![\"\ud83d\udcaa\"](\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/15.0.3\/72x72\/1f4aa.png\")
<\/p>\nIf you look at popular culture and shows like “Selling Sunset,” you might think that becoming a successful real estate agent is easy for anyone interested in dope properties and chic outfits. In reality, it isn\u2019t for the faint of heart; it takes serious time, effort, and willingness to push through challenges. <\/p>\n
To succeed, I recommend starting by identifying your mission, vision, and values and then preparing a clear business plan. Then, build a strong personal brand that reflects your unique strengths. You’ll also want to choose a supportive brokerage and mentor, specialize in a niche to stand out, and prepare for slow periods (these will happen!)<\/em>. Most importantly, stay resilient and learn from setbacks.<\/p>\n I’ve also included a free downloadable roadmap to help you build intention if you’re fresh to the scene or refine and scale if you’re a seasoned realtor.<\/p>\n Get your milestone roadmap from The Close<\/a><\/p>\n To succeed in real estate, begin by defining what\u2019s most important and meaningful to you and how you can apply those things to your business. Your mission, vision, and values define your core purpose and give you direction.<\/p>\n Ask yourself questions like these when crafting your real estate mission statement<\/a>:<\/p>\n Knowing these crucial aspects of your business will drive your success and give you a sense of purpose.<\/p>\n Once you’ve identified your guiding framework, write a real estate business plan<\/a>. This plan is a way to track goals and make the wisest decisions, like a roadmap to success for growing your real estate business<\/a>. It 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.<\/p>\n I prepared this simple business plan to give you an idea of what it can look like:<\/p>\n As you choose the best real estate company to work for<\/a>, 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<\/a> and, ultimately, your success. Make it a point to interview several brokerages before choosing the one that fits you best.<\/p>\n Many enter the real estate world thinking their brokerage\u2019s name will do the heavy lifting. But clients don\u2019t choose logos, they choose people. So, you’ll want to make the move from agent<\/em> to entrepreneur<\/em>.<\/p>\n Becoming a brand means being intentional about how you’re seen, remembered, and referred to. Think of your real estate branding<\/a> as your reputation in surround sound \u2014 the vibe people get when they see your content, hear your name, or meet you in person. Focus on the following:<\/p>\n Personal branding success story:<\/strong> Ryan Serhant, known from the reality TV series “Million Dollar Listing New York,” leveraged his acting background to build a personal real estate brand. With over 8 million followers across several social platforms, he emphasizes the importance of authenticity and digital marketing. SERHANT, his firm, even secured the most expensive residential listing in the US, a $250 million penthouse in NYC. This highlights the impact of becoming a strong brand.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Authenticity is powerful in real estate, and people are drawn to agents who are genuine. If you\u2019re a great communicator, emphasize client engagement; if you\u2019re detail-oriented, highlight your precision in transactions. Rather than copying what everyone else is doing, play to your natural advantages.<\/p>\n I can understand why many new agents think that they have to do X, Y, and Z to succeed; that\u2019s what they see. However, your personality is an important part of your business, and in a people-first industry, who you are can matter more than what you know.<\/p>\n For example, if you’re an introvert, cold-calling FSBOs and door-knocking would not be enjoyable. Even if it’s an effective strategy for another agent in your area, you’ll feel burnt out trying a method that doesn\u2019t suit your strengths.<\/p>\n Remember, your individuality is your unfair advantage. Real estate is not just sales \u2014 it\u2019s also a business. Many professionals focus heavily on lead generation, listings, and client service (which are essential), but what separates thriving agents from surviving ones is mastering the business side of the business<\/em>.<\/p>\n Remember, your areas for improvement should not prevent you from learning how to become a successful real estate agent. Instead, seek continuing education (CE) courses, get additional brokerage training, or speak with a mentor about honing the skills you need to improve.<\/p>\n “The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Real estate laws, technologies, and customer expectations don’t stop evolving, and the most successful agents are lifelong learners.<\/p>\n You’ll want to stay sharp, adaptable, and ahead of the curve, so invest in additional certifications like Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) or Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR). Those not only expand your expertise but also boost your professional image. <\/p>\n I encourage you to stay educated to become a more effective advocate for your clients, allowing you to handle complex situations with confidence. One of the first tasks you\u2019ll do when you get your real estate license is to choose a brokerage to work with. This decision can be daunting, as your brokerage affects your training, commission splits<\/a>, leads, and professional environment.