneficial for the base membership tier to include more direct coaching support or even provide an option to pay separately for one-on-one sessions. Often, those who cannot yet afford the higher tiers would benefit the most from direct coaching.

Coaching options in Plus and PRO include: 

• Small group coaching 
• 1:1 coaching sessions
• Monthly live training sessions with Ryan Serhant 

Sell It Pricing

Pricing varies based on the membership you choose. Each option gives you different levels of personal support for your business, but all come packed with features designed to support you. If you pay annually, you can benefit from a discount, although you do have the option to pay monthly.

FAQs

How much money do Serhant agents make?

What channel is Sell It Like Serhant on?

Who are the top real estate agents in the US?

The Bottom Line: Is Sell It Worth Your Money? 

If your brokerage doesn’t have consistent training or you’re craving a bit more support, the Sell It membership is packed with resources for agents and even has ready-made templates and guides. It’d be great to see more direct coaching included in the basic membership, but the best part is you can pick the tier that fits you best, no matter where you’re at in your career. So, if you want to sell like Serhant, one of these memberships might just give you the start you need.

The post ‘Sell It’ Serhant Course Review: Pricing, Features, Pros & Cons appeared first on The Close.

1. Communication

From the first hello at your open house to the final handshake after closing a deal, an agent’s success largely depends on mastering the art of communication. We all know it: every client is unique, each with specific preferences and needs. That said, always be concise, ask thoughtful questions, and show genuine curiosity. Building your network and client relationships feels natural when you’re an expert at communicating.

To improve your communication skills as a real estate agent, practice the following:

• Write down your thoughts: Journal or simply use your Notes mobile app. This tip will allow you to organize your thoughts and say only relevant things.
• Listen actively: Always pay attention, know when to give feedback, and respond appropriately when communicating with your clients or fellow agents.
• Be aware of nonverbal cues: Make eye contact when you’re talking, smile, and use hand gestures. This connection will help clients and colleagues sense your confidence.

2. Negotiation

Negotiation is one of the most essential skill requirements for real estate agent. Buyers and sellers want the best possible deal, so agents should always prepare to negotiate. To excel in this area, agents must understand their client’s goals and needs so they can effectively communicate during negotiations.

 The best way to build your negotiation skills is through experience. If this is a weak spot in your skillset, try role-playing scenarios with a mentor or fellow agent, attend workshops, and continuously educate yourself through real estate business books. Doing all these will make you more confident as an agent, enhancing your negotiation abilities.

If you want to be an expert negotiator, take a Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) course from Colibri’s Real Estate Negotiation Institute (RENI). The course covers proven persuasion approaches, techniques on how clients will choose you over other agents, lead generation and conversion strategies, handling various negotiation styles, and more. The course will improve your negotiation game whether you’re a new or seasoned agent.

3. Problem Solving

If you’ve ever been in a tight spot trying to meet a client’s special requests, don’t worry. That’s just a typical day in the life of an agent. Whether meeting a strict deadline to find a house or searching for one with a particular list of features, these challenges are part of the job. The key is to showcase your problem-solving skills while adapting to the current situation. You’ll close the deal and ensure client satisfaction by facing these obstacles head-on. Remember, it’s all about turning challenges into opportunities.

Here are some ways to build your problem-solving skills:

• Never stop learning: Attend real estate conferences or webinars that tackle the latest industry trends and solutions that can help you navigate difficult situations with clients.
• Brainstorm your strategies and solutions: Consider multiple solutions for every problem or situation. These can include an alternative financing option, negotiation technique, or marketing strategy.
• Build your network of professionals: Agents should have their trusted real estate attorneys, mortgage brokers, builders, electricians, plumbers, and other real estate professionals on speed dial in case something goes wrong. These experts can help you solve complex issues and maintain your deal with a client.

4. Local Community Knowledge

Local community knowledge is one of the most essential skills a real estate agent needs because potential clients hire local experts. To thrive in your community, you should know your area inside and out. This knowledge deep dive means knowing local establishments, town amenities, and market conditions in specific neighborhoods. 

Want some plus points? Remember these valuable tips:

• Stay up-to-date on your state and area’s local news: Watch for community events and read local news. Stay in the loop on zoning laws and other new developments.
• Volunteer at local events: The more you show up, the more people know your face and business.
• Know the best hot spots: Where do locals usually eat during a big celebration? Where’s the best burger joint? Be the guidebook of potential clients who will soon be living in the same area as you.

5. Time Management

Juggling meetings, open houses, showings, family time, and leisure can feel overwhelming. However, mastering time management is necessary for the long haul to thrive in this career. After all, no client wants to feel at the bottom of an agent’s to-do list. Plan your engagements thoughtfully to ensure your clients, colleagues, and family get the service and attention they deserve. Some helpful time management tips for agents include:

• Using Google Calendar or your trusty leather planner for scheduling tasks and events
• Using real estate software to automate repetitive tasks
• Becoming part of a team and delegating tasks
• Including professional and personal tasks in your daily schedule

Stay on top of your busy schedule with this classic leather planner. Maintain balance and productivity by mapping out your open houses, property showings, office meetings, and personal life events using the planner’s weekly and hourly schedule layout.

6. Technology

Isn’t it unbelievable how there always seems to be a new real estate app that makes agents’ lives easier? From apps that facilitate virtual staging to those that automate lead follow-ups, keeping up each day is much more seamless and efficient with the latest real estate technology. 

Technology skills for real estate agents are a must-have. Experiment with new software, sign up for free trials to see which ones help your business best, and dedicate time to read tutorials and set it up. Clients appreciate it when you’re knowledgeable about the latest tech innovations in real estate.

As an agent, you should be adept at using a customer relationship management system like Market Leader. The platform helps agents respond to clients through automated emails and SMS messages, manage contacts, send listings through automated listing alerts, track when clients have visited your websites, and more.

7. Marketing

To earn more as an agent, you should understand that marketing is one of the most critical real estate agent skills you must develop. It’s all about leveraging available resources to promote your services, whether paid or free. Marketing is more than just having your brokerage promote your name. You have to do the work, too. If you’re a new real estate agent and want to put yourself out there, here are some things you should be adept at:

• Creating Instagram reels and TikTok videos
• Designing real estate flyers and brochures
• Shooting your virtual house tours
• Sending out regular email newsletters
• Building a solid social media presence

8. Data Analysis

One of the most valuable skills in real estate is understanding and analyzing data. Analyzing data is the key to making intelligent decisions and staying ahead of the competition. Today’s modern tools and services make accessing valuable market information easier. 

If you want to know more about any aspect of your local market, you can find a real estate news site—often for free. That means agents who develop skills to analyze data will have the edge over those who don’t, using insights to predict trends, set accurate pricing, and craft strategies for every client.

9. Patience & Adaptability

Yup. You guessed it. Patience and adaptability are skills required for a real estate agent. If you think patience does not belong in the fast-paced world of real estate and should be removed from this list of skills, think again. Every skill I’ve listed above takes time and effort to master, and you’ve got to stick with it until you see results. This stick-to-itiveness applies to soft and hard skills—whether you’re perfecting cold-calling techniques or tweaking your realtor website. 

Selling homes is a long cycle, with many grounds to cover before you get that commission check. Agents who stay patient and adapt to various situations and unforeseen circumstances are the ones who ultimately come out on top. Remember, patient agents are successful agents.

How to Get a Real Estate License: An Overview

If you have the skills a real estate agent needs but are still contemplating becoming an agent, here are the basic steps to get your real estate license:

• Complete your prelicensing education: Before you can start organizing open houses and selling properties, you’ve got to take your prelicensing courses with accredited real estate schools. The number of prelicensing hours differs per state. Some states require only 40 hours, while others require more than 100. Your prelicensing courses cover real estate laws, fair housing, and more.
• Pass your state’s real estate licensing exam: The licensing exam consists of a mix of general and state-specific real estate questions. Prepping for the licensing exam involves reviewing real estate terms, practicing real estate math, and understanding housing laws. Once you feel ready for the license exam, submit your exam application and choose a test center near you.

• Apply for your real estate license: After passing the licensing exam, it’s time to apply for your real estate license. The process involves submitting your application to your state’s licensing board and your license fee. You’ll also need to complete a background check. Some states require you to have a sponsoring broker who’ll apply on your behalf. Check your state’s real estate licensing board for more information.

