Why Most Real Estate Agents Fail (2024)

5. Missing a Business Plan

Without a business plan in place, you won’t have a path that can lead you in the direction you’re trying to go. 87% of real estate agents fail because they’re missing a business plan that outlines the steps they need to take in order to reach their goals.

To prevent this, use a business plan template, such as one offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. In your business plan, you can outline your executive summary, conduct a market analysis, detail your marketing efforts, and more. If you ever find yourself stuck, you can revisit your business plan to get back on track and make any necessary changes to keep moving forward.

How to Succeed As a Real Estate Agent

Now that you know why 87% of real agents fail, it’s time to look at how you can beat these odds and grow a successful business. Below, you’ll find tips that can help you perfect your craft and become a leader in the real estate industry.

1. Get Your Finances in Order

As you know, one of the top reasons why real estate agents fail is because they run out of money. To be a successful real estate agent, having a firm grasp on your financial situation is a must.

With that said, you need to understand your internal motive in order to act. What are your expectations? What do you need to produce vs. your goals? Oftentimes, the gap between what we need and our goals creates a lot of unhealthy tension for people. So, I say, determine what you absolutely need financially and cover that, then set some goals.

For example, what is your monthly cost to run your household? Rent, mortgage payment, kids, dogs, food, dry cleaning, everything you spend money on – get that number. Let’s say it’s $24,000 a year. Then, what about your work? Let’s say it’s $8,000 a year, bringing you up to a total of $32,000 a year needed to survive. Next, how much outside monthly income do you have? Include spousal income, rental unit income, and other revenue streams.

Once calculated, subtract this number from your total. However, for now, let’s say this is $0. Also, let’s say your average commission check is $8,000. Well, you might be saying, “Gosh, I only need to sell one house every four months to survive and sustain my business.” Feel good about it. So know exactly what your costs are and then set your goals on top of that.

2. Create a Morning Routine

First, it’s important to start your day by waking up on the right side of the bed. Creating a morning routine is a great way to set the tone for the day to ensure it’s going to go smoothly. Implement these steps into your morning routine, and you’re sure to see positive results in no time:

  • Repeat affirmations: Every day, write this affirmation 30 times: “I earn X amount of dollars or more.” Your reticular activating system will locate and focus on whatever you think about the most, and you will begin to see it everywhere.
  • Create a daily action checklist: These are things that you know you have to do that day that would make you money. Prospect for leads, set appointments, take listings, get offers, close deals!
  • Listen to something motivational or something that makes you feel good: It’s not Howard Stern, not Constant Negative News, and not Fox Fair and Balance. None of that stuff. Get your mindset right. Watch some videos that will get you fired up!

3. Focus on Lead Generation

Once you’ve started your day on the right foot, it’s time to get to business. In order to grow your real estate business, you need to focus on generating leads. Failing to focus on leads is one of the many reasons why real estate agents fail. Below are some real estate lead generation ideas that can help you find new potential clients:

  • Role-play: Practice your scripts 15 to 20 minutes a day, so when you speak with real clients, you know what to say, how to say it, and ultimately get you more business.
  • Call every new expired, FSBO, and Make Me Move property: Don’t be afraid to screw up. Make every mistake. You’re brand new, who cares? You’ll learn the mistakes that agents make when they list these properties when they’re not really clear to the seller what it takes to get it sold. Or find out if sellers are motivated at all.
  • Call/contact five people that you know and say. “Would you like a free home valuation?”: Who do you know that’s thinking about buying or selling? All the important questions.
  • Lead follow-up: Follow up on all your leads and ensure no leads slip through the cracks.

4. Be the Knowledge Broker

Lastly, if you don’t want to join the 87% of real estate agents that fail, it’s essential you become an expert in the field. This means learning how to find a real estate mentor who can teach you the ropes, attending conferences and networking events to gain first-hand knowledge, and taking time to stay up to date on industry trends.

In addition to these tips, implement these habits into your daily routine, and you’ll become the knowledge broker you dream of being before you know it:

  • Read Keeping Current Matters every day: Be up-to-date with the latest real estate analytics and trends of the market so you can speak powerfully to customers about why now is the best time to buy and sell.
  • Study the daily hot sheets: There’s nothing more important than knowing every day what’s listed, what’s sold, what’s canceled, what’s expired, and what’s closed. What were the numbers? What were the prices? Know the market inside and out.
  • Work two open houses every weekend: You do all of this for nine months as a brand new agent, a rebounding agent, or a fading winner, and you will become a rising star. What do we know will happen? You will talk to a lot of people. You’re going to have some upsets. You’re going to have some tremendous wins. You’re going to create a lot of momentum, and you’re going to be that 13% that succeeds in real estate!

