Mistakes New Real Estate Agents Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Alright, new agents, listen up! You’re diving headfirst into the real estate game, and that’s awesome. But let’s get real—you’re bound to make mistakes. And some of those mistakes? They’ll cost you big, both in time and deals. So, why not sidestep a few landmines? I’ve got you covered. Here’s the playbook on common mistakes new real estate agents make and, more importantly, how to dodge them like a pro.

1. Focusing on Selling, Not Listening

You just got your license, and you’re pumped to close deals. But here’s the thing—selling isn’t about pushing people to buy, it’s about understanding what they actually need. Too many agents get tunnel vision on closing, but if you’re not listening to your clients, you’re already losing.

How to Avoid It: Ask questions, lots of them. Understand their pain points, desires, and concerns. Be the agent that listens more than talks. It’s not about your pitch; it’s about their problems. Solve those, and the deal will close itself.

2. Ignoring Follow-Up

You met a potential client, hit it off, and then... crickets. Maybe you thought they’d call you when they’re ready, right? Wrong. People forget. They get busy. And if you’re not staying top of mind, they’ll go with the next agent who follows up.

How to Avoid It: Set up a system—whether it’s a simple spreadsheet or a CRM. Check in regularly with old leads and clients. A quick “just thinking about you” email or text can reignite conversations that lead to deals.

3. Not Building a Personal Brand

Here’s a hot take: Real estate isn’t just about property, it’s about trust. And trust is built through personal connection. If people don’t know who you are or what you stand for, you’re just another agent in a sea of agents.

How to Avoid It: Get online and start building your brand. Share your journey, market insights, and even your failures (yep, people love authenticity). Create content that’s uniquely you—on Instagram, LinkedIn, or TikTok. Be someone people want to work with, not just another face on a billboard.

4. Winging It on Social Media

Let’s talk about the social media game for a sec. Some new agents treat it like an afterthought—posting sporadically with no strategy. But if your profile looks like a ghost town, clients are going to bounce.

How to Avoid It: Post consistently, but don’t just post to post. Share valuable insights, showcase your personality, and don’t forget those client testimonials. Make your social media a place where clients can learn, trust, and connect with you. Oh, and please, no more cheesy stock photos of keys.

5. Skipping the Homework

You’re eager to start showing homes, but walking into a property without doing your research? Rookie mistake. Buyers and sellers can smell unpreparedness a mile away, and it’ll cost you credibility.

How to Avoid It: Do your homework. Know the comps, understand the neighborhood, and anticipate your client’s questions. When you show up informed, you show you’re serious. That’s how you earn trust, and trust earns deals.

6. Not Leveraging Your Network

You probably already know a ton of people—family, friends, old colleagues. But are you leveraging that network for referrals and leads? If not, you’re sitting on a goldmine.

How to Avoid It: Make sure your network knows you’re in real estate. Reach out, reconnect, and casually mention what you’re doing. People are more likely to work with someone they already know and trust. Keep those relationships warm, and the referrals will follow.

7. Being a Lone Wolf

Look, going solo sounds cool—being your own boss, no one to answer to. But real estate is a team sport. The best agents collaborate, learn from others, and share knowledge.

How to Avoid It: Find a mentor, join a real estate team, or at least build a network of experienced agents you can tap into. Learning from others' mistakes will save you from making those same mistakes yourself.

8. Overpromising and Underdelivering

This one’s a killer. You’re eager to impress, so you make big promises—selling a house in record time, finding the perfect home immediately. But when reality hits and you don’t deliver, you’ve just tanked your reputation.

How to Avoid It: Set realistic expectations from the start. Be honest about timelines, prices, and what you can control. Clients respect transparency, and it builds long-term trust.

9. Chasing Every Deal

When you’re starting out, it’s tempting to go after every lead, thinking more leads equals more success. But chasing every single deal spreads you too thin, and you end up doing a mediocre job.

How to Avoid It: Focus on quality over quantity. Qualify your leads better, so you’re not wasting time on clients who aren’t serious or aren’t a good fit. It’s better to close five solid deals than to juggle 20 lukewarm leads that go nowhere.

10. Failing to Invest in Yourself

You might think that once you get your license, you’re good to go. But real estate is constantly evolving, and if you’re not learning, you’re falling behind.

How to Avoid It: Read books, take courses, attend seminars. Keep sharpening your skills. The top agents are the ones who invest in their personal and professional development, not just their marketing budget.

Look, nobody’s perfect, and every new agent’s going to make mistakes. The key is learning from them fast and avoiding the common pitfalls. You’re playing the long game in real estate, so build trust, stay consistent, and always be learning. That’s how you go from rookie to rockstar.

Go get it!

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