• Take continuing education courses: Learning doesn’t end after securing your real estate license. Once licensed, you’ll still need to complete continuing education (CE) courses to keep your license active. The number of hours and types of courses depend on your state’s requirements. Some agents take CE courses at the same school where they took their prelicensing courses. Popular CE courses include risk management, legal updates, consumer protection, and ethics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the top three qualities of a realtor?

What aptitudes, strengths, and skills do real estate call for?

What makes a best real estate agent?

Bringing It All Together

Like other real estate careers, being an agent requires a lot of grit and effort. Now that you know the skills required to be a real estate agent, do you have what it takes to be in this career for a long time? What are other skills needed to be a realtor? Let us know in the comments!

The post The Top 9 Real Estate Agent Skills of Successful Agents appeared first on The Close.

Before getting a present for your real estate agent, it is important to follow state laws on gift-giving and note the National Association of Realtors rules:

• Gifts over $50 are not allowed; total annual gifts must not exceed $100.
• Exceptions to the gift limitations above include gifts based on personal friendship, greeting cards, and small tokens like baseball caps, T-shirts, and plaques.
• Gifts under $10 do not count toward the annual limit.

Realtor Gifts With a Personal Touch

Most of the time, the best gifts for realtors don’t cost much money. So, when it comes to showing appreciation, personalized gifts will leave a lasting impression on your real estate agent.

1. A Thoughtful, 5-star Review

• Cost: Free
• Where to find: A review that comes from your heart

A realtor’s business lives and dies based on online reviews. So, if you’re unsure what to get your agent, ask them which websites they most need real estate testimonials on, and write a thoughtful review for each. Some realtors use Yelp, some use Zillow, and others use Google. Some might be trying to break in on a whole new platform. So ask them which sites they prefer; they will love you forever.

2. A Referral or a Shoutout on Your Social Media Page

• Cost: Free
• Where to find: On your own phone screen

Word of mouth is one of the best gifts for real estate agents. If you’re happy with your agent’s services, share them with your family, friends, or colleagues. Share your agent’s post about his next open house on your Instagram or Facebook stories, and invite people you know are actively looking for a home. It costs you nothing but only a few seconds or minutes. Don’t we all want to help our trusted agents succeed?

3. A Handwritten Thank-you Card

• Cost: Free
• Where to find: Canva

In this digital age, a handwritten thank-you card is a rare gem. Taking a few minutes to write a heartfelt note will be more meaningful than any store-bought item. Your realtor will cherish and remember your words of appreciation long after your deal with them is done. If you don’t fancy the thank-you cards at your local bookstore, print these card templates from Canva and then add your handwritten thank-yous. There are no dollars involved, just sincere gratitude.

Realtor Gift Ideas for Foodies

Feed your agent’s passion with foodie-inspired presents. From indulgent treat boxes to kitchen accessories that elevate their dining or drinking experience, these gifts for realtors will surely leave them smiling.

4. Gift Certificate to a Local Café

• Cost: $20
• Where to find: Your local coffee shop

With your agent’s packed schedule of showings and meetings, a coffee shop voucher is the perfect way to show you care. Realtors thrive on quick caffeine boosts to get them through the day, and this thoughtful gesture gives them a quick break. It’s a morning pick-me-up that agents appreciate and won’t go unnoticed! If you’re an agent reading this list, a cup of coffee can also make an excellent pop-by gift!

5. Gift Basket from a Local Farmers Market

• Cost: $72.95
• Where to find: Etsy

A curated gift basket from the local farmers market is one of the best gifts for real estate agents. It’s a thoughtful way to thank your agent while supporting a local business you both love. Who can resist fresh produce, jams, and maybe even a local bottle of wine? Get your favorite realtor an assortment of fruits and nuts, a jar of honey, pickles, and bread. They’ll surely appreciate whatever is in that gift basket!

6. Wine Chilling Coasters With Glasses

• Cost: $51.20
• Where to find: Sea Stones

The best gift you can buy someone is something they didn’t know they wanted. These granite wine-chilling coasters with glasses are a perfect example. Your rose-drinking realtor who loves sipping outdoors in the summertime will love them. They’re also something they would probably not buy for themselves!

Cozy Gift Ideas for Realtors

Agents are always on the go, hustling through property showings and open houses. So, one of the best ways to show you care about their well-being is to give them cozy gifts that they can use to unwind after a long day.

7. Scented Candles that Feel Like a Warm Hug

• Cost: $9.99
• Where to find: Amazon

Here’s another perfect gift for real estate agent: scented candles. There’s something about a scented candle that transforms any living room or bedroom into a cozy haven. It’s one of the best parts of the evening for a realtor after a hectic day of showings. It’s like gifting your agent a little moment of peace—who wouldn’t love that? Try patchouli, fresh linen, pine, citrus, or lavender if you need any scent recommendations.

8. Funky Realtor Socks

• Cost: $6.99 per pair
• Where to find: Amazon

Who says workwear has to be boring? Check out these real estate-themed colorful socks that add personality and humor to your agent’s wardrobe. They’ll think of you and smile whenever they slip on those socks. Plus points if it’s their favorite color! And hey, these socks might even become a conversation starter during casual meetings with fellow agents or showings with clients.

9. Comfy Hoodie

• Cost: $49.95
• Where to find: All Things Real Estate

I know it’s a bit cliché, but most realtors are not shy about self-promotion. This is why companies like All Things Real Estate (ATRE) make fashion-forward swag for realtors to show the world that they sell real estate. ATRE sells apparel, beer koozies, wine tags, stickers, signage, cell phone cases, and more—everything a devoted realtor will love.

Unique Office Gifts for Your Realtor

Besides their home, your agent’s brokerage office is their headquarters—another place they spend most of their time in. So, why not give your realtor something that makes their workspace more stylish?

10. A Set of House- & Key-shaped Paper Clips

• Cost: $14.99
• Where to find: Amazon

If you’re looking for an affordable gift for a realtor, these house- and key-shaped paper clips are a small but excellent way to keep their paperwork organized. The little details count, and these clips add a fun, cute, and professional touch to a stack of contracts. Plus, it’s a great way to show that you are paying attention to the finer details of their work.

11. Customized Stamps

• Cost: Starts at $9.95
• Where to find: Amazon

Not all agents have a customized stamp, so it’s the perfect present if your agent doesn’t have one yet! Whether they’re stamping important documents, thank-you notes, postcards, or envelopes, having a custom stamp with their name or logo adds a professional touch to their correspondence. A custom stamp is the best gift for a realtor if you want something thoughtful yet affordable.

12. Customized Leather Portfolio

• Cost: $23.99
• Where to find: Amazon

Trust me, any real estate agent needs a good customized leather portfolio. It’s sleek and stylish, making every contract and listing presentation more polished and professional. With their name or initials on the front, it becomes more than just an accessory—it’s a statement piece.

Best Gifts for Realtors Who Are Tech-savvy

If your realtor loves technology as much as they love closing deals, a tech-inspired gift is your best option. Think smart home devices, wireless chargers, or anything techy that can make your agent’s life easier.

13. Smart Coffee Mug

• Cost: $63.96
• Where to find: Amazon

When you’ve just invested money in a new house, splurging on an expensive gift for your agent might feel impossible. But if you still want to go the extra mile for your favorite realtor, consider this smart coffee mug. With all their back-to-back meetings and property showings, a smart coffee mug is a practical gift they’ll use daily.

14. Apple AirTag

• Cost: $27.9
• Where to find: Amazon

If your real estate agent constantly juggles keys, bags, and multiple devices, an Apple AirTag could be a lifesaver. Imagine never worrying about lost keys or valuables just minutes before a showing or an open house—pure bliss! It’s a sleek and practical gift I’m sure any agent would love.

15. Laptop Privacy Screen Filter

• Cost: $28.99
• Where to find: Amazon

A laptop privacy screen filter is essential since real estate agents are always on the go, attending client meetings and property showings. This privacy filter provides agents peace of mind by ensuring that sensitive information stays secure, no matter where they work.

FAQs: Gifts for Realtors

Is it proper etiquette to get your realtor a gift?

How do you thank your real estate agent?

How much should you spend on a realtor gift?