Wrapping Up: Why Do Most Realtors Fail?

Being a successful real estate agent is easier said than done. After all, there’s a reason 87% of real estate agents fail. However, knowing the mistakes these realtors make, such as failing to follow up with clients or not having adequate funding, can help you prepare and grow a successful real estate business.

At Tom Ferry, we can help you become the best real estate agent you can be. Whether you’re wondering how to build your brand as a real estate agent or are interested in a real estate agent coaching program, we have the tools and expertise to help you succeed.

Why Most Real Estate Agents Fail (2024)

FAQs

Why Most Real Estate Agents Fail? ›

The most common mistakes that agents make is inadequate prospecting, failing to market properties in ways that lead to fast sales, and not following up with their contacts so that strong relationships result in returning clients.

Do most people fail in real estate? ›

Being a successful real estate agent is easier said than done. After all, there's a reason 87% of real estate agents fail. However, knowing the mistakes these realtors make, such as failing to follow up with clients or not having adequate funding, can help you prepare and grow a successful real estate business.

Why do most agents fail in their first year? ›

A lot of agents fail because they don't manage their time properly. They “wing it” instead of attacking the day with a plan. “Winging it” also guarantees that you'll burn yourself out. Having a schedule will help you accomplish all of the most important tasks necessary for you to meet your goal.

Why don t real estate agents answer the phone? ›

Sometimes agents don't care who's calling they just don't want to talk, so they don't answer their phone. Yes, even real estate agents need a break once in a while.

Why am I failing as a realtor? ›

The most common mistakes that agents make is inadequate prospecting, failing to market properties in ways that lead to fast sales, and not following up with their contacts so that strong relationships result in returning clients.

What is the hardest part of real estate? ›

Here are some of the toughest struggles that every realtor has to deal with on a daily basis.
  • Uncertainty about real estate market. ...
  • Constantly being on the go. ...
  • Commission is by no means a guarantee. ...
  • Being underpaid for hard work. ...
  • Dealing with difficult clients.

Why is being a realtor so stressful? ›

The emotional toll of selling homes is especially stressful because agents often have no control over their workload and schedule–they're at the mercy of their clients' needs and demands. When asked about the most challenging aspect of being an agent, one said “the constantly changing situations of each deal.”

Why is being a real estate agent so stressful? ›

Why is being a realtor so hard? For one, it can be difficult to keep up with the ever-changing market. Additionally, realtors often work long hours and weekends in order to show properties and meet with clients. Finally, realtors must constantly market themselves in order to attract new clients.

What is hard about being a real estate agent? ›

Earning a living selling real estate is hard work. You have to be organized in order to keep track of legal documents, meetings, and all the tasks that go into multiple listings. You may go without a paycheck for periods of time because the work is often commission-based. If you don't sell, you don't earn anything.

What do most realtors make their first year? ›

While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $144,000 and as low as $28,000, the majority of First Year Real Estate Agent salaries currently range between $65,000 (25th percentile) to $100,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $125,000 annually across the United States.

What are the odds of being successful in real estate? ›

Depending on the source, the percentage of real estate agents that fail in the business within the first 5 years ranges between 85-90%. When you think about it, nearly 9 of 10 new agents can expect to fail, which is an eye opener.

What percentage of realtors fail? ›

As a real estate professional, you're probably familiar with the NAR's research that found 75% of Realtors fail within the first year, and 87% fail within five years of entering the industry.

What real estate agents don t want you to know? ›

9 Things Your Realtor Doesn't Want You to Know
  • Their commission is negotiable. ...
  • A shorter contract is better – for you. ...
  • Use a 'buyer's agent' if you want to buy a home. ...
  • You should hire your own, independent inspector. ...
  • You don't really need a real estate agent to sell your home. ...
  • Open houses aren't for your benefit.
Apr 3, 2023

Do realtors still cold call? ›

Cold calling is the second most effective prospecting method for realtors. 68 percent of real estate professionals are able to successfully follow up after a cold call.

What can you not say as a real estate agent? ›

In simplest terms, a real estate agent typically cannot speak about the makeup of a particular neighborhood as it relates to its people. That's because providing an opinion or information on a community's residents can be discriminatory, even though this was not the intention.

Is it hard to be successful as a realtor? ›

It takes hard work, dedication, and perseverance to become a successful real estate agent. To become an agent, you must take classes, pass a test, and find a broker to work for. Once you get your license, the work is not over. You must learn to sell houses, which they do not teach in real estate school.

Is it hard to be good at real estate? ›

The difficulty of the real estate exam varies by state, but the California real estate exam is known to be one of the most difficult. In fact, the pass rate for the California real estate exam in the last two years was under 50%, which means it's incredibly competitive and difficult to pass.

