Real estate is often seen as a great career choice—flexible hours, good earning potential, and plenty of success stories. In fact, one of the most searched career questions on Google is “how to become a real estate agent.” But like any industry, it comes with its fair share of challenges. Building a long-lasting career in real estate takes more than just being able to talk the talk. You’ll need to be adaptable, keep learning, and have a fair bit of grit to succeed.
One of the biggest hurdles in real estate is how unpredictable it can be. The market is always shifting, influenced by things like the economy, interest rates, legislation, and even global events like pandemics. That means you’ll have good years and tough ones, and it can really take a toll, both mentally and financially.
For instance, when the economy is strong, people are more likely to buy and sell, which means more deals and better income. But when times are tough, everything slows down, and you might find yourself doing fewer deals. That’s why it’s important to have a financial plan for those leaner periods. Many agents burn out when they don’t manage this side of the business properly, so having a bit of financial discipline is essential.
There’s no sugar-coating it—real estate is a competitive industry. There are plenty of agents competing for the same listings and clients. If you’re new to the game, it can be hard to stand out, especially when more experienced agents already have established networks. The reality is, around 80% of new agents drop out within the first 12 to 18 months because they aren’t ready for the hard yards it takes to get started.
Managing clients can also be stressful. Buyers and sellers are often dealing with large sums of money, so it’s no surprise they can be emotional. As an agent, you’ll need exceptional people skills, a lot of patience, and the ability to keep everything moving along smoothly—even when clients are indecisive, emotional, or demanding.
A big part of success in real estate is generating leads. Unlike a regular salaried job, agents only get paid when they close a deal. So, if you’re not selling, you’re not earning.
Lead generation takes time and effort—whether it’s cold calling, networking, or marketing yourself on social media. And it can take weeks or months for those leads to turn into actual sales. This is where persistence comes in—agents who get easily discouraged or don’t handle rejection well are going to struggle. The most successful agents know that consistency is key when it comes to staying on top of their game.
The real estate industry is constantly evolving, so staying up to date with new trends and changes is crucial. New laws, marketing strategies, and tech developments mean you have to keep learning if you want to stay competitive.
Take online marketing, for example. The digital shift has changed how we operate, and agents who once relied on traditional methods might struggle if they don’t get on board with things like social media or digital tools. Keeping up with the latest trends, doing continuing education, and adapting to changes can give you a big advantage.
Real estate isn’t your standard 9-to-5 gig. You’ll likely be working long hours, including weekends and evenings, because that’s when your clients are available. While the flexibility can be a plus, it can also make it hard to maintain a good work-life balance. Being “on call” all the time and juggling multiple deals can quickly lead to burnout if you’re not careful.
If you want to have a long career in real estate, you’ll need to set boundaries and manage your time effectively. Using tools to stay organised, delegating tasks where possible, and being clear with clients about your availability can help you avoid burnout. From my own experience, finding that balance can be a real challenge, but it’s necessary if you want to stick around in this industry.
Despite the challenges, plenty of agents build successful, long-lasting careers by sticking to a few key principles. First, it’s all about relationships. Real estate is a people business, and successful agents invest time in building and maintaining strong connections with clients and colleagues. Over time, a good reputation will bring in repeat business and referrals, which are essential for long-term success.
Second, resilience is a must. Real estate is full of highs and lows, and your ability to stay motivated during the tough times will make all the difference.
Finally, adaptability is key. The industry is always changing, and those who are willing to learn, embrace new technologies, and adapt to the latest trends are the ones who thrive. Whether it’s mastering online marketing or staying across new laws and regulations, agents who focus on growth and learning will always have the upper hand.
While real estate comes with its fair share of challenges—market uncertainty, competition, the pressure of lead generation, and work-life balance—those who approach it with resilience, adaptability, and a focus on building relationships can enjoy a rewarding and long-lasting career.
