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Things I’d Tell Myself as a Brand-New Realtor

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Real Estate Agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc.; www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com

Things I’d Tell Myself as a Brand-New Realtor

If I could go back to when I started as a real estate agent, I’d give myself some serious advice—and I hope this resonates with anyone starting in this business. Real estate can be brutal. I’ve sold millions of dollars in property, but it wasn’t without facing challenges.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

  1. People Will Waste Your Time if You Let Them
    Early on, I discovered that not everyone is serious about buying or selling. Many will use your time and resources, but won’t commit to closing. The lesson here? Qualify your clients carefully. If they’re reluctant to sign agreements or engage with you seriously, don’t waste your time.
  2. Don’t Spend Your Money Until the Deal Closes
    It may seem like everything is set, but until that final signature hits the page, anything can happen. I’ve seen deals fall apart for the craziest reasons—one seller even passed away 24 hours before closing! Inconsistency is a part of this career, so wait until that commission is in your hands before you celebrate or make major financial moves.
  3. Discipline is Everything
    This career is unpredictable. Some months you’ll be slammed with clients, and others it’ll feel like your phone has stopped ringing. The only way to keep a steady flow of business is to work hard, even when you don’t feel like it. Consistency builds momentum.
  4. You Control Your Earning Potential
    Real estate isn’t a 9-5. There’s no ceiling on what you can earn if you’re willing to put in the effort. The more disciplined and strategic you are, the “luckier” you get. Your hard work pays off in direct proportion to how much you hustle.
  5. Invest in Yourself – Always Be Learning
    There’s a wealth of free resources out there—podcasts, YouTube videos, even free coaching. Take advantage of every opportunity to improve your skills. Knowledge breeds confidence, and the more you know, the better you can serve your clients. Stay hungry for growth.
  6. Negotiation Skills Are Critical
    It’s not just about showing homes and writing contracts. Negotiation is an art you need to master. Whether it’s getting your buyer a better deal or securing an offer for your seller, those skills will make or break your success.
  7. You Will Be Judged
    Real estate is an industry where people form opinions quickly—whether it’s based on how you dress, the car you drive, or your ability to answer tough questions. Let them judge. Stay confident and knowledgeable. The more you prove yourself, the less those judgments will matter.
  8. Push Through Even When You Don’t Feel Like It
    Every successful agent I know kept pushing when they felt like giving up. This business isn’t for the faint of heart, but it is for those who persevere. When you don’t feel like working, that’s exactly when you need to work the hardest.

If you’re just starting out, these are the lessons I wish I’d learned sooner. Real estate is a tough, but rewarding career if you’re willing to put in the effort.

Ready to dive in? Need advice or have questions? Let’s connect. I’m here to help you navigate the ups and downs of this unpredictable, yet rewarding, journey.

#RealEstateAdvice #bhhs #RealtorLife #NewAgentTips #RealEstateJourney #MillionDollarSales #NegotiationSkills #HardWorkPaysOff #StayDisciplined #RealEstateSuccess #WorkHardPlayHard #AlwaysBeLearning

Posted by

 

Laura Sellers

Associate Broker, Realtor, GRI

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices 

Preferred Real Estate, Inc.

1810 E. Glenn Avenue, Suite 130

Auburn, AL 36830

Phone: 334-332-7263

Fax: 1-888-217-3682w

 

www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com 

 

TO VIEW HOMES FOR SALE IN THE AUBURN-OPELIKA AREA PLEASE CLICK HERE.

 

EXPERT IN AUBURN - OPELIKA - REAL ESTATE SERVICES

If you are buying or selling  property in the Auburn - Opelika, AL  area, my team and I will provide you with the service that you need.  We're the #1 real estate company in Auburn's #1 office.  

Please call me today at (334) 332-7263.

 

To view homes for sale in the Auburn - Opelika area please click here. 

 

Referrals are always welcomed and appreciated, Thank-you!

 

 

Show All Comments Sort:
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912
Trans State Commercial Realty Inc. - Fort Lauderdale, FL
FLorida Real Estate Connector

Sage advice Laura Sellers I would also add - look for a mentor😎 

Would love to see you participate on our weekly zoom call Laura!  2pm est - see George Souto post on Sunday and Kathleen Daniels q/a on Mondays for the link

Oct 23, 2024 06:55 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Laura,
We all learn these things over the years, don't we? The longer we're in the business, the wiser we get. 😊

Oct 23, 2024 07:18 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Laura - real estate and everyday life teaches us many lessons.  Sometimes more than once.  

Oct 23, 2024 07:35 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thank you, Laura Sellers, for sharing such valuable insights from your journey in real estate! Your honesty about the challenges and essential lessons resonates, and I greatly appreciate the wisdom you’ve offered to those just starting out.

Oct 23, 2024 08:12 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

H Laura-= I love your post!   We have so much experience here and this is what can truly help new agents. 

Oct 23, 2024 05:19 PM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Yes indeed, great lessons for new agents (or even experienced agents) to take to heart.

Oct 26, 2024 05:07 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Laura. Like your line of thinking. You say it well, especially "when you don't feel like working, that is exactly when you need to work the hardest! Enjoy your day.

Oct 26, 2024 05:23 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Oct 26, 2024 06:19 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

A great post with some great advice. Too many people jump into this business with stars in their eyes thinking this is a get-rich-quick gig!

Oct 27, 2024 05:11 PM
Becky McCully
Becky McCully | Real Broker - Charlotte, NC
Real estate agent serving greater Charlotte NC

Such a great post and wise advice!

Oct 28, 2024 08:53 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Very good points, well explained also. 

Oct 28, 2024 09:00 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Laura:

These are such valuable insights about our business and worthy of being shared. I wish I had known this stuff when I started out 22 years ago!

Jeff

Oct 28, 2024 05:16 PM