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What I’ve Learned as a New Real Estate Agent (So Far!)

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Real Estate Agent with LoKation Real Estate FA.100108353

What I’ve Learned as a New Real Estate Agent (So Far!)

Spring 2025 marked a major turning point in my life—I made the leap from elementary school teacher of 13 years to newly licensed real estate agent. Teaching had my heart, but the long hours were taking a toll on my family, and deep down, I felt it was time for a new path—one that allowed me to support my family not just financially, but emotionally and physically too.

After lots of prayer and reflection, I found myself looking into real estate school early in the new year. By January 17th, I dove in headfirst, excited (and maybe a little nervous) for what was to come.

Now, five weeks into this new adventure, I’ve learned more than the coursework ever prepared me for. If you’re a brand-new agent—or thinking about becoming one—here’s what I’ve discovered so far:

1. Selling Yourself is a Skill

Just because you passed the test and joined a brokerage doesn’t mean clients are knocking on your door. Real estate success takes visibility and hustle. You have to be willing to put yourself out there and talk about what you're doing with confidence!

2. Success Takes Time

Getting licensed is just the beginning. Building momentum takes patience and persistence. I haven’t had my first official client yet—but I’m committed, showing up every day, and laying the groundwork for long-term success.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out

I’ve been blown away by how generous and encouraging experienced agents can be. There’s so much to learn, and having mentors to share their wisdom and cheer you on is truly invaluable. Seek those people out!

4. Make Real Connections

One of my favorite ways to build relationships has been setting up coffee chats with local escrow agents and loan officers. These folks are incredibly knowledgeable and so willing to help new agents get started. Their insights are gold!

5. Keep Going, Even When It’s Hard

I emailed and called 16 agents asking to host open houses—only one responded. But that one turned into two more, and now I’ve hosted three open houses with more lined up. It only takes a few “yes” responses to build real momentum. Keep asking, keep showing up, and keep believing in your why.

6. Yes, It Costs Money

Real estate is your own business, and like any business, it requires investment. Whether it’s becoming a REALTOR®, designing marketing materials, or setting up a website, these expenses are part of the process—and the payoff will come with consistency and planning.

7. Tech is Great—But People Matter More

Yes, social media is important. But genuine, face-to-face relationships are what make the biggest difference. Connecting with others in your community is where the magic happens, both personally and professionally.


Now, just a few weeks in, I’ve hosted multiple open houses, connected with amazing professionals, and found a rhythm that’s working for me and my family. I'm falling in love with the process—and the people.

To any fellow new agents out there: keep learning, keep growing, and never underestimate the power of connection. The best part of this career? It’s all about helping others find their place in the world—and that’s exactly what I plan to do.

#NewRealtorJourney #RealEstateLife #ColoradoRealtor #RealtorInTheMaking #MountainHomesCO

Posted by

DaCyn Walsh
REALTOR

Lokation Real Estate
Bailey, Pine, Conifer and surrounding areas

Are you looking to buy or sell in the mountains? Did you just get your PCS orders and need to move to Colorado? Let's talk!


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Comments(23)

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Adam Feinberg
Elegran - Manhattan, NY
NYC Condo, Co-op, and Townhouse Advisor

I was a teacher, sort of. I worked in capital markets- with most of my career in Learning and Professional Development. In this business, relationships and ethics top everything else, but knowledge is up there as well. Curiosity will be your friend- and the more you actively seek to learn on your own will be a benefit to you. 

I have seen a variety of different personalities and skillsets work in this business. Some I respect, others...well not my cup of tea- but it has worked for them. Find what interests you and pursue it with vigor- but never try to be someone else. It's ok to emulate a strategy or tactic that has worked well for someone else- just make sure you do it in a way that reflects who you are. 

Apr 12, 2025 06:08 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Apr 12, 2025 06:49 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello DaCyn - your previous career is helping to educate you with the learning curves of the real estate profession.  This education takes place in preparation for the state licensing examination and now out in the field practicing.   And it's ongoing as you are beginning to see.  

Apr 13, 2025 03:22 AM
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker
Great information, thanks for sharing.  I hope you have a great day.
Apr 13, 2025 05:16 AM
DaCyn Walsh

You have a great day as well Richard!

Apr 14, 2025 06:52 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, DaCyn... so many agents don't ever learn this, much less as quickly as you did. Yes... success takes time. And yes... it's a business, you have to invest money in it. It's much more than looking at pretty houses all day.

Apr 13, 2025 05:23 AM
DaCyn Walsh

I love that you said this Nina, its so much more!

Apr 14, 2025 06:53 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Yes, yes, yes, you are correct about everything. Shame on the 15 agents who didn't even bother to get back to you. I'm glad one did!

Apr 13, 2025 06:24 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

I owned a couple of homes in the Denver Metro and land in Howard (near Monarch Ski Resort). Love those mountains. 

Apr 13, 2025 06:31 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP
Big Block LPT Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
Coastal San Diego, Veteran's & Retirees Services

DaCyn Walsh Welcome to The Rain and the world of real estate! It's a pleasure to have you here. Ironically, you've traded long hours for even longer ones, unless you also learn to set boundaries once you're making money.

