Getting into real estate is exciting, but if you’re anything like me, you probably had no idea what to expect beyond passing the exam. When I got my license, I thought the hard part was over.
(Spoiler: it wasn’t.)
I remember saying to my boyfriend Garrett, “This is truly going to change my life in so many good ways.” And don’t get me wrong—it 100% has already changed my life. But it’s also a slow game.
Real estate is incredibly rewarding, but it’s also a rollercoaster—especially in your first year.
If you’re thinking about getting into real estate or you’re newly licensed and feeling a little lost, here are a few things I wish someone had told me when I was just getting started:
1. The Exam Doesn’t Teach You How to Be an Agent
Passing your licensing exam is just step one. It teaches you laws and definitions—not how to talk to clients, write contracts, negotiate offers, or actually sell a house. The real learning happens once you’re in the field, asking questions, shadowing agents, and figuring things out in real time.
2. You’re Basically Starting Your Own Business
You’re not just becoming an agent—you’re becoming an entrepreneur. Which can be super exciting!
But no one is going to tell you what to do every day. You have to figure out your own schedule, lead generation strategy, branding, systems… all of it.
That can be overwhelming as a new agent, so I highly recommend finding a mentor or taking extra classes that help walk you through systems, lead gen ideas, CRMs, and time management.
It’s exciting, but you need discipline and direction—or you’ll burn out quick.
3. You Will Spend Money Before You Make Money
This was a big one for me. Getting licensed isn’t cheap, and the expenses don’t stop once you pass the test. Think:
- Board dues
- MLS access
- Business cards, headshots, signage
- Marketing
- Gas, open house supplies, and more
It might be a few months (or longer) before you close your first deal, so be prepared to invest in yourself upfront.
If you can, try to have money saved before jumping in—it’ll take some of the pressure off. (I know that’s easier said than done!)
4. You Need to Build Your Own Pipeline
Leads don’t magically fall into your lap the minute you get licensed. Your friends and family might cheer you on, but that doesn’t always mean they’ll hire you. You need to build your business from the ground up.
Go to open houses. Join local groups. Start a blog. Post on social media. Reach out to small business owners. Talk to people.
No one’s coming to save your business. You build it.
5. It Can Be Lonely—Find Community
Real estate can feel isolating when you’re doing a lot of work behind the scenes and not seeing immediate results.
Having a mentor, a team, or even a couple of agent friends makes a huge difference.
Personally, I try to go into the office as much as I can. Being around other agents—hearing what they’re working on, listening in on conversations—makes me feel supported, and reminds me I’m not doing this alone. Don’t isolate yourself. Connect with people who get it.
6. Consistency > Perfection
When I first started, I thought I needed:
- The perfect CRM
- The perfect color palette
- The perfect social media strategy
But none of that matters if you’re not being consistent. Real estate is a long game. You learn by doing—not by waiting until everything looks perfect.
Keep showing up, keep learning, keep talking to people. The growth will come.
7. Every Agent Builds Their Business Differently
There’s no one-size-fits-all formula—something I really had to come to terms with. Some agents love cold calling. Some do social media. Some specialize in luxury listings, others in first-time buyers or rentals.
You have to try different things and figure out what feels aligned for you. And you’re allowed to pivot. The way you run your business now may look different in a year—and that’s okay.
8. It’s Totally Normal to Feel Imposter Syndrome
Especially when you’re young, new, and haven’t closed a deal yet. But don’t let that stop you.
You’ll never feel “ready” until you just start doing. The confidence comes from experience. I still deal with imposter syndrome sometimes—it just doesn’t run the show anymore.
You know more than you think. And you belong here.
Real estate has already taught me so much—about people, about business, and about myself. It’s not always easy, but if you stick with it, learn from your mistakes, and give it time (I know that’s the last thing you want to hear), you will grow into the kind of agent you dream of being.
You also get to help people through one of the biggest decisions of their lives. And that in itself is so, so rewarding.
If you’re newly licensed or thinking about getting your license and have questions—DM me or drop them below! I can even help you get started with pre-licensing. I’m always happy to help.
xoxo,
Sav 💼✨