Can a realtor deduct gifts from clients?

Bringing It All Together

The greatest gift a client can give a realtor is heartfelt thanks, a positive review, and thoughtfully spreading the word about their awesomeness. It’s a way of showing you value your agent-client relationship. But for fellow agents and clients who want to go above and beyond, this list is packed with options for almost every realtor you know and love. 

Have other gift ideas? Let us know in the comments.

The post 15 Best Gifts for Realtors for Any Budget appeared first on The Close.

Earning money in real estate doesn’t happen overnight—you only get paid once you close a deal. It might take some time to see the results of your hard work, but with the right approach, you can speed up the process and start closing deals sooner. Let’s dive into the real estate agent checklist to get you up and running!

Step 1: Set up Your Essentials

First off, Congratulations! If you’re reading this article, you likely have recently obtained your real estate license and are ready to start your journey as a real estate agent. It feels like an amazing accomplishment to have passed the real estate exam—but now what?

• Choose a brokerage and get to know them: Select a brokerage that matches your career goals and offers the support you need, focusing on training, culture, commission, and mentorship.
• Set up your business essentials: Start by setting up a professional email and phone number, get business cards, and update your social media to reflect your new role.
• Get familiar with the market: Research neighborhoods, property values, and trends; attend open houses, and build a strong understanding of your market.
• Start building your database: Begin with your sphere of influence—friends, family, colleagues—letting them know you’re a real estate agent. Keep adding contacts to grow your leads and referrals.
• Set realistic goals: Define clear, achievable goals for your first year, like transactions, income targets, or new contacts, to stay focused and motivated.

Step 2: Start Your Lead Generation

Unfortunately, leads don’t just come to you. Start by aiming to have 50 real estate conversations per week. Play to your strengths and decide whether you’ll invest time, money, or both. For example, open houses are low-cost but time-consuming, so if you don’t have a listing, ask an experienced agent to host one of theirs. 

Focus on lead-generating activities that fit your budget and maximize conversations, like following up with cold calls after an open house to keep the momentum going. Cold calling is, by far, the fastest way to build your database and get in touch with potential leads. It’s definitely worth adding to your real estate checklist.

If you’re looking to make your dollar go further, REDX is a great choice for new agents looking to generate leads in this way. They have a power dialer that will get you in front of a large audience fast so you can start converting leads into clients ASAP.

Pro Tip: Take time to reflect on what drew you to real estate in the first place—whether it’s the freedom, the connection, or being your own boss. Your “why” is your anchor, especially when things get tough. As Simon Sinek says, “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.”

Step 3: Use Your Brokerage Tools

Get to know your brokerage and make the most of it—it’s not just a place to hang your license but a goldmine of resources that can set you up for success. Each brokerage is unique, so understand what yours offers, from tools and training. By fully using what your brokerage provides and networking with the right people, you will elevate your business and make the most of your new workplace.

• Join training programs: Make it a priority to attend your brokerage’s training sessions—they’ll give you the skills and knowledge you need to start strong.
• Find a mentor: Connect with an experienced agent who can guide you, offer market insights, and share tips that only come with experience.
• Use marketing and support tools: Take advantage of your brokerage’s resources like marketing templates, photography, and administrative support to build your brand and attract clients.
• Attend brokerage events: Engage in brokerage events to learn, network, and stay updated on industry trends—these are great for growing your knowledge and connections.

By tapping into all the resources your brokerage offers, you’re laying the groundwork for long-term growth. Remember, your brokerage is there to support you—so take full advantage of everything they have to offer. If you still need some help choosing a brokerage, check out our review of the best real estate companies to work for.

Step 4: Put Yourself Out There

Now that you’ve established what you need to do, now it’s time to actually do it—and you need to start getting noticed. Remember, the goal of putting yourself out there as a real estate professional is to create a strong personal brand that helps you stand out from the crowd.

 Let’s take a look at a few things you should do to make sure you’re getting seen.

• Write a great bio: Create a bio that really shows off your strengths and what makes you unique.
• Get a professional headshot: A great headshot is worth the investment—make sure it’s professional, confident, and approachable, and use it everywhere.
• Build your online presence: Keep your website and social media profiles up to date and aligned with your brand so potential clients know exactly who you are.
• Network online and offline: Get out there and connect—whether it’s through social media or local events, the more people you meet, the better.
• Share valuable and relatable content: Post helpful tips, market insights, and content that speaks directly to what your audience needs.
• Use client testimonials: Let your satisfied clients do the talking—sharing their positive experiences can build trust with new prospects.
• Be active in your community: Get involved in local events and initiatives to show your commitment and make sure people know who you are.

Don’t just rely on a single social media post to announce your real estate career—many people might miss it. Let your entire sphere of influence know you’re in the business because conversations about real estate are opportunities you don’t want to miss. Personal connections often lead to your first sales. People want to support you but can only do that if they know what you’re doing. Consistently remind your network, or you might miss out on potential deals.

Keep your branding and marketing simple, especially in your first month—getting bogged down with too many options is easy. Agent Crate is a great tool for new agents because it offers easy-to-use templates and ready-made content, so you will quickly get your brand out there without spending a ton of time. Agent Crate lets you create professional-looking social media posts, flyers, and business cards in no time, letting you focus on connecting with clients and building your business from the start.

Pro Tip: Need some bio-writing tips? We got you covered. If writing your bio is something you are really struggling with, hiring a professional freelancer is an option. Just make sure it’s in your voice!

Step 5: Build Your Tech Stack

With so many tools out there, it’s like being a kid in a candy store—except these treats help you close deals faster, manage your clients better, and make your life a whole lot easier. From customer relationship management CRMs that keep you organized to virtual tour software that wows your clients, there’s no shortage of gadgets and apps designed to boost your real estate game. 

The Close is a great resource to check out different tools, checklists, and tips for new real estate agents, so let’s take a look at tech tools that will take your business to the next level. 

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software: A good CRM is the backbone of your business. It helps you keep track of leads, manage client relationships, and automate follow-ups. Look for a CRM that allows you to organize contacts, set reminders, and track communication history.
• Transaction Management Software: Keeping track of all the details in a real estate transaction can be a hassle, but transaction management software makes it easy. Some brokerages may provide one and require you to use it—and that’s fine too! These programs help you organize contracts, deadlines, and documents in one place, so nothing slips through the cracks.
• Cloud Storage & Electronic Signature Software: Cloud storage solutions like Google Drive and Dropbox help you securely store and access documents from anywhere, making it easy to share files with clients and colleagues. Pair this with electronic signature software like DocuSign or Adobe, and you can handle contracts quickly and securely online.
• Social Media Marketing Tools: Having a solid social media presence is key to an agent’s success, but it doesn’t have to take up all your time. With the right tools, you can easily create professional-looking posts, keep your branding consistent, and stay active online without the hassle. These tools let you schedule posts and manage everything in one place, making it easy to connect with your audience and grow your business.
• irtual Meeting & Video Tools: Virtual meeting and video tools have become more popular over the years, making it easy to connect with clients no matter where they are. Platforms like Zoom allow you to conduct virtual tours, host meetings, and stay in touch with clients. Other platforms, like BombBomb, add a personal touch by allowing you to send personalized video messages via email.
• Virtual Tour & Virtual Staging Software: With virtual tours, buyers can explore homes from anywhere, getting a real feel for the space. Virtual staging adds a finishing touch by digitally furnishing rooms, helping buyers imagine living there. These tools make your listings stand out and reach more potential buyers, so be sure to add this to your listing agent checklist.
• Dialers & Communication Tools: When you start thinking about adding cold-calling to your business, dialers and other communication tools become a must have tool. Dialers help you manage calls, track follow-ups, and ensure no lead slips through the cracks.
• Open House Tech Tools: Hosting an open house? With the right open house tech, you will streamline the whole process. Use digital sign-in apps, virtual tours, and automated follow-ups to capture leads and make a great impression. These tools help you manage visitors and show off the property effortlessly, turning casual visitors into serious buyers.
• Referral & Lead Generation Tools: Growing your real estate business starts with finding the right clients, and referral and lead generation tools can help make that happen. Whether you’re using a CRM to keep track of leads or tapping into referral networks to connect with ready-to-move buyers and sellers, these tools are key to keeping your pipeline full. By mixing and matching the right tools, you will stay organized, build strong relationships, and turn prospects into loyal clients, helping your business thrive.
• Must-have Apps for Agents On-the-Go: Let’s face it—successful agents are always on the move, often spending more time in their car than at a desk. That’s why having reliable apps that work anywhere is so important. Whether you’re between showings or on the road, these real estate apps help you stay connected, creative, and efficient, ensuring you can manage your business no matter where the day takes you.

