Top 5 Things New Real Estate Agents Must Do When They Start
Starting a career in real estate is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming. New agents often focus on the wrong things first: logos, business cards, social media aesthetics, or waiting for confidence to magically appear.
The truth? Success in real estate is built on fundamentals (and takes patience). If you get these five things right early, you dramatically increase your chances of building momentum, closing deals faster, and staying in the business long-term.
Here are the top 5 things every new real estate agent needs to do when they start.
1. Research and Choose a Brokerage That Will Actually Support You
Not all brokerages are created equal—and choosing the wrong one can slow your growth by years.
When researching brokerages, look beyond commission splits and brand names. Ask yourself:
Do they offer mentorship or training for new agents?
Is there ongoing education, not just onboarding?
Will you have access to experienced agents or leaders when questions come up?
Do they provide real support, or are you expected to “figure it out”?
Your first brokerage should be a learning environment, not just a place to hang your license. Early in your career, knowledge and support are far more valuable than a high split.
If you want more info on how to pick the right brokerage for your business, check out my blog, How to Pick the Right Real Estate Brokerage for Your Business
2. Build a Database and Create a Simple Marketing Plan
Your database is the foundation of your business. ➡️ No database = no business.
Start immediately by exporting contacts from:
Your phone
Facebook
LinkedIn
Email accounts
Don’t overthink it. If you know their name and have a way to contact them, they belong in your database.
Next, create a simple marketing plan:
Commit to marketing to your database once per week
Decide how you’ll show up consistently (email, text, newsletter, social + email)
Consistency beats complexity every time. The agents who win are the ones who stay visible.
If you want more info on how to build your database and marketing plan quickly, my books The Education of a Real Estate Agent and The Education of a Real Estate Agent Workbook can help you with this!
3. Start Marketing to Your Database Right Away
Many new agents delay marketing because they feel “not ready yet.”
Here’s the truth: your database already knows you. They don’t expect perfection—they expect authenticity.
Start with:
A weekly or bi-weekly newsletter
Calling or texting people to let them know you’re in real estate
Sending helpful, educational emails about the market
You’re not bothering people—you’re reminding them how to find you when they need help. Most deals come from people who already know, like, and trust you.
4. Study the Market Until You Know it Cold
Confidence comes from competence.
New agents who succeed take the time to truly understand their market:
Pricing trends
Neighborhood differences
Property types
Days on market
What sells quickly and what doesn’t
Study listings daily. Preview homes. Analyze sold properties. When clients ask questions, your knowledge builds trust—and trust leads to contracts.
You don’t need to know everything immediately, but you must commit to learning every single day.
5. Find a Mentor Who is Actually Available to You
A mentor can shortcut years of trial and error—but only if they’re the right mentor.
Look for someone who:
Is willing to teach the basics without ego
Is available when you need help—not only when it’s convenient
Wants to see you succeed, not just benefit from your work
A real mentor helps you think through deals, navigate tough conversations, and build confidence when things feel uncertain.
Success is faster when you’re not doing it alone.
Final Thoughts
Real estate rewards those who take action early and stay consistent. You don’t need to have everything figured out—but you do need a plan, support, and daily discipline.
If you focus on these five things from day one:
The right brokerage
A strong database
Consistent marketing
Deep market knowledge
The right mentor
You give yourself a massive advantage over the majority of new agents.
If you are a new agent looking for help to build your business, check out the Coaching Programs I offer that can help you build your business quickly!