When I decided to get my real estate license almost ten years ago, I had a vision in my head—one that probably looked a lot like what you see on TV. I thought it would be fun to look at beautiful houses, have a flexible schedule, and (let’s be honest) earn more than I was making in education.

But let me tell you—real estate is nothing like what you see on HGTV.

It’s a grind!

This is one of the most challenging industries to succeed in. It takes relentless effort, deep market knowledge, and a true passion for serving clients. Helping people buy or sell their largest asset isn’t something to take lightly. It’s not a weekend side gig or a hobby—it’s a full-time commitment, and it should be.

The Reality Check

There’s a stat making the rounds lately that has been surprising to me and all of my Realtor friends:

• 74% of all Realtors sold 0 homes in 2024.
• 2% sold between 11 and 20 homes.
• Only 0.14% sold 45 or more.

Read that again.

That means if you’re switching agents, there’s a 98% chance you’re working with someone who couldn’t even sell one home per month. And in this industry, generating the business is just half the challenge.

Why Experience Matters

A great agent isn’t just someone who can list homes and schedule showings. A great agent:

✔️ Knows how far they can push in negotiations to get you the best deal.
✔️ Has a deep understanding of the market, pricing trends, and local inventory.
✔️ Has the right systems in place to ensure every detail is handled seamlessly—so you never feel like you're in the dark. A well-organized process means fewer surprises, clearer timelines, and a smoother transaction from start to finish.
✔️ Builds strong relationships with other agents (yes, that matters in negotiations!).
✔️ Excels at marketing a home - and no, that does not mean snapping some quick cell phone photos and tossing it on the MLS. High-end, strategic marketing with professional photography, compelling listing descriptions, and maximum exposure gets homes sold faster and for more money.
✔️ Doesn’t just sell homes—they advocate for their clients at every step.

Someone who sells a handful of homes per year, or who treats real estate like a side hustle, simply doesn’t have the experience to navigate competitive situations, protect their clients, and deliver exceptional results.

Moral of the Story

If you’ve worked with a great Realtor who is still thriving in this business, stick with them! The best agents are out there every single day, grinding, improving their craft, and staying ahead of the market.

Real estate isn’t easy. It’s not glamorous. It’s tough, unpredictable, and constantly changing. But when you work with someone who truly knows what they’re doing, you’ll feel the difference.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling, let’s talk—I will help you navigate the market with confidence.