The Top Reasons Why Real Estate Agents Quit Within Their First 2 years
- NICOLE ARTIS
- May 31, 2023
- 5 min read

The real estate industry can be an exciting and profitable career path for many, but unfortunately, statistics show that a significant number of agents quit within their first two years. According to the National Association of Realtors, only 13% of real estate agents stay in the industry for 5 or more years. This high turnover rate can be attributed to several reasons, including lack of support and training, unrealistic expectations, and burnout. In this article, we will explore these common pitfalls and provide actionable tips on how to avoid them to build a successful and sustainable career in real estate.
The shocking statistics of real estate agent turnover
The high turnover rate of real estate agents is alarming. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for real estate brokers and sales agents was $50,730 in May 2020, with the top 10% earning more than $112,610. Despite the potential for high earnings, many agents leave the industry within the first two years. In fact, the National Association of Realtors reported that 87% of new agents leave the industry within their first five years.
Reason 1: Lack of support and training
One of the primary reasons why real estate agents quit is due to a lack of support and training. Many new agents enter the industry with little to no experience, and they may not receive proper training from their brokerage or mentor. Without the proper guidance and support, it can be challenging to navigate the complexities of the real estate industry.
Furthermore, some brokerages may not provide adequate resources for their agents, such as marketing materials, lead generation tools, or administrative support. This lack of support can lead to frustration and burnout, causing agents to leave the industry.
To avoid this common pitfall, it's crucial to choose a brokerage that offers comprehensive training and support for their agents. Look for a brokerage that provides ongoing education, mentorship programs, and resources to help you succeed in the industry. Additionally, seek out a mentor who can provide guidance and support as you navigate the real estate market.
Reason 2: Unrealistic expectations
Another reason why real estate agents quit is due to unrealistic expectations. Many new agents enter the industry with high expectations of achieving success quickly, but the reality is that it can take time and effort to build a successful real estate career. Some agents may also underestimate the amount of work involved in the industry, from finding clients to negotiating deals.
Furthermore, some agents may struggle with rejection or disappointment when deals fall through, leading to discouragement and frustration. The inability to handle rejection can cause agents to give up on their real estate career.
To avoid this common pitfall, it's essential to set realistic expectations for yourself and your career. Understand that success in real estate takes time and effort, and it may take several months or even years to build a robust client base and close significant deals. Additionally, learn how to handle rejection and disappointment by developing resilience and a positive mindset.
Reason 3: Burnout and stress
Real estate can be a demanding industry, and many agents struggle with burnout and stress. The long hours, high-pressure deals, and constant need for client acquisition can take a toll on an agent's mental and physical health. Burnout can cause agents to feel exhausted, unmotivated, and unproductive, leading to them leaving the industry.
To avoid burnout and stress, it's essential to prioritize self-care and work-life balance. Take breaks when needed, exercise regularly, and engage in activities outside of work to recharge your batteries. Additionally, learn how to delegate tasks and ask for help when needed to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
How to avoid these common pitfalls
To avoid these common pitfalls, it's crucial to take a proactive approach to your real estate career. Here are some tips to help you succeed in the industry:
Choose a brokerage that offers comprehensive training and support for their agents.
Set realistic expectations for your career and develop a positive mindset.
Prioritize self-care and work-life balance to avoid burnout and stress.
Seek out a mentor who can provide guidance and support.
Continuously educate yourself and stay up-to-date on industry trends and regulations.
Develop a robust network of clients and industry professionals.
By following these tips, you can build a successful and sustainable career in real estate.
Tips for building a successful and sustainable real estate career
Building a successful and sustainable real estate career requires dedication, hard work, and a commitment to ongoing education and professional development. Here are some tips to help you achieve long-term success in the industry:
Develop a niche and specialize in a specific area of real estate, such as luxury homes or commercial properties.
Build a robust network of clients and industry professionals through networking events, social media, and online marketing.
Stay up-to-date on industry trends and regulations by attending conferences, seminars, and webinars.
Continuously educate yourself by taking courses, reading books, and learning from industry experts.
Utilize technology and digital marketing to reach a broader audience and generate leads.
Stay organized and manage your time effectively to maximize productivity and efficiency.
By following these tips, you can build a successful and sustainable real estate career that lasts.
Importance of continuing education and professional development
Continuing education and professional development are crucial for real estate agents to stay competitive and succeed in the industry. The real estate market is constantly evolving, and agents must stay up-to-date on industry trends, regulations, and best practices. Additionally, continuing education can help agents develop new skills and knowledge to better serve their clients and grow their business.
There are several ways to continue your education and professional development as a real estate agent. You can take courses, attend conferences, and seminars, read books and industry publications, and learn from industry experts. Additionally, many brokerages offer ongoing education and training programs for their agents.
By investing in your education and professional development, you can stay ahead of the competition and build a successful and sustainable real estate career.
Resources for support and training in the real estate industry
There are several resources available for real estate agents to receive support and training in the industry. Here are some of the top resources:
National Association of Realtors: Offers education, training, and resources for real estate professionals.
Real Estate Training Institute: Provides online courses and training for real estate agents.
Real Estate Coaching Radio: Offers a podcast and coaching services for real estate agents.
Keller Williams University: Provides education and training for Keller Williams agents.
The CE Shop: Offers online courses for continuing education and professional development for real estate agents.
By utilizing these resources, agents can receive the support and training they need to build a successful and sustainable real estate career. Conclusion and final thoughts The real estate industry can be a challenging yet lucrative career path for many, but unfortunately, many agents quit within their first two years. The top reasons for agent turnover include lack of support and training, unrealistic expectations, and burnout. To avoid these common pitfalls, it's essential to choose a brokerage that offers comprehensive training and support, set realistic expectations, prioritize self-care and work-life balance, seek out a mentor, continuously educate yourself, and build a robust network of clients and industry professionals. Building a successful and sustainable real estate career takes dedication, hard work, and a commitment to ongoing education and professional development. By investing in your education and utilizing resources available, you can stay ahead of the competition and achieve long-term success in the industry.
コメント