How to Treat Real Estate Like a Real Job (And Actually See Results)

One of the biggest mistakes new—and even seasoned—realtors make is not treating real estate like a real job.

Your family doesn’t think it’s a real job. Your friends don’t think it’s a real job. And sometimes, even you don’t treat it like one.

Let’s fix that.

The “Flexible Schedule” Trap

Most realtors work from home and pride themselves on having flexible hours. But to everyone else, “flexible” translates to available.

That means you’re the one asked to grab the birthday gift, run errands, or take care of household tasks—because you’re “home.”

If you want to be successful, you have to set boundaries.

• When the door is closed, no one comes in.

• No interruptions during work hours.

• Better yet, get an office outside your home.

Moving my office to my brokerage changed everything. I became more productive, surrounded by motivated people, and inspired by new ideas. If you can’t yet, at least protect your work hours like your life depends on it.

Create Structure and Discipline

If you’re serious about real estate, act like it.Get up at the same time every day. Show up every day.

For me, that’s 5 a.m.

The first four hours of my day are sacred.No calls, no texts, no meetings. Just focused work—prospecting, studying, and planning.

Those are my “Hours of Power.” And during that time, I don’t let anything derail me.

Take Control of Your Time

When I start my day, I record a quick voicemail:

That short message gives me permission to focus—without guilt.Don’t let your business run you. You have to be the one in control.

Stop Expecting Your Brokerage to Do the Work

A lot of agents think their brokerage will hand them leads, train them, or check in on them.They won’t.

You are an independent contractor running your own business. Your broker might offer meetings, some backend support, or guidance when needed—but your success is your responsibility.

When I first started, I bought a real estate book and followed it to the letter. No one held my hand. I just took consistent action—and that’s what got me results.

Own Your Education

You should never rely on your brokerage or mentor for all your training. You need to take learning into your own hands.

Every morning, I watch one YouTube video on real estate strategy, sales, or mindset. It keeps me sharp and inspired.

If you’re new, focus on learning:

• How to write offers and listing agreements

• Market data and property values

• Communication and negotiation skills

Never stop learning. The most successful agents are always students first.

Use a CRM (and Actually Follow Up)

Early on, I tracked clients in an Excel sheet—big mistake.

A CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system organizes your leads, past clients, and prospects so you can track birthdays, follow-ups, and showings.

Now, I make five phone calls every day—past clients, leads, or people in my farm. Just five. It’s changed my business (and my confidence).

Don’t just build relationships—maintain them.

Pick Up the Phone

I get it—it’s easier to text or email. But real connection happens on the phone.

If you’re uncomfortable, start small. Offer something of value in each call (like a home maintenance tip or community update).

I follow a guy named Brandon M who’s helped me a lot with this mindset—he’s different from me, and that’s why I’ve learned so much from him.

Embrace Social Media

If you’re not creating video content, you’re falling behind.

Start small: Instagram or TikTok. Share what you’re learning as a new agent. Show your personality.

When I first started YouTube, it was a disaster—blurry videos, bad audio—but after sticking with it, it became one of my best lead sources.

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start.

Find Accountability

If you can, join a team or get an accountability partner.

In my early days, I had one—and even though it wasn’t the perfect partnership, it forced me to show up and stay consistent.

Having someone who checks in on your daily goals and actions will keep you from quitting when things get hard (and they will).

Push Through the First Year

That first year in real estate? It’s rough.

You’ll work long hours, feel like you’re getting nowhere, and wonder if you made a mistake.But you have to push through it.

Real estate is a marathon, not a sprint.

Stay disciplined, take yourself seriously, and keep learning.Success will come.

If this helped you, please like and subscribe—I share these lessons so new agents don’t have to make the same mistakes I did.