The article “21 Mistakes That I Made When I Got Started in Real Estate” discusses common errors made by new real estate agents, such as over-relying on classroom training, misunderstanding broker dynamics, neglecting lead generation, and focusing too much on a brokerage’s brand rather than individual skill development. These mistakes can hinder agents from building a successful career.
As a seasoned real estate professional, I can help new agents avoid these pitfalls through proper mentorship, realistic goal setting, and by offering a Six-Figure Income Playbook. To read the full article, visit here.
Now, let’s dive into a deeper exploration of how I help new agents avoid these specific mistakes and set them up for long-term success.
1. Mistake: Expecting the Pre-Licensing Course to Teach You Sales Skills
One of the biggest misconceptions is that the pre-licensing course will prepare you for the day-to-day tasks of selling homes. However, the reality is that the course is more focused on teaching the regulations, ethics, and legalities of real estate. Agents often feel frustrated when they realize they aren’t learning how to close deals or generate leads.
How I Can Help You Avoid This Mistake:
At Keller Williams Villages, we understand that passing the licensing exam is just the first step. That’s why we supplement the required course with our Ignite Program, a comprehensive training that covers actionable real estate skills. You’ll learn how to prospect, market yourself, negotiate, and close deals—skills that go beyond the classroom material.
2. Mistake: Choosing an In-Person Course That Lacks Flexibility
Classroom courses can be inflexible, and life’s commitments often lead to missed sessions, causing delays in the licensing process. This can be a roadblock when you’re eager to jump into your new career.
How I Can Help You Avoid This Mistake:
I recommend opting for an online pre-licensing course that fits your schedule. Online education platforms like The CE Shop, Colibri Real Estate, and AceableAgent provide flexible learning options that allow you to complete the coursework on your own time. This prevents unnecessary delays and helps you get licensed faster.
3. Mistake: Failing to Use Exam Prep Tools
Relying solely on the textbook material without practicing with sample test questions can lead to failure in the licensing exam. Many agents don’t realize the importance of exam prep materials until it’s too late.
How I Can Help You Avoid This Mistake:
I provide my agents with access to exam prep tools, practice tests, and flashcards to ensure you’re fully prepared to pass the licensing exam on your first try. Success comes from mastering not only the material but also the structure of the exam itself. By working with these tools, you’ll increase your confidence and decrease test-day stress.
4. Mistake: Not Spending Enough Time Studying Outside of Class
Simply attending the required course hours without putting in extra study time is a common mistake. Real estate isn’t just about memorizing terms; it requires you to deeply understand the material to apply it practically.
How I Can Help You Avoid This Mistake:
At KW Villages, we set up study groups and peer accountability systems to help agents stay disciplined. We provide a structured plan for dedicating adequate time outside of class to study, ensuring you absorb the material thoroughly. By reinforcing what you learn in class through real-world applications, you’ll be better prepared for the exam and your career.
5. Mistake: Choosing a Brokerage Based Solely on Branding
It’s easy to be dazzled by a big-name brokerage and assume that their reputation will automatically translate to your success. However, success comes from your individual efforts and the training you receive—not from the brokerage’s branding.
How I Can Help You Avoid This Mistake:
At Keller Williams Villages, we focus on empowering agents to build their personal brand and business. While our brand is respected globally, we know that your individual growth is what truly matters. Our Six-Figure Income Playbook teaches agents how to generate their own leads, develop personal marketing strategies, and grow their business, no matter the brokerage name on the door.
6. Mistake: Over-Relying on Broker Leadership
New agents often place too much faith in the broker’s ability to provide one-on-one business coaching, which may not always be the case. Brokers, especially in large offices, often have limited time to dedicate to each individual agent.
How I Can Help You Avoid This Mistake:
As your mentor, I am here to provide personalized business advice and strategy coaching. I’ll work with you to set realistic goals and provide continuous feedback on how to grow your real estate business. At KW Villages, we offer dedicated coaching sessions, helping you overcome obstacles and celebrate successes.
7. Mistake: Not Learning How to Generate Your Own Business
Many agents make the mistake of relying on their brokerage’s lead generation efforts, instead of learning how to generate business independently. This leaves them dependent and without control over their income.
How I Can Help You Avoid This Mistake:
At Keller Williams Villages, we focus on teaching agents how to be self-sufficient when it comes to lead generation. Through training programs like BOLD (Business Objective: A Life by Design), agents learn to create their own business pipelines by mastering prospecting, networking, and marketing strategies. By taking control of your lead generation, you can create consistent income streams.
8. Mistake: Ignoring the Importance of Ongoing Training
Many agents stop learning after completing their licensing course. However, real estate is an ever-evolving industry, and continuous education is critical to long-term success.
How I Can Help You Avoid This Mistake:
At KW Villages, we prioritize ongoing education through advanced training programs like Family Reunion and Mega Camp. These events bring together top real estate professionals to share best practices and insights, keeping you updated on the latest industry trends. Our office also offers frequent workshops, training sessions, and access to Robert Earl’s mentoring, which will help you stay ahead of the competition.
9. Mistake: Focusing Only on Commission Splits
Some agents focus too much on the commission split when choosing a brokerage, without considering the overall value that the brokerage offers in terms of training, technology, and support. A higher commission split doesn’t mean much if you’re not getting the tools you need to succeed.
How I Can Help You Avoid This Mistake:
At KW Villages, we offer competitive commission splits, but more importantly, we provide the Six-Figure Income Playbook, a step-by-step guide that helps agents maximize their earning potential. By following our proven models for lead generation, budgeting, and business planning, you’ll find that it’s not just about the split—it’s about how you grow your business to achieve long-term success.
10. Mistake: Not Having a Clear Business Plan
New agents often fail to develop a business plan, leaving them without direction or measurable goals. Without a clear roadmap, it’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day tasks without focusing on what really drives growth.
How I Can Help You Avoid This Mistake:
I work with new agents to develop personalized business plans that align with their goals. By using the Six-Figure Income Playbook, we’ll set specific targets for transactions, revenue, and business growth. With a solid business plan in place, you’ll have a clear path to follow, helping you stay focused and motivated.
Final Thoughts: How You Can Avoid These Mistakes with the Right Mentorship
Starting a real estate career can be daunting, especially when there are so many potential pitfalls along the way. However, with the right guidance, you can avoid these mistakes and build a thriving, sustainable business. At Keller Williams Villages, we provide new agents with the tools, training, and mentorship needed to succeed from day one.
Ready to get started? Reach out to learn more about how I can help you navigate the real estate industry, avoid costly mistakes, and achieve six-figure success. You can also read the full list of mistakes I made when starting out in real estate here. Together, we’ll build your roadmap to success!
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Robert Earl
Robert EarlRobert has 20+ years of experience as a Real Estate Agent, Coach & Digital Marketer. Robert Earl is passionate about teaching and empowering others to pursue their dreams and create sustainable income. Whether through a career in real estate, affiliate marketing, niche blogging, or transforming campgrounds into thriving communities, his proven strategies and techniques have helped numerous individuals and businesses succeed. Based on his years of experience and knowledge in the online marketing industry, along with his hands-on management in the Real Estate & RV Park sector, he has crafted a unique and effective approach to personal and professional growth. In addition to his business pursuits, Robert is also a CrossFit Online Level 1 Trainer (CF-OL1) and enjoys fitness activities, including Rucking workouts while traveling the country. His multifaceted career showcases his dedication to growth, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence in various domains.