Starting a real estate career can feel a lot like jumping into the deep end of a pool—exciting, nerve-wracking, and a bit overwhelming all at once. As someone who’s been in the industry for a while, I often think about what I’d do if I had to start from scratch.
What strategies would I implement? What mistakes would I avoid? What would my approach look like if I were diving into this career for the first time today?
Whether you’re a brand-new agent or a seasoned pro looking for a fresh perspective, these insights could help you hit the ground running and build a successful real estate business faster. If I had the chance to rewind and start again, this is exactly what I’d do differently to maximize my success right from day one.
1. Embrace Relentless Action—Starting with FSBO Calls
If I were starting over, I’d hit the ground running by cold calling For Sale By Owners (FSBOs) as soon as I got my license. Why FSBOs, you ask? Because these are homeowners who have already raised their hand and said, “I’m selling my home.” They just haven’t yet realized how much they could benefit from a professional agent’s expertise. You need real estate listings. They’re your inventory.
Instead of sitting back and waiting for leads to trickle in, I’d go on the offensive from day one. I’d set a goal to call at least 20 FSBOs every single day. I’d keep the conversations casual but helpful, focusing on adding value rather than trying to push a listing agreement. Maybe I’d offer free advice on marketing their property or explain how they could get better exposure. The key would be to start building a relationship and positioning myself as a trusted resource.
In my initial days, I’d expect a lot of “no’s” and hang-ups, but I’d embrace those rejections because every call would sharpen my skills. I’d view every rejection as one step closer to a “yes.” And that’s a lesson I didn’t fully appreciate when I started: real estate is a numbers game. The more people you talk to, the more opportunities you’ll uncover.
Takeaway: If I were starting over as a new real estate agent, I would embrace calling FSBOs right away. Don’t be afraid of the phone, and don’t wait for the perfect moment to start prospecting. The best way to learn is by doing, so pick up that phone and start making connections.
2. Create a Daily ‘Learning Power Hour’
If I was starting over as a new real estate agent, I’d establish a daily learning habit from day one. I’d dedicate one hour every morning—my “Learning Power Hour”—to deep dive into some aspect of real estate. I’m talking about market analysis, negotiation techniques, contract law, pricing strategies, you name it.
When you’re new, everything feels urgent, and you can get swept up in the chaos of trying to close your first deal. But setting aside a focused hour for learning ensures you’re always leveling up your skills, even if you’re not closing deals immediately. I’d treat it like an appointment I couldn’t miss.
This habit would not only make me more knowledgeable but also boost my confidence when talking to clients. When I know what’s happening in the market, what’s influencing prices, and how to navigate tricky contract situations, I’m naturally going to come across as more competent—and clients can sense that.
Takeaway: Knowledge is your biggest asset, especially when you’re new. A daily “Learning Power Hour” keeps you on the cutting edge and builds the foundation for a lasting, successful career.
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3. Start Building My Brand Before My First Client
One of the biggest mistakes I made early on was thinking that I needed to get a few deals under my belt before I could start building my brand. I thought, “Let me get some experience, then I’ll worry about marketing myself.” Big mistake.
If I were starting over, I’d build my brand from day one. I’d decide what niche I wanted to focus on—first-time homebuyers, luxury properties, or even investment properties—and craft my content strategy. I’d create a website, optimize my social media profiles, and start sharing valuable content immediately, even if I didn’t have listings to post.
I’d post educational videos about buying or selling homes, market updates, and behind-the-scenes content that shows what it’s like to be a real estate agent. The goal would be to position myself as a knowledgeable, approachable, and trustworthy agent before I even had my first client.
By focusing on building a brand early, I’d be creating a funnel for future leads. People would start to recognize me as “the real estate agent who always shares helpful tips,” and when they’re ready to buy or sell, I’d be top of mind.
Takeaway: Don’t wait to build your brand. Start creating and sharing content that positions you as an expert, even if you’re new. The earlier you start, the sooner people will start seeing you as the go-to agent.
4. Implement a Daily Routine to Stay Consistent
In the beginning, I made the classic mistake of letting my day dictate my schedule. I’d react to whatever came my way—emails, client requests, showings. It felt like I was busy, but I wasn’t really being productive. If I had a do-over, I’d set up a structured daily routine that prioritizes prospecting, learning, and lead follow-ups.
Here’s how my ideal daily routine would look:
- 8:00 – 9:00 AM: Learning Power Hour (market trends, negotiation tactics, etc.)
- 9:00 – 10:30 AM: FSBO and expired listing calls
- 10:30 – 11:00 AM: Break and email check
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Social media content creation/posting
- 12:00 – 1:00 PM: Lunch and a quick mindset reset (I’d use this time to listen to a podcast or audiobook)
- 1:00 – 3:00 PM: Follow up with leads and nurture relationships
- 3:00 – 5:00 PM: Property showings or client meetings
- 5:00 PM onwards: Wrap up, review the day’s progress, and set goals for tomorrow
The key is to maintain consistency. It’s not about working 12-hour days but about making every hour count. This routine would help ensure that I’m not just busy but actually building momentum and moving closer to my goals.
Takeaway: A structured daily routine allows you to control your day instead of letting the day control you. Consistency is more powerful than intensity—stick to your routine, and you’ll see steady growth.
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5. Embrace Failure as a Fast-Track to Growth
When I first started, I took every setback personally. A deal falling through felt like a punch to the gut, and getting rejected by potential clients made me question if I was cut out for real estate. If I could start over, I’d change my entire relationship with failure.
I’d embrace failure as a necessary part of growth. Every “no” would be an opportunity to learn. Every lost deal would be a lesson in resilience. In fact, I’d make it a goal to fail faster—meaning, I’d take more risks and put myself out there even if it meant making mistakes along the way. The quicker I could fail, the quicker I could learn what works and what doesn’t.
I’d also keep a “Failure Journal.” Every time something didn’t go as planned, I’d write down what happened, why it happened, and what I could do differently next time. By reflecting on these experiences, I’d turn setbacks into a roadmap for future success.
Takeaway: Failure isn’t the enemy—it’s the teacher. Embrace it, learn from it, and use it to build the skills you need to succeed.
In Conclusion: Starting Over with Intention
If I were to start over as a new real estate agent, I’d be intentional about everything: my mindset, my actions, my routines, and my approach to learning and failure. The truth is, you don’t need to be perfect—you just need to be persistent. With the right strategies and mindset, anyone can build a thriving real estate business.
So whether you’re just getting your license or you’re hitting the reset button on your career, remember this: It’s not about how you start; it’s about how you keep going. Take action every day, keep learning, and embrace the journey.
You’ve got this—now go make it happen!