<\/p>\n Consider the following when choosing the best real estate company to work for<\/a>:<\/p>\n The brokerage you go with will impact your real estate agent salary<\/a> and, ultimately, your success. Make it a point to interview several companies before selecting the one that fits you best.<\/p>\n This can be a game-changer, whether you plan to jump into real estate full-time or become a part-time real estate agent<\/a>. A mentor accelerates your learning and helps you avoid costly mistakes.<\/p>\n They can<\/p>\n The best place to find a mentor is from your brokerage or at local networking events. Some brokerages have a mentorship program where you can pick or be assigned a specific mentor to help you as you get started. For instance, eXp Realty’s Mentor Program will match any agent with fewer than three transactions in the last 12 months with a mentor.<\/p>\n Personal branding success story:<\/strong>If you don\u2019t have an official mentor assigned to you, I recommend asking around your brokerage for senior agents who may be willing to meet with you. You can also attend local real estate events or ask colleagues for introductions to pros. A common real estate saying is, “Your success is directly tied to who you know.” You may have also heard, “It\u2019s not what you know, but who you know.”<\/p>\n In real estate, your network (also called your sphere of influence) is the foundation of all success. It consists of everyone you know, including<\/p>\n People are more likely to hire someone they already know and trust than a stranger. They\u2019re also likely to go with an agent personally recommended by someone else they trust. This means that your network is your bread and butter, where most of your leads and referrals will come from.<\/p>\n A strong network that generates consistent, valuable leads doesn\u2019t happen by accident \u2014 you have to nurture it and actively reach out to create new relationships. Here are some tips:<\/p>\n Also, keep in touch with your network in various ways throughout the year. Those include email, text, phone calls, snail mail, social media, or in-person events.<\/p>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n I can understand why, as a newer agent, you may be tempted to take all possible clients, regardless of their specific needs. However, doing that usually takes more of your time and energy. When you focus on a niche that fits your personality or interests, your business becomes more fulfilling and way less draining.<\/p>\n Choosing a niche doesn’t mean turning away business. Instead, it means positioning yourself to attract better<\/em> business. Niching lets you speak your client\u2019s language and address their unique pain points, which may result in better leads and faster conversations. It helps you build authority within a specialized area and market more strategically to a specific audience.<\/p>\n Some popular real estate niches include:<\/p>\n 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 it, put yourself in the shoes of your potential clients to determine their needs and how you can help them. Also, ensure you brush up on real estate terms<\/a> specific to your clients or properties.<\/p>\n Niche specialization success story:<\/strong> Premier Estate Properties, a boutique firm in Boca Raton, Florida, concentrates exclusively on the high-end luxury market. It exceeded $3 billion in one 12-month period, per REALTOR® Magazine Media<\/a>, proving that niching can definitely win!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n “Work smarter, not harder.” Sure, you could do most real estate tasks manually, but you can massively increase your productivity and results by choosing the right real estate tools. Here are a few reasons why smart tech matters:<\/p>\n Even for the best realtors in the country, success varies from month to month, and this inconsistency is one of the biggest challenges of the career. The slowest period of the real estate market is typically December through February, whereas the peak season runs from April to June, per the National Association of Realtors<\/a>.<\/p>\n I recommend building financial resilience to survive slow seasons, market shifts, and personal slumps.<\/p>\n Also, consider using the slower season to maintain relationships and brand visibility. You can<\/p>\n Saving isn\u2019t just about security \u2014 it\u2019s about freedom. Freedom to walk away from bad clients, to invest in your growth, and to weather downturns without panic. Keeping well-informed about the current market is essential. By understanding such trends, you can better guide your clients and set realistic expectations, which in turn builds trust and credibility. You\u2019re not just learning stats but also picking up the neighborhood’s story.<\/p>\n Being a great negotiator means more than just securing a lower price. It means mastering your emotions and controlling your reactions, especially in high-stakes situations, as well as knowing when to push, when to compromise, and how to communicate your client’s needs effectively. Strong negotiation skills can enhance your reputation as a skilled professional. It allows you to<\/p>\n Becoming a master negotiator is about developing a mindset of empathy, strategic thinking, and confidence. In real estate, where deals involve high emotion, this skill can set you apart as a trusted, results-driven professional.<\/p>\n1. Set your compass before you sell the map.<\/h2>\n
