I always get a ton of questions about real estate over on IG whether it’s from a new agent looking to get their skin in the game or from someone who has been in the industry for years. The truth is, real estate is a competitive field where you have to hustle and bust your ass to make shit happen. I’ve definitely learned over my time in the industry that it’s definitely a career where you have to be a self-starter and stay motivated if you want to get the most out of it. If you’re lazy or slacking… it’s just not going to happen for you.

That being said, if you feel like you’ve been working hard and aren’t seeing your career grow as much as you’d like, I’m here to help! I’m sharing a few mistakes you might be making in your real estate career that could be holding you back from where you want to be. I know it’s not easy but I promise it really is the best career (I wouldn’t trade it for the world!) and can be so rewarding once you find your momentum.

MISTAKE #1: Not Making Your Calls

No matter what level you’re at in your real estate career or how busy you are, the most important thing you can do is have conversations with people. Whether out and about, cold calling, or calling past clients or those people in your sphere, making your calls is IMPORTANT. It’s definitely a numbers game so don’t feel defeated if your calls take a moment to turn into something, but I promise you, it WILL start blossoming into business over time. I know it can feel embarrassing or nerve-racking at first, but implementing this into your daily schedule is what will push your business forward. So trust the process… you will be surprised.

MISTAKE #2: Not Having a Business Plan

This mostly applies to newer agents but can still be applicable to agents who have been in the industry for a while and aren’t seeing results. Starting a real estate career is exciting and believe me when I say, I understand the desire to just jump right in and begin working. But sitting down and developing a business plan is crucial to the success of your business. I’m talking everything from marketing to lead generation to financial goals to social media… anything you need as an agent has to be in there. Of course, we all adapt and shift as time progresses but having this initial plan will set you up for success.

MISTAKE #3: Not Taking Action

As real estate agents, there is definitely a certain amount of time that goes into researching different options and researching the industry as a whole. I’m not saying it’s not important, but a lot of time the research can outweigh taking action. At the end of the day, you have to make decisions and just GO FOR IT and the best way to learn as someone who is new in the industry is by making mistakes. I made many mistakes when I started out but I was able to grow, learn, and these mistakes are one of the things that have helped me become an expert in the industry now.

MISTAKE #4: Not Being Consistent

Regardless of what different strategies you’re implementing to propel your career in real estate forward, they will never produce the result you want if you’re not doing them consistently. I’d recommend focusing on about two lead generation strategies you know you can manage to start rather than trying to do it all and ultimately not be able to keep up with everything (or run the risk of spreading yourself too thin). You’ll be more effective in the long run if you stick to less but do them purposefully and consistently. As your business grows and you have your routine down, you can tack more on your plate.

MISTAKE #5: Not Managing Your Time Properly

It’s so crucial to manage your time in any job, but especially when you’re working in real estate. Not managing your time leads to feeling like you don’t have enough hours in the day to get everything done which leads to burnout… and let’s be honest, no one wants to feel that shit. What has really worked for me personally is time blocking. In all honesty, it’s completely transformed my work life.

It’s a simple concept but makes a huge difference. So, what this means is simple: batching tasks together in the same block of time. Here’s what it looks like for me is breaking my day into two halves:⁣

• Prospecting and computer work (contracts, data, comps, e-mails, etc) and my workout all at home in the AM between 8-12⁣
• Afternoons/early evenings for out-and-about showings, listing appointments and meeting clients.

Of course with my job as a real estate agent this doesn’t always work out perfectly but planning my schedule this way has made things much more efficient whenever possible. For example, contracts/marketing/escrow work in the morning allows me to move about during the afternoon without having to go back and forth between my office and showings/listings appointments… And I’ll return calls from the car in between showings to further make the most efficient use of my driving time!

More on time management hacks and time blocking in this blog post here!

There’s always room to improve and become more skilled in our careers so if you do find yourself making any of these mistakes, don’t stress. I’m always learning and shifting the longer I work in the real estate industry and you will, too.