Wise Agent CRM is a powerful tool designed to help real estate professionals streamline their business. With its easy-to-use interface, you can manage leads, automate follow-ups, and keep track of all your client interactions in one place. It’s the perfect solution to stay organized and grow your business efficiently.

Step 6: Navigate Your First Deals

You’ve implemented all the items on the new real estate agent checklist so far, and you now have your first deal under contract. What’s next? Your first few real estate transactions are both exciting and nerve-wracking. It’s sure to bring new learning experiences that will set the stage for your future in real estate.

• Lean on your mentor: If you’re unsure about something, don’t hesitate to reach out to your mentor or broker—they’ve been through it and can offer solid advice.
• Double-check everything: The details matter—make sure that your paperwork is spot-on and that deadlines are met to keep everything on track.
• Communicate and stay organized: Keep your clients in the loop and stay organized to make sure things go smoothly. Automate tasks when you can, delegate when possible, and prioritize your most important tasks.
• Stay calm under pressure: Real estate can get stressful, but staying calm helps you handle any issues and reassures your clients. Manage your time with time-blocking so you can stay focused during any situation.
• Learn and grow: Every deal is a learning opportunity—take time to reflect, get feedback, and keep improving your approach. Review your progress continuously and make adjustments where needed.

Step 7: Be Aware of Bumps in the Road

Real estate is stressful and can be hard. Anyone who tells you any different is lying. Prepare yourself now for any potential bumps in the road. Here are just a few examples of what can go wrong in a transaction.

• Deals will fall through, and that commission you were counting on might disappear, leaving you wondering how you’ll manage until the next one closes. 
• There will be tough clients who make you question why you got into this business in the first place.
• The market will have its ups and downs, with high highs and even lower lows. Staying informed about the latest trends will help you navigate through any season.
• Life doesn’t slow down, and neither does business. Balancing your time and maintaining a work-life balance will be challenging.
• Rejection is a part of the business. Get used to hearing “no,” but always learn from it.  

My advice? Don’t be afraid to fail, and be ready for any challenges with a financial safety net for when commissions don’t come through. Lean on your network for support and advice. Keep up with market trends so you can adjust as needed, and make time for yourself to avoid burnout. With a little preparation and the right mindset, you’ll be able to get through it and keep moving forward.

Step 8: Keep Growing

Continuous growth is the key to long-term success. The industry is always evolving, and as agents, we have to stay on top of the latest and greatest. That’s why it’s so important to hone your skills, expand your knowledge, and explore new opportunities.

• Invest in continuing education: Continuing education is a required part of keeping your license, but be sure to take specialized courses and earn certifications to enhance your skills.
• Seek out mentorship: Connect with mentors and peers to gain insights and explore new opportunities.
• Embrace technology and innovation: Try out the latest tech tools to make your work easier and stay ahead of the curve. Be sure to click here and subscribe to The Close for the latest updates and product reviews.
• Focus on personal development: Growing as a person is just as important as growing as a professional.
• Set goals and learn from your experiences: Regularly check in on your goals, and use what you’ve learned to keep growing and moving forward.

Embracing a mindset of always learning and growing will help you stay current and deliver top-notch service to your clients. Keep following this new real estate agent checklist, and you will set yourself up for long-term success in your real estate career.

Step 9: Set Your Sights High

Setting ambitious goals and striving for continuous improvement is essential for long-term success. Whether you want to close more deals, expand your client base, or grow your expertise, goal setting will keep you motivated and focused.

• Start with a vision: Imagine where you want your real estate career to go—whether it’s closing more deals, expanding your reach, or mastering a new niche. Visualize what you want your business to look like and create a vision board to reference while you’re working to achieve your goals.
• Break down goals: Once you have your big goals in mind, break them down into smaller, actionable steps. For example, if your goal is to increase your transactions, identify specific tasks like boosting your lead generation or improving follow-up processes by using a CRM.
• Plan your path: Develop a strategic plan that outlines the steps you’ll take to reach each milestone. Consider what resources you’ll need and set realistic timelines to keep yourself on track.
• Monitor and adjust: Regularly check in on your progress. Are you hitting your targets? If not, adjust your strategy. The market can change, and so should your approach—stay flexible.
• Get support: Don’t go it alone. Share your goals with a mentor, colleague, or accountability partner who can offer guidance and keep you motivated. Their insights and encouragement can make a big difference.
• Celebrate along the way: As you make progress, take time to celebrate your wins. Whether it’s reaching a sales milestone or completing a big project, acknowledging your achievements keeps you excited for the next challenge.

By starting with a clear vision, breaking down your goals, and staying adaptable, you’ll keep moving forward and reaching new heights in your real estate career. And remember, the journey is just as important as the destination—so enjoy the ride!

Bringing It All Together

Starting your real estate career can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach and tools, you’re setting yourself up for success. By putting yourself out there, staying organized, and making the most of the resources available to you, you’ll build a strong foundation for a thriving business. Take it step by step, and soon you’ll be on your way to reaching your goals.

The post The Ultimate New Real Estate Agent Checklist: Your Path to Success appeared first on The Close.

After the list, I cover step-by-step instructions for choosing a real estate coach to help you close more deals with less stress this year. Spoiler alert: The most prominent coaches might not fit every agent best!

The Close’s Picks for Best Real Estate Coaches

Tom Ferry Pricing

Sample Tom Ferry Scripts:

• 7 Scripts for Confidence & Win Business – #TomFerryShow – Tom Ferry 
• Overcome Real Estate Objections, Scripts & More | Tom Ferry
• Listing Presentation Role Play: The 95% Effective Script You NEED – Tom Ferry

Sample Video Training: Mindset Monday

Tom Ferry’s Pitch for Struggling Agents

“The simple answer is options. We don’t pigeonhole you into some predetermined formula that you must follow. We believe there are many ways to run your business, and we coach based on your choices and your objectives to help you get where you want to go faster.” – Tom Ferry, TF Tom Ferry

Keller Williams MAPS Pricing

Sample Keller Williams MAPS Coaching Material: Scripts

Keller Williams’ Pitch for Struggling Agents

“We believe the client is creative, resourceful, and whole. We believe you must address the person as a whole (their entire life, and keep them in production). We believe the issues are from the client and their business. We believe the relationship is one of partnership.” – Keller Williams, KW MAPS

Sean Moudry Pricing

Sean Moudry’s Pitch for Struggling Agents

“My course, 4 Low-Cost Hidden Listing Gold Mine Sources, will teach you how to find untapped listing sources that will fuel your business in the long term. Learn the scripts you need to increase referrals and work with more motivated sellers.” – Sean Moudry, 16 Strategies Facebook page

Brian Buffini Pricing

Brian Buffini’s Pitch for Struggling Agents

“During these calls, your coach will work with you to define and set your business, financial, and personal goals; develop a business plan to help you generate a steady stream of referred leads; enhance your current relationships; and hit your financial goals. Our coaches are experts in uncovering the roadblocks—real and perceived—that block your path to living the life of your dreams.” – Brian Buffini, Buffini & Company

Icenhower Pricing

Sample Coaching Material: 2-WEEK ASSAULT PLAN for Making Initial Contact With Online Leads

Icenhower Coaching’s Pitch for Struggling Agents

“Icenhower Coaching & Consulting provides customized, structured real estate coaching and training programs for agents and team leaders. We work with many of the top agents and teams in North America. ICC coaching isn’t a one-size-fits-all coaching program.” – Brian Icenhower, The Real Estate Trainer

Kevin Ward Pricing

Sample Coaching Video: HOW TO LOSE A LISTING IN 10 DAYS!