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2. Plot your empire: the game plan begins.<\/h2>\n
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Mission:<\/strong> Delivering curb appeal, contract wins, and coffee-fueled commitment!<\/p>\n![\"\ud83c\udfaf\"](\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/15.0.3\/72x72\/1f3af.png\")
Vision:<\/strong> To create a world where moving is an adventure — with great snacks and even better service.<\/p>\n![\"\u2764\"](\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/15.0.3\/72x72\/2764.png\")
Values:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
![\"\ud83c\udfc6\"](\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/15.0.3\/72x72\/1f3c6.png\")
Goals:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
![\"\ud83d\udece\"](\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/15.0.3\/72x72\/1f6ce.png\")
Services:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
![\"\ud83d\udce2\"](\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/15.0.3\/72x72\/1f4e2.png\")
Marketing:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
![\"\ud83d\udcb0\"](\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/15.0.3\/72x72\/1f4b0.png\")
Revenue:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
![\"\ud83e\udd2b\"](\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/15.0.3\/72x72\/1f92b.png\")
Not-so-secret-anymore sauce:<\/strong> Genuine, approachable, and all about you<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n3. Become a brand, not just an agent.<\/h2>\n
![\"\u2728\"](\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/15.0.3\/72x72\/2728.png\")
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<\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n4. Focus on your unique personality and strengths.<\/h2>\n
![\"\ud83e\udd84\"](\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/15.0.3\/72x72\/1f984.png\")
When you lean into it, you attract people who resonate with your style, and business becomes a whole lot more enjoyable and authentic.<\/p>\n\n![\"\ud83d\udcd6\"](\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/15.0.3\/72x72\/1f4d6.png\")
Take our free real estate sales personality quiz<\/a> to 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n5. Sharpen your business skills like a boss.<\/h2>\n
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6. Keep learning so that you keep earning.<\/h2>\n
![\"\ud83d\ude0e\"](\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/15.0.3\/72x72\/1f60e.png\")
When you\u2019re constantly improving, clients remember you for your value, not just your friendliness; other agents respect you \u2014 and refer to you; and you position yourself as the go-to expert in your niche.<\/p>\n\nRelated resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
7. Find your brokerage soulmate.<\/h2>\n
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8. Mentor up.<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n9. Build connections that open doors.<\/h2>\n
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\nRelated resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
10. Niche it to win it.<\/h2>\n
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\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n11. Stack your toolkit with smart tech.<\/h2>\n
![\"\ud83e\uddd1\u200d\ud83d\udcbb\"](\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/15.0.3\/72x72\/1f9d1-200d-1f4bb.png\")
In a world of AI and unlimited software programs, the choices can be overwhelming. I encourage you to focus on solutions that keep you organized and accountable, such as the following:<\/p>\n\n
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12. Save for rainy days (and dry listings).<\/h2>\n
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![\"\ud83e\uddd8\"](\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/15.0.3\/72x72\/1f9d8.png\")
<\/p>\n13. Spy on the market like a neighborhood ninja.<\/h2>\n
![\"\ud83d\udd0e\"](\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/15.0.3\/72x72\/1f50e.png\")
It’s not enough to just keep an eye on listings; you also have to master your farm area so that you can deliver sharp insights, anticipate trends, and speak about the neighborhood like you live and breathe it. This means monitoring home prices, inventory levels, days on market, interest rates, and emerging neighborhood developments.<\/p>\n\n
14. Work that poker face like a pro.<\/h2>\n
![\"\ud83e\udee1\"](\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/15.0.3\/72x72\/1fae1.png\")
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Agents in high-demand or high-cost areas (like California or New York) usually earn more due to higher property values and market activity.<\/li>\n![\"\u2692\"](\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/15.0.3\/72x72\/2692.png\")
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