But, given your progress so far, I have no doubt you will thrive; teachers tend to do well in real estate. It takes time to fully grasp the intricacies of this field—some never do, and many give up before they see success; in fact, marriage has a higher success rate than a career in real estate! However, you've discovered Active Rain, so lean into this community for support and guidance. Don't let any negativity deter you; the majority of members here have great hearts and are eager to help. Embrace the journey ahead, and you've got a bright future waiting for you!

Apr 13, 2025 07:03 AM
DaCyn Walsh

Thank you so much Thomas! I love this community and I am so excited to continue growing here 🙂

Apr 14, 2025 06:56 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

DaCyn Walsh it is encouraging to hear that prayer was included in making your decision, and I hope prayer is a part of your business.  This blog was a well-deserved featured blog.  Congratulations.

Apr 13, 2025 08:16 AM
DaCyn Walsh

Thank you so much George!

Apr 14, 2025 06:57 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

DaCyn, it is an exciting career choice, and hope you are able to secure some buyers and get some listings too!  Best of luck.

Apr 13, 2025 08:32 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 DaCyn,

Your mindset is exactly what sets great agents apart. From one lifelong learner to another, I’ll let you in on a little secret: if you want to learn at lightning speed, this is the place to be. Seriously, ActiveRain is like the Ivy League of real estate wisdom—but without the student debt!

You’ve already hit on so many golden truths: relationships matter, persistence pays off, and yes, sometimes all it takes is that one yes to open new doors. The beauty of this business is that it’s built on both grit and grace, and you’re clearly bringing both.

Keep showing up, keep asking questions, and keep sharing your journey. You’re not just learning real estate, you’re building something amazing for your future, and we’re all cheering you on.

 

Apr 13, 2025 09:01 AM
DaCyn Walsh

That is the plan Carol! The wealth of knowledge in this community is awe inspiring, and I love getting in every day to see the new things everyone has to offer!

Apr 14, 2025 06:58 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

You have learned quite a bit, and I know you are going to help a lot of dreams come true!  God will be by your side every step of the way!!!

Apr 13, 2025 01:10 PM
DaCyn Walsh

Thank you so much Brian!

Apr 14, 2025 06:58 AM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

Congratulations on taking that scary leap! 

It's good that you know you have a lot to learn. That means you WILL learn!

If you'd like links to a wealth of advice targeted to new agents, plus some freebies you can take and use right away, do visit my site just for new agents: www.promotemyrealestatecareer.com

Apr 13, 2025 09:16 PM
DaCyn Walsh

Thank you Marte! I will get on there now, I appreciate the support and encouragement!

Apr 14, 2025 06:59 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

DaCyn Walsh, Hope you never lose the excitement or your energy.

Thanks for your earlier message! 

Real-life connections matter most.

Apr 14, 2025 08:34 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

Welcome to the Rain and, welcome to the real estate gig. I too was a former teacher (High School Biology) who made the transition into real estate two decades ago. It already appears that you understand the most important aspects of this business and I have no doubt that you will succeed with your goals.

Apr 14, 2025 08:35 AM
DaCyn Walsh

Thank you so much! I appreciate it!

Apr 14, 2025 08:45 AM
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

ECE is good training for this! LOL

Seriously . . . so far so good and we never stop learning, EVER! 

Now that you've bought the ticket . . . enjoy the ride! 

Apr 14, 2025 06:34 PM
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.WarrenCountyOhioRealEstate.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

DaCyn, you're definitely on the right track.  There are many tracks to success for real estate, finding the one that suits your personality, brings you the kind of clients you WANT to work with, and realizing early that not ever person that calls deserves YOU are key lessons.  Some people steal your joy, some give you joy, and identifying which is which early in the potential client screening process can make the career much better. I tend to think like people hang with like, and grumpy clients refer grumpy friends :)

Apr 14, 2025 07:30 PM
DaCyn Walsh

I love that analogy, hang with like and refer grumpy- that is great! Thank you for the advice 😁

Apr 15, 2025 05:27 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi DaCyn:

Welcome, again, to the AR community and a wonderful place to learn, grow and develop relationships. Your post is right on target - you have learned some valuable lessons thus far and no doubt will continue to do so.

Jeff

Apr 14, 2025 08:05 PM
DaCyn Walsh

Thank you Jeff!

Apr 15, 2025 05:28 AM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
The Grit and Gratitude Agent

Congrats on the feature. Possibly I may disagree with you regarding your first learning lesson.  People buy from people they know and trust.  If people trust you, you don't have to sell yourself. I would focus on how can people buy me instead of how can I sell myself. This buying begins with being authentic and looking to establish a relationship.

Zig Ziglar said "Sales is the transference of feelings."

Apr 15, 2025 07:00 AM
DaCyn Walsh

I really like this flip of perspective Leanne, thank you!

Apr 16, 2025 06:53 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

DaCyn Walsh it was nice to meet you on the Zoom call today and this is a great post. A little over two years ago our office had several new agents who asked to do open houses. Well seeing how they handled the opens, it made me realize the effort they put in was worth recruiting them to do my open houses. One even worked with me on my team as i let her work with any buyers she gathered from the Open Houses. It worked for both of us.  Good luck in your new career, I am sure you are going to be great and have a wonderful career.

Apr 15, 2025 12:32 PM
DaCyn Walsh

Thank you so much Nick! It was nice to meet you as well 😁 I appreciate the insight into how more experienced agents view these strategies!

Apr 16, 2025 06:54 AM