Kevin Ward Pitch for Struggling Agents

“I. Was. Terrified. I was also desperate. I had a family to feed. No savings. No other options. I just started. I found a great mentor, I did exactly what he told me. I did the work. And I started getting listings. AND EVERYTHING CHANGED…” – Kevin Ward, yesmasters

Katie Lance Pricing

Sample Coaching Video: Top ChatGPT Tips | Little Known ChatGPT Hacks

Katie Lance Pitch for Struggling Agents

“With over a decade of experience, I have been dedicated to helping agents and brokers up their social media game to fuel their business growth. My secret sauce? Empowering real estate professionals to achieve incredible results using social media, all without sacrificing loads of time.” – Katie Lance, #GetSocialSmart Academy

Ashley Harwood Pricing

Sample Coaching Video: How to Avoid Burnout over the Holidays

Ashley Harwood Pitch for Struggling Agents

“After participating and being a student of many, many coaching and training programs, she saw a need in the industry. The introverts were being left behind. So, Ashley started developing training materials, classes, and coaching programs for her people, her fellow introverts.” – Ashley Hardwood, Move Over Extroverts

Craig Proctor Pricing

Sample Coaching Video: How to Generate the BEST LEADS Without Spending a Fortune | Craig Proctor

Craig Proctor Pitch for Struggling Agents

“It doesn’t matter where you are with the Craig Proctor System, just getting started, selling 10 homes a year or 10 a week, if you want more then you are going to have to do something about it. Not WORK like a crazy person more… but work differently.” – Craig Proctor, CPS Platinum

Tim & Julie Harris Pricing

Sample Coaching Video: How To Generate 5 Closings In 5 Weeks With ZERO Referral Fees!

Tim & Julie Harris Pitch for Struggling Agents

“Committing to real estate coaching is committing to your success as a real estate professional. But what actually goes into making that commitment to real estate coaching? Your uncensored motivation and desire to become the most skilled, effective, and productive real estate professional you can possibly be.” – Tim & Julie Harris, Harris Real Estate Coaching

Mike Ferry Pricing

Mike Ferry Pitch for Struggling Agents

“Every professional athlete, business owner, top producer has a mentor or coach … why wouldn’t you? Set yourself apart from the competition, overcome obstacles, and start spending your time participating in systems that will take your business to the next level.” – Mike Ferry, Real Estate Coaching

Bernice Ross Pricing

Bernice Ross Pitch for Struggling Agents

“Bernice’s new and experienced agent training programs led the 4,000-agent Jon Douglas Company to become the top producing company per agent in the United States. Her training programs continue to be the most comprehensive and cutting-edge on and offline real estate sales training available today.” – Bernice Ross, RealEstateCoach

How to Choose a Top Real Estate Coach that Works for You

Just because a coach is popular or trending online does not mean they will work for you. Here is a proven four-step process that top agents use to choose the right and best real estate coaches:

Step 1: Learn the Real ROI Real Estate Coaches Offer Agents

The first step to choosing the best real estate agent coach is to learn the true return on investment (ROI) of a good real estate coach. Many agents sign up for coaching and are then disappointed when they don’t learn “secret” lead generation or marketing strategies. But that’s not what real estate coaching is for! 

Real estate coaching helps agents stay on track and feel motivated. It’s like getting help to do better at a game. Sometimes, it’s hard to see how to do better by yourself, so it’s good to have someone outside the game help you see what’s working and what’s not.

Step 2: Discover Your Sales Personality & MVV

Smart real estate agents and coaches know that being good at one thing is important. Before picking a coach, you must determine what you are good at. If you are new and finding it hard, don’t worry, but it’s crucial for making your own brand. For example, if you are shy but good with technology, you might not be good at cold calling, but you could be good at using Facebook ads or making websites appear on Google. Before picking a coach, you must know what your sales personality is and what skills you bring to the table.

Once you know your sales personality, take the time to work on your mission, vision, and values. Knowing where you want to be in five years (vision), how you plan to get there (mission), and what’s most important to you (values) will make choosing a real estate coach much easier.

Step 3: Decide on a Coaching Budget

Remember to think carefully about choosing a coach. Some agents fall for expensive coaches who promise to multiply their income, while others choose the cheapest option. Instead, find out what different coaches charge and decide how much you can afford to spend every month to improve your career. Set specific goals to achieve to justify the expense. For example, if you decide on $300 a month, figure out how many extra deals you’ll need to close to make that expense worthwhile.

Step 4: Research Coaches Who Work for Your Sales Personality, MVV & Budget

Now that you know your sales personality, MVV, and budget, take the time to research a few coaches to see if they’re a good fit. While this article includes information on pricing and sample coaching materials, you’ll want to get on the phone with a few coaching companies to really test the waters.

Real Estate Coaching FAQs 

To dispel some of the myths about coaching, here are the top five most commonly asked questions we get from agents considering hiring a coach for the first time:

1. How much does real estate coaching cost?

2. Does my real estate coach need to have experience as a realtor?

3. What are the benefits of real estate coaching?

4. Will a more expensive coach keep me more motivated?

5. Is coaching essential for success in real estate?

Methodology: How We Chose the Best Real Estate Coaches 

Since there seems to be a real estate coach behind every rock these days, finding a fair way to pick the best coaches was pretty tricky. To make the process somewhat more egalitarian, we used the following criteria to rate coaching companies and individual coaches:

• Size and industry reputation: While the size of a coaching company does not always mean they’re better, coaching is a highly competitive industry, so survival is difficult. If a company manages to not only survive but thrive over many years, chances are they are doing something right. 
• Successful former clients: Next, we looked at the number and success of former clients. While we couldn’t get examples for every coaching program, those with a repeated track record of successful former agents tell us they are helping their clients. 
• Adoption of the latest technology: This is a big one and one of the reasons some very famous coaching programs did not make our list. The real estate industry has changed dramatically over the last few years, and to compete, coaching programs need to update their lessons to reflect the latest methods of generating leads and marketing an agent’s business. 
• Agent reviews: While most reviews can be taken with a grain of salt, a coaching program with lots of positive feedback from former clients will almost always be high quality. 
• Quality of scripts and training videos: Finally, we looked at sample scripts and training videos for these coaches. High-quality scripts and training videos generally mean high-quality coaching and training. 

Bringing It All Together

After evaluating several candidates, we have selected the top real estate coaches for 2024. These coaches excel at assisting real estate professionals in succeeding in a challenging market. They offer innovative ideas and strategies to help agents and brokers perform at their best in the coming year. Some of them also share blog posts and books to support the success of real estate professionals. We are excited to see their positive impact on the real estate industry in 2024 and beyond.

Do you know a great real estate coach who should be on our list next year? Let us know in the comments section!

The post The 12 Best Real Estate Coaches appeared first on The Close.

1. The Close

• Who should read it: Incredibly good-looking, talented, and charming agents with impeccable taste.
• Why we love it: One of the best real estate blogs (ahem), The Close offers everything you’ll need throughout your real estate career. Whether a new agent or a seasoned pro, you’ll find The Close’s lead generation and marketing techniques helpful. The blog has prelicensing guides, tech reviews, marketing templates, agent insights, recommendations for best real estate books, and fun real estate posts! Hopefully, you can feel our passion for building better agents through our articles.

Want to get our latest tips, templates, scripts, and articles in your inbox every week? Sign up for our email list below.

2. Tom Ferry

• Who should read it: New and experienced agents stuck in a rut.
• Why we love it: America’s premier real estate coach brings unmatched enthusiasm to helping real estate agents break out of sales ruts, learn new agent skills and lead generation techniques, and stay inspired. Tom Ferry excels in delivering impactful content through videos, which are featured prominently on his real estate blogspot. If you don’t have time to watch long videos, you can get the same actionable advice in his writing.

3. Coffee & Contracts

• Who should read it: Agents who want to grow their business on Instagram.
• Why we love it: Want social media tips and strategies from agents crushing it on Instagram? Then, the Coffee & Contracts blog should be your new daily read. Coffee & Contracts uses its extensive network of Instagram superstars like Eric Simon and Taya Dicarlo to dish out advice that works.

You’ll find guides on everything from improving your Reels to generating leads and writing engaging captions and motivational quotes. Additionally, the blog delves into advanced techniques for growing your follower base, how top agents build their brands, and using Instagram Stories to connect with your audience.

