
Why Most New RealtorsĀ® Struggle in Their First Six Months
July 16, 2022Why Most New RealtorsĀ® Struggle in Their First Six Months ā And How the Right Support Can Change Everything
The First 6 Months: A Make-or-Break Phase for New RealtorsĀ®
Over the course of my real estate career, Iāve had the privilege of mentoring more than 200 RealtorsĀ®āmany of whom either began or restarted their careers under my guidance. Some were just starting out, eager but unsure. Others were on the brink of giving up after trying every possible route with no success. Today, nearly all of them are thriving, earning six-figure incomesāand some, seven.
So what made the difference?
Let me walk you through a storyāone thatās far too commonāusing John, a fictional character based on real-life situations Iāve seen repeatedly.
Johnās Journey: From Hopeful Beginnings to Harsh Realities
John always admired the real estate lifestyle. His RealtorĀ® friends drove luxury cars, lived comfortably, and always seemed to have flexible schedules. He had bought and sold properties a few times himself and figured, āWhy not save that commission and earn some extra money?ā
With a decent job already, John decided to get licensed and take on real estate part-time. But like many new agents, he felt nervous about telling too many peopleāespecially colleagues at workāfor fear it might affect his position. Quietly, he began building a mental list of contacts and potential leads.
A License, a Brokerage, and a False Start
When John finally got licensed, he interviewed a few brokeragesāas he was told to do in classāand chose one with hundreds (even thousands) of agents, based solely on the commission split and a promise of ātop-tier training.ā
Unfortunately, what John didnāt know was that over 95% of the agents at that brokerage werenāt even closing deals consistently. But he was optimistic, waiting eagerly for his network to reach out.
Then came the shock.
One of Johnās close friends invited him to a housewarming partyāfor a home he had just purchased. When John asked why he wasnāt chosen as the RealtorĀ®, his friend replied, āI didnāt even know you were in real estate.ā
Thatās when John realized: heād been a secret agent. Literally.
A second blow came when Johnās own cousin bought a house through someone else, explaining that he “didnāt want to mix family with business”ābut the real reason was lack of confidence in John’s ability.
No Mentorship. No Guidance. No Direction.
Disheartened, John approached his Broker of Record and some senior agents in the office, only to be met with vague advice, discouragement, or worseāindifference. He was told there was no need to come into the office. The training sessions were generic and outdated. Most days, John sat at home, unsure of what to do.
Eventually, like many before him, he gave up and went back to his 9-to-5 job.
What Went Wrong?
John wasnāt lazy. He wasnāt untalented. He didnāt lack motivation.
What he lacked was a proper platform.
He needed structured guidance, daily accountability, real mentorship, and a clear action plan. The first six months in real estate are criticalāthis is when confidence is built, systems are learned, and habits are formed.
Without the right environment, even the most hardworking individual can lose steam.
Ask Yourself These Questions
If you’re a newly licensed RealtorĀ® (or know someone who is), ask yourself:
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Do you wake up with no idea what to do each day?
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Does your brokerage tell you thereās no need to come into the office?
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Is there a mentor who will accompany you on buyer/seller appointments for the first few months?
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Do you rarely meet your Broker of Record?
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Has no one ever encouraged you to elevate your business to the next level?
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Are your training sessions uninspiring or optional?
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Are your friends in other brokerages thriving while you feel stuck?
If youāre saying āyesā to most of these⦠itās time to rethink your strategy.
Your Platform Determines Your Performance
Talent and hustle are importantābut without the right tools, mentorship, and business model, you’re running uphill with no map.
Choosing the right brokerage isn’t just about splits or logosāit’s about whoās going to walk the path with you.
Look for:
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A daily business structure and support system
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Mentors who offer shadowing and real-time advice
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Training thatās modern, market-relevant, and hands-on
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A collaborative environment that pushes you forward
Final Thoughts
Real estate can absolutely change your lifeābut only if you’re set up to succeed. Donāt let the first six months be the reason you walk away from what could be a six- or seven-figure career.
If you’re a RealtorĀ® who’s ready to grow (or restart), find a platform that actually builds peopleānot just recruits them.
Because even the smartest professionals need a mentor to reach the top.
Interested in learning how a performance-driven brokerage model can fast-track your success? Reach out today for a no-pressure career consultation. Letās build your future in real estateāthe right way.