How can I be successful in my first year of real estate? ›

Grit - How to Survive Your First Year of Real Estate
  1. Get Your Mind Right. ...
  2. Choose Your Broker and Your Mentors Carefully. ...
  3. Create a First-Year Budget. ...
  4. Learn Everything You Can About Your Market. ...
  5. Find Your Niche. ...
  6. Set S.M.A.R.T. ...
  7. Create an Effective Routine. ...
  8. Prospect.

What is the number one rule of real estate? ›

The 1% rule of real estate investing measures the price of the investment property against the gross income it will generate. For a potential investment to pass the 1% rule, its monthly rent must be equal to or no less than 1% of the purchase price.

Why are most millionaires in real estate? ›

Because of the many tax benefits, real estate investors often end up paying less taxes overall even as they are bringing in more income. This is why many millionaires invest in real estate. Not only does it make you money, but it allows you to keep a lot more of the money you make.

What is the weakest type of estate? ›

Tenancy at sufferance is also called estate at sufferance and is the lowest form of estate known to law.

Where do realtors make the most money? ›

The following are the 10 states where real estate agents earn, on average, the most money:
  • New York: $111,800 (average real estate agent salary)
  • Massachusetts: $84,180.
  • Connecticut: $79,780.
  • Alaska: $79,360.
  • Colorado: $76,850.
  • Utah: $75,170.
  • California: $74,140.
  • Texas: $72,830.
Jul 28, 2020

Is real estate a happy job? ›

When you work as a real estate agent, you're helping people make the most important financial decision of their lives. You're also helping them find homes where they will create cherished memories for years to come. This gives many real estate agents a high amount of job satisfaction.

Are real estate agents depressed? ›

Data shows that practitioners suffer a high rate of clinical depression. These are some reasons why, along with tips for balancing your mental health.

Is being a real estate agent hard in a recession? ›

What does it take to succeed as a Realtor during a recession? It's hard to succeed as a Realtor when the economy is good and even harder when the nation is going through a recession. However, some real estate agents succeed no matter what comes their way.

Is selling real estate stressful? ›

While the process of selling a home is stressful, it's usually compounded by factors that prompted your move in the first place and issues resulting from the decision to make a major life change.

Why would I like to be a real estate agent? ›

Becoming a real estate agent gives you access to the American Dream, i.e. the freedom to pursue success and prosperity. As a small business owner, you have: A flexible daily schedule - You decide what you'll do and when you'll do it. A flexible vacation schedule - You can go on vacation and return whenever you chose.

What is the highest paying job in real estate? ›

From highest- to lowest-paying, these are:
  • Mortgage Loan Officer.
  • Real Estate Attorney.
  • Real Estate Agent.
  • Compliance Specialist.
  • New Home Sales Consultant.
  • Realtor.
  • Real Estate Broker.
  • Property Accountant.

What is the life of a real estate agent? ›

A typical day might involve spending time at the office, meeting with clients, staging and showing homes, and scheduling appraisals and inspections. Other tasks include generating leads, researching, marketing, and accompanying clients to property closings.

What is fun about being a real estate agent? ›

Some people relish in their work routine. It gives them control and limits the chances for surprises or changes. For most real estate agents, though, doing something new every day and facing new challenges are part of the fun of being an agent.

What age are most realtors? ›

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has about 1.37 million members. 67% of all REALTORS® are female. The median age for REALTORS® is 52 years old. The median number of years a REALTOR® will stay at one firm is 4 years.

How much do the top 1% of realtors make? ›

Each real estate office sets its own standards for top producers, but it's safe to say that a top producer would have to sell at least one home per month to qualify. Top producers earn around $112,610 a year to start, according to the BLS. 1 Mega-stars could earn $500,000 per year and up.

Why do realtors do highest and best? ›

As the seller, you usually ask for the highest and best offer to eliminate negotiations and expedite the deal. It lets buyers know you're looking for only the most serious offers. Conversely, with a best and final offer, you're asking buyers to go above and beyond the competition to convince you to sell to them.

Do 90% of millionaires come from real estate? ›

Some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world have built their wealth through real estate. In fact, it's estimated that 90% of all millionaires invest in some form of real estate. There are several reasons for this, but in today's article, we'll share seven reasons why millionaires invest in real estate.

Is real estate the fastest way to get rich? ›

There is no quick way to make money or get rich in real estate, but you can grow wealth gradually and consistently by investing correctly. You are probably aware that there are numerous ways to accumulate wealth, but real estate is one of the most effective.

Is real estate a good way to get rich? ›

Can real estate make you rich? It can, but it's not a sure bet. The real estate market has boom and bust cycles, and real estate investors can lose money as well as make money.