4. Business And Media (BAM) for Agents of Change

• Who should read it: Agents who want to learn how to become better agents with a greater sense of humor.
• Why we love it: Broke Agent Media is the brainchild of Eric Simon, who you probably know from his wildly popular Instagram account, The Broke Agent. But instead of spicy memes and skits, Broke Agent Media provides timely and actionable advice for agents trying to make a splash on social media.

BAM is a little video-heavy, featuring informative videos that break down complex topics into easy-to-digest concepts. However, the articles are as timely and actionable, offering practical agent tips and interviews. BAM also includes unique elements, such as humorous takes on real estate challenges and relatable anecdotes, making it entertaining and educational. BAM is an instant bookmark if you want a dose of wit and humor with your real estate training.

5. The CE Shop – Agent Essentials

• Who should read it: Prospective and new real estate agents.
• Why we love it: In addition to its prelicensing, exam prep, license renewal, and continuing education courses, did you know that The CE Shop has a blog called Agent Essentials? It offers various content, such as guidance on switching to a real estate career, filing your taxes as an agent, and understanding the different types of first-time homebuyers. Additionally, Agent Essentials provides tech tools and podcast recommendations, offering inspiration and actionable advice.

6. McKissock Learning

• Who should read it: New agents and prospective real estate appraisers.
• Why we love it: If you’re taking your continuing education courses with McKissock Learning, chances are you’ve already stumbled upon its blog. McKissock Learning’s real estate blog focuses on resources for new agents, providing essential guidance for those starting their careers. It offers a variety of content, including mastering real estate negotiation, how to become the go-to agent, productivity hacks, success stories, and more. But if you’re planning on becoming a real estate appraiser, McKissock offers extensive content on starting and growing an appraisal business.

7. Inhabit by Corcoran

• Who should read it: Luxury agents and brokers who want content inspiration.
• Why we love it: Billed as a lifestyle blog, Corcoran’s Inhabit reads and looks more like a thick, glossy luxury lifestyle magazine than the blog for a real estate brokerage. Agents can gather home staging ideas, interior design trends, emerging neighborhood hotspots, and community spotlights. The blog also features a monthly A-list, known as the list of most spectacular listings across the Corcoran network.

A word of warning: Of all the real estate blogs on this list, Inhabit will make you wish you had deeper pockets and endless vacation days. But this should be your template if you’re trying to create a luxury lifestyle blog for your team or brokerage.

8. Forbes – Real Estate

• Who should read it: Agents, investors, homebuyers, and sellers looking for high-level market analysis.
• Why we love it: Forbes is one of the best real estate blogs on this list. It offers updates on housing policies, rare home listings, investment strategies, market trends, and analyses. I appreciate Forbes’ expert commentary and the diverse topics covered, from commercial real estate developments to the latest residential market shifts. If you’re looking for an excellent and reliable resource to understand the market dynamics better, Forbes should be your go-to blog.

9. Mansion Global

• Who should read it: Luxury agents and brokers
• Why we love it: With the editorial chops and gravitas of the parent company, The Wall Street Journal, Mansion Global doesn’t just take pretty pictures of celebrity mansions. They offer insight into market trends, comprehensively analyzing the factors driving the luxury real estate market. Readers can explore articles on architectural history, the nuances of buying, selling, or living in luxury properties, listings of stunning estates worldwide, and neighborhoods on the rise.

10. Extraordinary Living by Sotheby’s International Realty

• Who should read it: Luxury agents and brokers
• Why we love it: You won’t find resources from motivational speakers or marketing strategies here—instead, Sotheby’s International Realty’s Extraordinary Living blog digs into the world of luxury real estate. The blog highlights the most exquisite properties around the globe, including homes for sale over $10 million. Extraordinary Living explores interior design, architecture, travel, and a perspective on living a luxurious lifestyle. Now, excuse me while I gawk at all these luxury homes and estates!

11. The New York Times – Real Estate

• Who should read it: Agents, investors, and professionals who want insights into national and international real estate markets
• Why we love it: Of course, The New York Times (NYT) – Real Estate is on the list! The blog offers high-quality journalism on the latest trends and developments in the real estate industry. My favorite part of the NYT – Real Estate section is its “Ask Real Estate” articles. These pieces provide practical advice and expert answers to common and complex issues from homeowners, renters, and prospective buyers. I find these articles incredibly helpful as they offer clear solutions to real-world problems that many of your clients face. If NYT – Real Estate isn’t part of your bookmarks, now is the time to include it.

12. The Real Deal

• Who should read it: Agents and brokers who need deep industry insight in New York, South Florida, Chicago, LA, San Francisco, and Texas
• Why we love it: When it comes to inside-track real estate journalism, The Real Deal is, well, the real deal. It acquires local real estate scoops ahead of the massive papers. It features major transactions in the industry, real estate finance, and reports on commercial and residential markets. The writers from The Real Deal also tend to write in a crisp and easy-to-digest style that gives CEOs worldwide the information they need to make that next giant acquisition—or just have something to chat about over lunch with industry insiders.

13. HousingWire

• Who should read it: Real estate news junkies
• Why we love it: If you want a lasting real estate career, it’s crucial to understand that your clients and former clients will look at you as a market expert. That means keeping up to date with the latest news in the industry. One way to do that, of course, is by reading HousingWire. It features news about top real estate agents, detailed reports on mortgage rates, the housing market, and opinion pieces for agents’ consumption. Agents will also find advice on improving their business practices and client relationship strategies.

14. National Association of Realtors (NAR)

• Who should read it: NAR members and non-members
• Why we love it: The NAR blogs offer a wide array of content for all types of agents, including Economists’ Outlook, Emerging Technology, Culture Scan, Helping Seniors, Spaces to Places, and more. With contributions from NAR members and industry experts, these real estate blogs provide up-to-date information on economic forecasts, how they will affect the industry, and the latest technology innovations that can enhance each agent’s business. These blogs equip agents with the tools they need to excel in their profession. The NAR blogs are accessible to everyone, including non-members.

15. Inman

• Who should read it: Brokers, investors, tech leaders, startup founders, and ambitious agents
• Why we love it: Inman is the place to go for industry news, NAR drama, and 30,000-foot insight from some of the biggest names in the business. Additionally, Inman hosts events or webinars that offer further learning and networking opportunities, which can greatly benefit your career. If you work in real estate, chances are your boss probably reads Inman every morning, and your boss’ boss definitely reads Inman every morning.

FAQs: Best Real Estate Blogs

Are there blogs that focus on specific local real estate markets?

Are there blogs about real estate technology?

How can agents determine which blogs are reputable, reliable, and trustworthy?

Bringing It All Together

All these reputable blogs offer an unlimited wealth of information that can provide actionable advice for your career. Did I miss your favorite real estate blog? Share your go-to sites in the comments!

The post The 15 Must-read Best Real Estate Blogs appeared first on The Close.

1. Create a Real Estate Business Plan

Anyone wondering how to be a top realtor should start with a business plan. This plan is a way to track goals and make the wisest decisions—like a roadmap to success for real estate agents. Your real estate business plan should include your mission, who you want to work with (your ideal client), your farm area, your marketing strategy, and an honest evaluation of your strengths and weaknesses.

For more details, check out our free guide on creating a real estate business plan.

Key Takeaways: 

• Creating a solid business plan is imperative to grow your real estate business
• Your business plan is your roadmap to success, helping you track and achieve goals
• A business plan for real estate should have specific elements to help you decide how to best spend your time and resources, so it’s wise to use a business plan template.

2. Choose the Right Brokerage

One of the first tasks you’ll do when you get a real estate license is to choose a brokerage to work with. This decision can be daunting because it can greatly impact your career and the support you receive. For instance, brand new agents often value a robust training program to help their business get up and running. On the other hand, more seasoned agents may instead look for a brokerage with higher commission splits and may not necessarily need a brokerage with extensive training or mentorship options.

As you choose the best real estate company to work for, make sure you also consider what they offer in terms of marketing assistance, lead generation, real estate software, or additional income opportunities. The company you choose will impact your real estate salary and, ultimately, your success. Make it a point to interview several brokerages before choosing the one that fits you best.

