2 answers
Brooklyn
Student
Boise, Idaho
1
Question
Asked
327 views
What is the hardest thing I'll face when trying to become a well known real estate agent?
After I plan on graduating college, I hope to start my own real estate company just like my mom did. I want it to be successful and want to make my name well known in this area!
Login to comment
2 answers
LEIGH ANN PARKINSON
Real Estate Agent
1
Answer
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Updated
LEIGH ANN’s Answer
Hi there!
First off, I love your ambition — and the fact that you’re already thinking about building your future before you even graduate gives you a huge advantage. You’re planting seeds now that will absolutely pay off down the road.
Now, about becoming a well-known real estate agent (and eventually, a business owner):
One of the hardest things you'll face is building trust and credibility over time.
Real estate is a "know, like, and trust" business — and while your enthusiasm and energy will get your foot in the door, becoming a known and respected name in your community takes consistent, patient work.
Here are a few realities to prepare for:
It takes time: Fame in real estate isn't built by a few sales or a flashy ad — it's built by showing up, following through, and taking care of people over and over again.
It’s relationship-driven: Your reputation will be everything. People won't just choose you because you're good at sales — they'll choose you because they trust you with one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.
There will be slow seasons: No matter how talented you are, there will be moments when business is quiet, and you’ll have to keep believing in yourself (and marketing yourself!) even when the phone isn’t ringing.
You’ll wear a lot of hats at first: Negotiator, marketer, therapist, organizer, tech support — it’s all part of the early years until you can afford to build a team around you.
But here’s the good news:
If you approach this career with genuine care for people, a strong work ethic, and a long-term mindset (not just quick wins), you’re going to be unstoppable. You're not just building a business — you're building a legacy, just like your mom did. And that’s something special.
Since you're still in college, here are a few tactical moves you can start making now:
✅ Build your network early: Get involved in your local Chamber of Commerce, young professionals groups, or real estate associations (many have "future leaders" memberships). Relationships you build now will turn into opportunities later.
✅ Start a professional social media presence: Even if you're not licensed yet, you can create a page sharing real estate tips, interesting market trends, and your journey toward becoming an agent. You’ll be "top of mind" by the time you're licensed!
✅ Learn marketing and personal branding: Study how agents market themselves — especially online. Practice building a simple personal brand (even if it’s just how you show up on LinkedIn right now).
✅ Work part-time in the industry: Consider interning or working part-time at a real estate office. Being around contracts, listings, and client communication will give you a head start that textbooks can’t replicate.
✅ Create a database of future clients: Start a list of friends, family, and acquaintances — anyone you know who might need real estate help in the next 5 years. A personal database is gold when you're ready to launch.
✅ Shadow a few agents: If your mom’s in the business, ask if you can tag along (respectfully, of course!) to open houses or listing appointments. Even shadowing a few agents from different brokerages can open your eyes to different styles.
One final thought: Real estate success is a long game, but you’re already playing smart.
Keep showing up. Keep learning. Keep treating people like gold.
The real estate world needs more people who are in it for the right reasons — and you’re absolutely on the right path. 🎯🏡
You've got this!
First off, I love your ambition — and the fact that you’re already thinking about building your future before you even graduate gives you a huge advantage. You’re planting seeds now that will absolutely pay off down the road.
Now, about becoming a well-known real estate agent (and eventually, a business owner):
One of the hardest things you'll face is building trust and credibility over time.
Real estate is a "know, like, and trust" business — and while your enthusiasm and energy will get your foot in the door, becoming a known and respected name in your community takes consistent, patient work.
Here are a few realities to prepare for:
It takes time: Fame in real estate isn't built by a few sales or a flashy ad — it's built by showing up, following through, and taking care of people over and over again.
It’s relationship-driven: Your reputation will be everything. People won't just choose you because you're good at sales — they'll choose you because they trust you with one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.
There will be slow seasons: No matter how talented you are, there will be moments when business is quiet, and you’ll have to keep believing in yourself (and marketing yourself!) even when the phone isn’t ringing.
You’ll wear a lot of hats at first: Negotiator, marketer, therapist, organizer, tech support — it’s all part of the early years until you can afford to build a team around you.
But here’s the good news:
If you approach this career with genuine care for people, a strong work ethic, and a long-term mindset (not just quick wins), you’re going to be unstoppable. You're not just building a business — you're building a legacy, just like your mom did. And that’s something special.
Since you're still in college, here are a few tactical moves you can start making now:
✅ Build your network early: Get involved in your local Chamber of Commerce, young professionals groups, or real estate associations (many have "future leaders" memberships). Relationships you build now will turn into opportunities later.
✅ Start a professional social media presence: Even if you're not licensed yet, you can create a page sharing real estate tips, interesting market trends, and your journey toward becoming an agent. You’ll be "top of mind" by the time you're licensed!
✅ Learn marketing and personal branding: Study how agents market themselves — especially online. Practice building a simple personal brand (even if it’s just how you show up on LinkedIn right now).
✅ Work part-time in the industry: Consider interning or working part-time at a real estate office. Being around contracts, listings, and client communication will give you a head start that textbooks can’t replicate.
✅ Create a database of future clients: Start a list of friends, family, and acquaintances — anyone you know who might need real estate help in the next 5 years. A personal database is gold when you're ready to launch.
✅ Shadow a few agents: If your mom’s in the business, ask if you can tag along (respectfully, of course!) to open houses or listing appointments. Even shadowing a few agents from different brokerages can open your eyes to different styles.
One final thought: Real estate success is a long game, but you’re already playing smart.
Keep showing up. Keep learning. Keep treating people like gold.
The real estate world needs more people who are in it for the right reasons — and you’re absolutely on the right path. 🎯🏡
You've got this!
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Brooklyn
Daniel Brennan
94
Answers
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Connections is the hardest thing. Its all about networking and who you know. Ultimately once you have someone reach out for your services, your likely already going to get their business at some level. If you do good after that, you may have their business for life. But obtaining that first connection is difficult and there is a ton of competition. The more you are known in the area, have relationships with people and network, the better off you will be!
Otherwise, continue to work on your knowledge of real estate and your people skills. Being likeable and having good communication, is just as important as knowing everything about a given house.
Otherwise, continue to work on your knowledge of real estate and your people skills. Being likeable and having good communication, is just as important as knowing everything about a given house.
Thank you for the advice.
Brooklyn