Real Estate Reality Check! 3 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting
Seventeen years ago, I got my real estate license. Yes, seventeen years! It feels like just yesterday, but so much has changed since then. At the time, I was an elementary school teacher, and my husband and I had just purchased our first home. I absolutely loved everything about the process, and I remember thinking, "This is amazing! I want in on this!"
Since I had long summers and plenty of breaks throughout the school year, I figured I could do real estate part-time while continuing to teach. I was excited and ready to jump in. However, looking back, there are a few things I wish I had known before getting my license. If you're considering a career in real estate or are in your early years, I want to share three lessons that would have saved me a lot of frustration and helped me find success much sooner.
1. Not All Brokerages Are Created Equal
When I first got my license, I joined a small boutique brokerage. They handed me a box of business cards, and that was pretty much it. I had no training, no mentorship, and no real guidance on what to do next. I assumed my name would somehow end up on a list of agents and that business would just come to me. Spoiler alert: it didn’t.
A few years later, I moved to a flat-fee brokerage. I thought I was saving money by paying a small monthly fee, but I quickly realized I wasn’t getting any value in return. Even basic agent training sessions cost extra, and when I had questions, no one was eager to help. The culture was completely different from the collaborative environment I was used to as a teacher.
Eventually, I found a brokerage known for its coaching, training, and support, which was a huge improvement. However, I discovered that not all agents were treated equally. The top producers had different commission splits and benefits than newer agents like me. While the training was helpful, I still had to physically be in the office for sessions, which wasn’t always convenient.
Now, I’m with eXp Realty, and it’s been a game-changer. The commission splits are the same for everyone, and there are over 70 hours of virtual training each week, led by top producers across the country. Finding the right brokerage that aligns with your goals and provides the support you need is crucial for long-term success.
2. Real Estate Is a Long-Term Game
I wish I had understood from the start that real estate is a long-term career, not a get-rich-quick opportunity. When I first started, I thought clients would come naturally, but that wasn’t the case. Unlike some agents who close 30 deals in their first year, my journey was much slower.
It took years to build a steady business, and I often felt discouraged. I didn’t realize that success in real estate requires consistency, relationship-building, and a long-term mindset. The agents who thrive are the ones who keep showing up, keep marketing themselves, and keep learning, even when business is slow.
If you're in your first few years and feeling frustrated, remember that every successful agent started where you are. Stick with it, continue building your network, and focus on providing value. Your efforts today will pay off down the road.
3. The Power of Social Media and Modern Marketing
When I first started in real estate, social media wasn’t the powerhouse it is today. I relied on traditional marketing methods like cold calling, direct mail, and door-knocking—none of which felt natural to me.
Now, I leverage social media to build and scale my business, and it’s made all the difference. Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook allow me to connect with clients in a way that feels authentic and natural. The best part? My content works for me 24/7, reaching people even when I’m not actively working.
If I could go back, I would have started using social media for real estate from day one. If you're not already leveraging it, now is the time! Whether you're sharing market updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or valuable home-buying tips, social media is an incredible tool for growing your business.
Final Thoughts
Real estate has been an incredible journey, but I definitely had my fair share of challenges along the way. If you're just getting started, remember these three things:
Choose your brokerage wisely—make sure they offer the training and support you need.
Be patient and persistent—real estate is a long-term business, and success takes time.
Use modern marketing—social media is a game-changer, so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
If you’re looking for guidance on building your real estate business, I’d love to connect! Feel free to reach out via email, text, or a call. And if you found this helpful, make sure to follow along for more insights on growing your real estate career the modern way!