Key Takeaways: 

• Ask yourself what is most important to you looking for in a brokerage—is it training, the highest commission splits, leads, software, mission, or marketing expertise?
• Interview multiple brokerages to understand your options
• New agents may benefit from a brokerage that emphasizes training, while seasoned agents may value commission splits

3. Determine Your Mission, Vision & Values

Another way agents can learn how to be successful in real estate is by defining what’s most important and meaningful personally and how they can apply it to their business. Perhaps it’s giving to local charities, helping renters become homeowners, or even having an honest, professional rapport with your clients. Ask yourself questions like these:

• Why do I want a career in real estate?
• Who do I want to help?
• What’s important to me as an entrepreneur?
• What impact do I want to have on my local community?

Often, business owners turn to their real estate mission statement when making business decisions. Determining your ultimate goal in your real estate career will help you define your overall mission, vision, and values. Knowing these crucial aspects of your business will not only drive your success but also give you a sense of purpose. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Determining your mission, vision, and values will help you make appropriate business decisions
• Your unique mission and priorities will also help you connect with clients who have similar priorities
• Consider who you want to help, why you want to help them, what impact you want to have to define your mission

4. Work with a Real Estate Mentor

Whether you plan to jump into real estate full-time or begin a part-time real estate career, having a mentor in the beginning is extremely valuable. As a new agent, every new transaction and interaction will bring up new questions—many of which aren’t covered in your real estate training. Although your broker can be helpful, it’s important to have both a broker and an agent that you can reach out to with questions or to bounce ideas off of.

The best place to find a mentor is from your brokerage or at local networking events. Some brokerages, such as eXp, have a mentorship program where you can pick or be assigned a specific mentor to help you with your first three transactions. However, if you don’t have an official mentor relationship assigned to you, you can always ask around your brokerage for senior agents who may be willing to meet with you.

Key Takeaways: 

• Having a real estate mentor is separate from being in a real estate brokerage
• The right real estate mentor can offer unique training, personal expertise, and personalized support
• You may be assigned a mentor from your brokerage, but if you aren’t, you can form your own mentorship

5. Build a Strong Network

If you ask, “How do I become a successful real estate agent?” you should consider your network. A common real estate saying is, “Your success is directly tied to who you know.” You may have also heard the saying, “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” In real estate, your network is the foundation of all success. Your network consists of everyone you know, including potential clients, other real estate professionals, and other business owners or professionals like mortgage brokers, home inspectors, lawyers, etc.

Potential buyers and sellers are more likely to hire someone they already know and trust than a stranger. They’re also more likely to hire someone who has been personally recommended by someone else they trust. This means that your network—also called your “sphere of influence”—is your bread and butter, where most of your leads and referrals will come from.

This is why building a strong network is crucial if you want to become a successful real estate agent. A strong network that generates consistent, valuable leads doesn’t happen by accident—you have to nurture it and actively reach out to create new relationships. Keep in touch with your network in various ways throughout the year, like email, text, phone calls, snail mail, social media, or in-person events.

Key Takeaways: 

• One of the most important ways to be a successful real estate agent is through your real estate network
• Your real estate network is also called your “sphere of influence” (SOI) and includes potential clients and potential referral sources
• Building and maintaining a strong network is key to generating leads and referrals
• Nurture your SOI in a variety of ways, like email, text, phone calls, social media, snail mail, or in-person events

6. Improve Your Business Skills

Real estate agents are entrepreneurs, so it’s well-known that they wear many different hats. As an agent, you’ll schedule, plan, and run face-to-face listing appointments, choose and manage your marketing methods, write emails and social media posts, track your income and spending, and do administrative tasks. Chances are that you’re already great at some of these tasks but not others. It’s imperative to know your strengths and weaknesses and how they align with your responsibility as an agent—using our business plan template above will help with this.

Remember that your weaknesses do not prevent you from learning how to become a successful real estate agent. Instead, seek CE courses, additional brokerage training, or speak with a mentor about honing the skills you need to improve.

Key Takeaways: 

• Becoming a real estate agent requires a diverse set of skills from marketing, negotiation, and finance
• It’s important to consistently improve your skills in every important area of real estate, including marketing, sales, communication, lead generation, administration, real estate law, and the housing market

The CE Shop is a great option to expand your real estate knowledge. They provide a wide array of courses for continuing education and Real Estate Business Builder professional development. Check out their classes today.

7. Specialize in a Real Estate Niche

Choosing a specific niche is one of the most effective ways to become a successful real estate agent. New agents are usually tempted to take any and all possible clients regardless of their specific needs, but this method usually takes more of the agents’ time and energy. It’s much easier to learn everything there is to know about one particular type of client, neighborhood, or type of property than it is to learn the entire market.

Some popular real estate niches include:

• Farm areas or specific neighborhoods
• Military clients
• Rentals
• Buyers or sellers
• First-time homebuyers
• Vacation rentals
• Luxury real estate

Sometimes, a niche will come naturally as you start your career, but other times, it will require intentionality to find a gap in the market. Once you find a strong niche, put yourself in the shoes of your potential clients to determine their needs and how you can help them. Make sure to brush up on common real estate terminology specific to your clients or properties.

Key Takeaways: 

• Building a niche means learning everything there is to know about something specific instead of focusing on learning the entire market
• Having a specialized niche helps you build more authority within a specialized area
• Niching down also helps you stay consistent and market more strategically to a specific audience
• A few popular niches include buyers, sellers, rentals, investors, military movers, and luxury real estate

8. Focus on Your Unique Personality & Strengths

One of the most important concepts for those learning how to be successful real estate agents is that you don’t have to be like other successful realtors. Many new agents think that they have to do X, Y, and Z to succeed since that’s what they see. However, your personality is an important part of your business, so your business and marketing strategy should match.

For example, cold-calling FSBOs and door-knocking would not be enjoyable for introverts. Even if it’s an effective strategy for another agent in your area, trying a method that doesn’t suit your strengths will cause you to feel exhausted and burnt out. This is why it’s important to learn your unique real estate sales personality and choose marketing strategies that best suit you.

Take our free real estate sales personality quiz and learn which personality and marketing methods fit you best; you might be a creative, a sales pro, an introvert, a community expert, or an innovator.

Key Takeaways: 

• Successful agents choose marketing strategies that best fit their personality
• Learning your strengths, weaknesses, and unique sales personality will help you generate and nurture leads more effectively.

9. Leverage the Right Tools

The motto for learning how to be a successful real estate agent is to work smarter, not harder. You could do most real estate tasks manually. Still, you can massively increase your productivity and results by choosing the right lead-generation tools and marketing software to boost your business. 

Of course, in a world of AI and an unlimited number of software programs, it can be confusing to choose the best ones. Focus on tools that keep you organized and accountable, such as a quality CRM (customer relationship manager) and a robust website builder with lead gen and marketing tools.

Key Takeaways: 

• The right tools can maximize productivity and efficiency
• Strategically selecting the right tools and software can make or break your success
• Consider tools like a CRM, website builder, email marketing platform, or social media manager

If you want to work smarter, check out Wise Agent (smart, wise—see what I did there?). It is an all-in-one CRM, lead generation, and marketing tool that will help you save time while making money.

10. Build Your Personal Brand

It’s obvious that relationships are crucial to your success as a realtor, but building a unique, personalized brand is just as powerful. Your personal brand should incorporate your personality, mission, values, and niche. A strong brand will set you apart from your competition and help you effectively communicate your value to your ideal audience.

Key Takeaways: 

• A real estate brand combines your niche, personality, values, and mission
• Building your personal real estate brand is the best way to differentiate yourself from the competition
• If you struggle to define and build a brand, read Real Estate Branding: The Complete Guide for Agents.

11. Be Prepared for Slow Months

Even for the best realtors in the country, success in real estate varies from month to month. Out of all the pros and cons of being a real estate agent, this inconsistency is one of the biggest challenges of this career choice. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the slowest period of the real estate market is typically December to February, and the peak season is April to June.

The best way to become a successful real estate agent is by being prepared for the slow times in the market. Start by setting aside a percentage of your commissions from your busier months. Another way to make up income is by taking up a real estate side hustle like photography, teaching, or managing properties. Plus, there are other jobs you can get with a real estate license to supplement or even replace your sales income.