How many houses do most realtors sell a year? ›

According to NAR, the average Realtor completes a median of 12 residential transactions annually. However, it's important to keep in mind that this doesn't necessarily indicate how many houses the average Realtor sells.

What percentage of sales do most realtors make? ›

Currently, the average real estate commission rate nationwide is 5.37% of the home's final sale price. This fee is typically split equally between the listing and buyer's agents who handle the transaction, and comes out of the seller's proceeds.

Is it common for real estate deals to fall through? ›

Deals can fall through for any number of reasons. An inspection may reveal something unacceptable about the home, or the buyer's mortgage application may be denied. In some cases, a title search may turn up legal issues with the home, or an appraisal may come back significantly lower than the agreed upon sale price.

Should I interview real estate agents? ›

Yes. Most real estate agents will expect you to interview other candidates before giving them the job. You can also tell your prospective agents that you will be interviewing others so everyone is on the same page.

Should I feel bad for my real estate agent? ›

There is never an obligation to hire the agent or "go through with the sale," nor should there be. The agent merely hopes to make a good impression so that whenever you are ready to sell you'll call them instead of someone else. You absolutely should not feel bad.

How many cold calls should I make a day real estate? ›

How Many Cold Calls Should You Make Each Day? You should block out at least two hours each day to cold call. This is crucial when you're just starting out with your real estate business. Two hours may seem like overkill, but it allows you to cover a lot of territory.

What is door knocking in real estate? ›

What is door knocking? Door knocking is a technique real estate professionals use to generate new leads. It involves researching and canvassing neighborhoods and knocking on doors to speak with homeowners. Door knocking offers a low-cost way for real estate agents to build trust with homeowners and find new listings.

What is the best time to make real estate calls? ›

For example, findings from one recent study suggested that “decision makers are more likely to engage in the late afternoon,” with engagement rates peaking “during the 4-5 p.m. hour.” And data from another study showed that “the best time to cold call a prospect is between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., with 10 a.m. (15.53%) and 2 ...

Why don't they call it master bedroom anymore? ›

The shift from “master” to “primary bedroom” has been made due to negative implications and perceptions involving the word “master.” Consumers and real estate professionals realize and understand the term “master” as something racist and offer a sexist implication.

What is unethical realtor behavior? ›

If your real estate agent is giving you legal or financial advice (other than the value of your home and timing of selling in light of the market), they're acting outside the scope of their own expertise, violating Article 11 of the NAR Code of Ethics.

What percent of people fail at real estate investing? ›

I still find this hard to believe. 95% of would be real estate investors never buy a single house.

Do most real estate investors fail? ›

Real estate is not an easy game to win. In fact, many investors fail in real estate at one point or another. But there are some common pitfalls that investors find themselves in when investing in real estate that can be avoided if you learn how to identify them early on.

Why most people don t invest in real estate? ›

Many people are unable to begin creating wealth due to fear. They're scared about money, or the negative things that come with owning rental properties—like evictions or repairs. I've done many episodes about fear, and I strongly believe that your ability to change your life lies in your ability to quiet your fears.

Are most real estate agents honest? ›

Most real estate agents are honest and hard-working, but there are also a few bad apples out there that can cost you if you choose the wrong person. Some key things real estate agents may lie about include credentials, property conditions and value, or the level of interest in a property.

What are the disadvantages of being a real estate broker? ›

One of the biggest cons of this job is the amount of patience it requires. It may take a new real estate agent months to find their first client or close their deal. There is a lot of work that agents do before they ever see the profits, such as prospecting, advertising, and conducting open houses.

Is real estate more riskier than stocks? ›

While stocks are a well-known investment option, not everyone knows that buying real estate is also considered an investment. Under the right circ*mstances, real estate can be an alternative to stocks, offering lower risk, yielding better returns, and providing greater diversification.

At what point do most house sales fall through? ›

Most collapsed house sales happen before exchange. The reason for this is simple, once you've exchanged contracts there is the risk of losing large amounts of money if a sale falls through.

When should you walk away from a real estate deal? ›

Sellers should consider walking away from a deal if 1) a buyer's requested concessions get out of hand; 2) if the countering offers are lowballing the property; 3) if a buyer doesn't put forward the necessary funds; 4) if a buyer threatens to walk away multiple times; 5) if the property's appraisal comes back too low ...

What can cause a closing to fall through? ›

What Can Cause A Mortgage Loan To Fall Through?
  • Funding Denied Because You Financed A Big Purchase. ...
  • Funding Denied Because You Applied For More Credit. ...
  • Job Change or Loss of Employment. ...
  • Home Appraisal Came Back Lower Than Purchase Price. ...
  • Home Inspection Revealed Major Problems. ...
  • Seller Delayed Closing Date Due To Title Issues.
Mar 31, 2023

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