Building on Inman’s popular newsletter for first-year agents, The Basics, February is New Agent Month. Pick up the tools, tech and tips needed to survive and thrive in 2025 as a rookie real estate agent.
Launching a career in real estate can feel like being dropped into the deep end of a pool — exciting, a little terrifying and requiring quick action to stay afloat. New agents often ask, “What’s the best way to get started and build momentum fast?”
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During a recent coaching call, one of our brand-new agents posed this very question. While I have plenty to say on the topic, I stopped for a moment to throw the question first to our community of agents who were on the call to help answer with their best advice.
The responses? Actionable, real-world strategies designed to help new agents avoid common pitfalls and accelerate success. (I was so proud of them. It’s such a tight-knit group, and this was just a terrific example of how they lean in to help one another.)
Here were their top 11 tips — plus how to implement them starting today
1. Pick 1 thing — and do it consistently
One of the biggest mistakes new agents make? Trying to do everything at once. Social media, cold calling, door knocking, direct mail — if you’re all over the place, you’re getting nowhere fast. Instead, pick one lead-generation strategy and commit to it daily.
Action step: Choose one prospecting method, and schedule time for it every single day for 90 days. Track your results, adjust as needed, and stick with it long enough to see success.
2. Don’t rely on family and friends for business
Yes, your friends and family might send you a deal or two, but you can’t build a thriving business on favors. You need to create a pipeline of leads that don’t share your last name.
Action step: Set a goal to introduce yourself to five new people every day — at networking events, coffee shops, open houses or anywhere you meet potential clients.
3. Find your ‘why’ and use it as fuel
There will be days when you question why you got into this business. Your why — whether it’s financial freedom, helping families or creating a better life — will keep you going when things get tough.
Action step: Write down your “why,” and put it somewhere you’ll see it daily — on your desk, your bathroom mirror or as your phone screensaver.
4. Know your market inside and out
Want to sound like a pro from Day 1? Know the inventory. Track market trends. Be able to rattle off stats about average home prices, days on market and which neighborhoods are hot.
Action step: Spend 30 minutes each morning reviewing MLS updates and previewing listings in your area. The more you know, the more confident you will feel in conversations with clients.
5. Keep moving forward (and surround yourself with the right people)
Real estate is a business of resilience. There will be deals that fall apart, clients who ghost you and moments of doubt. What separates top producers from struggling agents is the ability to keep going — and having the right support system to help.
Action step: Find a mentor, a coach or a community that will keep you accountable and motivated.
6. Master one skill at a time
Trying to learn everything at once is a recipe for overwhelm. Instead, focus on mastering one essential skill at a time — whether it’s handling objections, negotiating or converting leads.
Action step: Choose one skill to work on for the next 30 days. Take classes, role play and practice until it becomes second nature.
7. Make prospecting a daily non-negotiable
No leads, no business. It’s that simple. The best agents treat prospecting like an essential part of their job, not something they’ll get to when they have time.
Action step: Block out one hour each day for lead-generation calls. Treat it like an unmissable appointment.
8. Become a master at open houses
Open houses aren’t just about selling that house — they’re about meeting potential buyers and sellers. When done well, they can be one of the best lead-generation tools in your arsenal.
Action step: Shadow an experienced agent at their open house. Then, schedule your own, and focus on making meaningful connections with visitors.
9. Treat it like a full-time job
If you work real estate like a side hustle, you’ll get side hustle results. The agents who succeed are the ones who show up every day and put in the work.
Action step: Set a structured daily schedule that includes prospecting, learning and follow-ups — and stick to it.
10. Pick a niche, and own it
Trying to be everything to everyone is a fast track to blending in. Want to stand out? Specialize. Whether it’s first-time buyers, luxury homes, relocation clients or a specific neighborhood — find a niche and become the go-to expert.
Action step: Choose a niche that interests you and start producing content (social media posts, blog articles, videos) that speaks to that audience.
11. Follow up as if your business depends on it (because it does!)
Most deals are won in the follow-up. It’s not enough to make a great first impression — you need to stay in front of potential clients until they’re ready to move forward.
Action step: Use a CRM, calendar reminders or a simple spreadsheet to track leads and follow up regularly.
Welcome to the industry
Real estate isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely worth it. If you’re just starting out, take this list and start implementing it today. You don’t have to do everything at once, but you do have to take action. And for all the seasoned pros reading this — what’s your best piece of advice for new agents?
Darryl Davis is the CEO of Darryl Davis Seminars. Connect with him on Facebook or YouTube.