Key Takeaways: 

• All real estate agents experience ups and downs in their real estate business
• Preparing for slower months is key to being successful in the real estate industry
• Plan ahead for low-income months by setting aside a portion of your income from each sale
• Consider taking on side hustles or other jobs in the real estate industry as you build a consistent income

12. Learn How to Bounce Back from Rejection & Failure

The cold, hard truth is that in real estate, you will get rejected—a lot. FSBO prospects will hang up on you mid-sentence, doors will be slammed in your face, people you thought you connected with will ghost you, and deals will fall through at the last minute, no matter how hard you work. This happens to all agents, and the more successful you become, the more often you will fail.

But if you’re willing to learn, the real estate industry will force you to be resilient and to learn how to bounce back from failures. Reach out to other realtors to vent, share experiences, and remind yourself you’re not alone. Find an in-person community to combat loneliness; this could be your brokerage office or a public workspace. Prioritize self-care to remove stressors, like meditation, exercise, and good quality sleep. These items will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle as a real estate professional. 

Key Takeaways: 

• One of the most important parts of learning how to become a successful real estate agent is learning to become resilient
• Rejection and failure as a real estate agent are inevitable, no matter how hard you work
• Embrace the lessons that come from your failures, and bounce back by connecting with other realtors who have had similar experiences
• Don’t forget to practice self-care as a way to stay resilient!

FAQs

Is it hard to become successful in real estate?

What are the chances of becoming a successful real estate agent?

How do you survive your first year in real estate?

Bringing It All Together

Learning how to become a successful real estate agent may seem simple, but it requires a ton of dedication and strategy. You’ll give yourself the best chances of success by following the steps in this guide, including a comprehensive business plan, intentionally building a network, leveraging technology and tools, and preparing for the inevitable ebbs and flows of the market.

The post How to Become a Successful Real Estate Agent: 12 Simple Strategies appeared first on The Close.

Craft Your Real Estate Agent Schedule

When it comes to a real estate agent’s daily schedule, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. What works for me may not work for you and could lead to failure. I firmly believe that success is not tied to getting up at 5 a.m. every day. Instead, it’s about identifying your most productive hours and doing your best work during those hours. Personally, I am not a morning person, so I prioritize tasks that don’t require me to be fully “on” early in the day as part of my time management for real estate agents strategy.

Our schedules are as unique as our businesses, but a successful real estate agent’s daily schedule should prioritize a healthy work-life balance. Finding the right approach to scheduling can make all the difference. Take a look at how you can effectively structure your day.

Types of Real Estate Agent Daily Tasks 

To grow your real estate business, it’s crucial to actively engage in business-building activities. These include prospecting, marketing, generating and nurturing leads, conducting market research, managing transactions, and following up with past clients. Prioritizing these tasks helps you build the rest of your activities around them. Here are items that should be included in your day:

• Self-care activity of choice
• Get ready for the day
• Check emails and follow up
• Conduct market research
• Start prospecting
• Schedule client showings
• Take time for breaks
• Have lunch and take a short walk
• Work on marketing and lead generation
• Spend time on social media
• Transaction management
• Prep for client meetings
• Meet with clients
• Attend a networking event
• Transition from work to personal time
• Prep for the next day
• Have dinner and do a wind-down activity
• Periodically listen to real estate motivational speakers

Realtor Daily Schedule Example

In the world of real estate, we often talk about time blocking for real estate agents. It’s super important because, without good time management, the day can just slip away. Keep in mind that your schedule will vary based on your personal life, business, and clients so each day may look a little different. Here’s an example of how your day could break down.

Time Management Tips for Real Estate Agents

Now that you know items that need to be included in your schedule and have seen an example agent schedule, it’s time to apply time management tips to ensure you can accomplish all your tasks.

Tip 1. Develop Your Mindset & Find Your Why

Before you do anything else, take a moment to reflect on your mindset. Setting the right expectations for yourself and your business can have a significant impact. You may not even realize that your mindset could hinder your ability to perform at your best. Consider the following points and strategize your approach to your real estate business. Doing so will help you customize your schedule to better suit your needs.

• What gets you excited? 
• What are your strengths? 
• What problem are you trying to solve? 

As a realtor, it’s essential to discover what truly ignites your passion and fuels your drive to kickstart each day. This is important for maintaining motivation, especially when facing market fluctuations.

Tip 2: Drop the 24/7 Marketing Method

Marketing yourself as available around the clock can create unreasonable expectations for you and your clients. Talk with your clients upfront and let them know your working hours. Establishing specific business hours and making exceptions for urgent matters will help manage expectations and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Outside of the hours you set, try using your phone’s ‘do not disturb’ feature. You can also create an automatic response noting when you’ll address the message and how someone can reach you if it’s urgent. 

Tip 3: Use Time Blocking 

Time blocking is the ultimate key to mastering your schedule. Make sure to include both personal and professional tasks and activities in your daily schedule. Block out specific time slots on your calendar and set alerts to remind you to switch to the next task. It may take some time to get used to, but it will help you stay focused and ultimately increase your productivity.

Tip 4: Move Tasks Around 

Remember, it’s okay to be flexible with your schedule. If you feel that certain tasks would be better on a different day of the week or at a different time or day, go ahead and switch things around. Finding what works best for you, your clients, and your business is important. Like our market changes throughout the year, your schedule will also change. 

Tip 5: Invest in Lead Generation 

When it comes to managing your time, it’s all about finding smart ways to get things done. By streamlining your lead generation, you’ll have more time to focus on other important tasks and growing your business. Take some time to choose a lead gen company to partner with, and once you’ve made your decision, make sure to work lead management and follow-up into your daily routine.

Tip 6: Outsource Marketing 

Consider outsourcing your marketing. By teaming up with a company like Coffee & Contracts, you can tap into their amazing done-for-you marketing tools and resources to batch your social media content. This means you can select your social media posts for the entire week or month, saving you the hassle of choosing what to post every day.

Tip 7: Execute Everyday to Create Habits 

Once you have identified your most important business-building tasks and set your schedule, it’s time to get to work. According to a hallmark study, it takes an average of about 66 days to form a habit. Consistently following your schedule will allow you to recognize the value of effective time management in real estate, enabling you to build and grow your business. This will set you on the path to achieving your goals and elevating your business.

Tip 8: Be Consistent 

Getting into the rhythm of your set schedule will take some time, but consistency is key in the real estate world. The rewards of our work may not be immediate, but they will come with time. Take neighborhood farming, for example – it may require multiple mailers before you see a return on your investment. Don’t give up if you’re not getting the desired results. Instead, tweak what you’re sending out and keep at it! 

Tip 9: Find an Accountability Partner

Having someone who’s got your back and can keep you on track with your business tasks while also reminding you to take some time off is important. It’s all about balance for the long haul. If you’re working solo, try teaming up with another real estate agent in your office for weekly check-ins. It’s a great way to hone your skills and lift each other up when you need it.

Tip 10. Adjust as Needed 

If you’re in the habit of creating a business plan every year, you’re probably familiar with the need to fine-tune it as the year progresses. The same goes for your daily and weekly schedule. What works for you in the winter might not work in the summer, so it’s important to be adaptable. Remember, this is your schedule and your business, so embrace the opportunity to evolve with it.

Tip 11: Start a Team or Hire an Assistant 

If you are fully committed to following your real estate agent schedule but still feel like you’re not making significant progress, it’s time to bring on some help. Working with a coach or mentor could help you delegate tasks to scale your business and continue taking control of your time. 

Bringing on a real estate agent to handle buyer leads or host open houses will free up your time to focus on other important aspects of your life and business. Alternatively, hiring an assistant to manage showings and overall client/transaction management can significantly improve productivity.

Tip 12: Don’t Forget About Personal Time 

Real estate can be a challenging and fast-paced profession. You can enhance your productivity and achieve even greater success by prioritizing activities like spending quality time with loved ones, engaging in fun activities with friends, and caring for your physical and mental well-being. If you struggle to step away from work, find an agent willing to help out while you are with family or friends. 

FAQs on Time Management for Real Estate Agents

What hours do most realtors work?

Is being a real estate agent time-consuming?

What days are real estate agents most busy?

Bringing It All Together

Part of the thrill of being a real estate agent is that every day is different. However, the unpredictable nature of the job can disrupt your schedule. I hope you try out the tips we discussed today and that they help you better manage your schedule. Let us know if you have a time management hack or other time management for real estate agents tips that have supercharged your business.

The post The Best Real Estate Agent Schedule & 12 Time Management Tips appeared first on The Close.