Ah, real estate—the land of unlimited earning potential, flexible hours, and dreams of making it big with the next big sale. But what happens when the deals don’t come as fast as you’d like, and your "Sold!" signs are getting a little dusty?
🤔 It's okay—every agent has been there. The key to getting out of a rut is changing your habits, and spoiler alert: it doesn’t require a miracle. It just takes a little self-awareness, a sprinkle of consistency, and maybe some caffeine. ☕️
Now, before you start Googling "how to quit real estate," let’s talk about what you can do to turn things around. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the average annual income for a realtor is about $49,700. But guess what? The top 10% of agents are raking in an average of $112,610 per year. 😲
So what’s their secret? It’s not magic; it’s their habits. Let’s dive into some winning habits that can help you climb out of that real estate slump and onto the leaderboard. 🏆
Shift Your Mindset: It’s Time for a Refresh
First things first, let’s talk about your mindset. If you’re stuck in a negative headspace, it’s going to be hard to succeed—period. But here’s the good news: changing your mindset is like switching from dial-up to high-speed internet. 📶 Suddenly, everything runs smoother.
Fixed vs. Growth Mindset
You’ve probably heard this before: people with a fixed mindset believe their abilities are set in stone, while people with a growth mindset believe they can improve through effort. So if you’re currently thinking, “Ugh, I’ll never sell a house again,” you might want to adopt some new mental software. 💾 Upgrade your thinking to: “I can learn from my mistakes and be better.”
Action Steps:
Analyze your missteps. That last deal fell through? aah. What went wrong, and how can you improve for next time?
Level up your skills. Take an online course, read a real estate book, or attend a seminar. The more you know, the more valuable you become to clients (and the less you feel like an imposter).
Practice some self-love. Be kind to yourself. Remember, even Taylor Swift has off days. 👑
Time Management: Stop the Chaos
You ever feel like you’ve been working all day but accomplished, um, nothing? 🤷♀️ That’s the time management struggle in a nutshell. The most successful agents don’t work more hours; they work smarter hours.
Why Time Blocking Works
Ever heard of time blocking? It’s when you dedicate specific chunks of time to certain tasks (like prospecting, client calls, or Netflix—no judgment). Top agents live and die by this. They’re not randomly bouncing between emails, showings, and Facebook; they’re focused.
Action Steps:
Create a daily plan. Start your day with a clear schedule. It takes 10 minutes, this could save you hours of unproductive wasted time.
Use a CRM tool. Tools like HubSpot, Salesforce or Imjenius to help keep your client relationships organized and ensure no lead gets ghosted. 👻
Say “no” to distractions. It’s time to break up with your phone notifications. 🔕
Prospect Like a Boss: Your Pipeline is Everything
Prospecting is like flossing: you know you should do it every day, but do you? 😬 Successful realtors prospect consistently, which is why their client pipeline is always flowing. It’s easy to stop prospecting when you’re busy, but guess what happens? Feast-or-famine cycles that make you want to scream into your pillow. 😱
Consistency is Key
The best agents spend dedicated time every day finding new clients. They don’t wait until their last sale closes to look for the next one. Trust me, future-you will thank you for prospecting today. 🙌
Action Steps:
Carve out prospecting time daily. Even an hour makes a difference.
Automate your outreach. Tools like Mailchimp can handle email follow-ups so you don’t have to.
Mix it up. Cold calls, social media ads, open houses—diversify how you get leads.
Follow Up Like a Pro: Be Unforgettable (in a Good Way)
We all know that one realtor who’s great at following up (and maybe a bit too great at it 🫠). The truth is, consistent follow-up is crucial for long-term success. You know what’s not cool? Losing a sale because you didn’t check in at the right time.
The Art of Staying Top of Mind
Not everyone is ready to buy or sell the moment they meet you. The key is to stay on their radar—without being annoying. 80% of sales happen after five or more follow-ups, but most agents give up after one. 😬 If you’re not following up, you're leaving money on the table.
Action Steps:
Automate reminders. Use your CRM to set reminders for follow-ups. Your brain is not the best tool for this. 🧠
Send something personal. Mention something specific from your last convo—clients notice these little details.
Handwritten notes > Emails. Who doesn’t love getting a handwritten note? It’s like snail mail magic. 🧙♂️
Get Tech-Savvy: Don’t Be a Dinosaur
We love old-school charm, but let’s face it—if you’re still manually printing listings and driving across town for signatures, you might need a tech upgrade. 🦕 Successful agents embrace technology to work smarter, not harder.
Why Tech Matters
The modern buyer and seller expect efficiency. Virtual showings, digital signatures, and online listings are the new standard. If you’re not using these tools, you’re losing clients to someone who is.
Action Steps:
Offer virtual showings. Platforms like Matterport let you create 3D tours so clients can view homes from their couch. 🛋️
Go paperless. Tools like DocuSign make closing deals smoother (and greener! 🌳).
Master social media. Don’t just post listings—get creative with stories, behind-the-scenes videos, and polls.
Stop Chasing Commissions: Clients First, Money Follows
If you’re only chasing that sweet commission check, you’re doing it wrong. 🚩 The best realtors put their clients’ needs first, and the money naturally follows. It’s all about building trust and lasting relationships.
Be Client-Centric, Not Commission-Centric
Clients can sense when you’re more interested in their wallet than their well-being. Yikes. Instead, focus on understanding their needs and helping them achieve their goals. Happy clients = future referrals = $$$. 💰
Action Steps:
Be a good listener. No, seriously—just listen. Ask questions and find out what’s most important to them.
Educate your clients. Whether it's their first home or their 10th, buyers and sellers appreciate an agent who explains the process thoroughly.
Surprise and delight. A small housewarming gift or a birthday card goes a long way in building loyalty. 🎁
Resilience: Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day
Let’s keep it real—real estate is not an overnight success story. It takes time to build a thriving business. But guess what? You’re going to crush it because you’re resilient, and that’s what matters most. 💪
Keep Grinding, Even When It’s Tough
The NAR reports that most agents don’t hit their stride until several years into the business. So, if you’re feeling down, remember: this is normal. Stay patient, and don’t give up when things get tough.
Action Steps:
Celebrate the small wins. Every new lead, every showing, every "no" is a step closer to a "yes." 🎉
Find your tribe. Surround yourself with positive, like-minded agents who can support you and push you forward.
Take care of yourself. This job can be stressful—make sure you’re getting enough rest, exercise, and maybe a bit of chocolate. 🍫
Final Thoughts: Success is in Your Reach
At the end of the day, success in real estate is less about luck and more about habits. The top 10% of agents didn’t get there by accident—they worked consistently, stayed resilient, and put their clients first.
So, if you're not where you want to be right now, don't sweat it. You have the power to change your habits, improve your mindset, and start crushing it in no time. 🚀
Keep pushing, keep learning, and remember—you got this!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and illustrative purposes only. Any references to specific earnings or individuals are hypothetical and meant to provide general guidance. Individual results may vary depending on market conditions, personal efforts, and business practices.
Comments