Bigger. Better. Bolder. Inman Connect is heading to San Diego. Join thousands of real estate pros, connect with the Inman Community, and gain insights from hundreds of leading minds shaping the industry. If you’re ready to grow your business and invest in yourself, this is where you need to be. Go BIG in San Diego!

Let’s not sugarcoat it: Getting into real estate right now is no walk in the park.

The market is unpredictable. Buyers are anxious. Sellers are skeptical. And your to-do list? It’s probably longer than your pipeline. But here’s the good news — this isn’t just a tough time to start in real estate. It’s also the perfect time to become the kind of agent who can weather anything.

Because skills sharpen under pressure. And resilience? That’s built one challenge at a time.

If you’ve had a rough week — or three — don’t sweat it. You’re not doing it wrong. You’re just in the phase where most agents give up. But the ones who stick it out? They’re the ones who end up unstoppable.

Here’s how to stay the course, even when it feels like the course is uphill in both directions:

1. Get in the game early (even if you trip)

You won’t master real estate by learning alone. Webinars, coaching and training are important — they give you the what and how. But the real magic happens when you take what you’ve learned and put it into action. Making the calls. Asking the questions. Showing up — awkward or unsure — but still showing up. Action builds clarity. Movement builds momentum. Just start.

2. Redefine rejection

That “no” you just heard? It wasn’t personal. It was practice. Every conversation, especially the ones that fall flat, teaches you something. And every agent you admire has a stack of “no thanks” under their belt. Keep going.

3. Find a guide, not just a guru

Look for someone who’s been where you are — and is willing to share the journey. Whether it’s a mentor, coach or peer, surrounding yourself with people who’ve navigated the chaos will remind you: It is survivable. (And sometimes even funny in hindsight.)

4. Make peace with the awkward phase

You will mess up an appointment. You will forget a form. You will get ghosted. It’s part of the deal. But every time you face it instead of folding? You’re one step closer to becoming the skilled, steady, in-demand agent you set out to be.

5. Use the tools that keep you moving

You don’t have to do this the hard way. Lean on systems and support that take the busywork off your plate — like CRMs, done-for-you marketing, voicemail drops and smart follow-up templates. Less time on admin equals more time building your business.

The truth is, there’s no magic wand in real estate. No shortcut. No perfect market. But there is a version of you that keeps going when others stop. That version? That’s who builds the career.

So, give yourself some grace. Let it be messy. Learn fast, fail forward, and remind yourself that every “bad day” in real estate is still moving you toward mastery — if you let it. You’ve got this.

Bigger. Better. Bolder. Inman Connect is heading to San Diego. Join thousands of real estate pros, connect with the Inman Community, and gain insights from hundreds of leading minds shaping the industry. If you’re ready to grow your business and invest in yourself, this is where you need to be. Go BIG in San Diego!

In a world of automation and AI, agents who lead with heart and human connection are the ones who stand out. One of the simplest (yet most overlooked) ways to build a business that lasts? Gratitude.

Not just at closing. Not just at holidays. But especially during seasons when most agents go quiet.

This summer, don’t go dark. Show up. Check in. Give thanks. Here are nine smart, smile-inducing ways to show appreciation to your clients and sphere in a way that builds loyalty, trust and future business.

1. Host a summer client appreciation event

It doesn’t have to be a gala. A backyard BBQ, a sunset ice cream social or even a picnic in the park can work wonders. Invite past clients, current prospects and vendor partners for a laid-back celebration of the people who make your business possible.

Pro tip: Bring name tags, have a fun photo booth and hand out thank-you cards on-site. These little touches go a long way in turning a fun event into a memorable one.

2. Deliver a summer survival kit

Think practical and personal. A small tote with sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, maybe even a cooling towel or bug spray. Add a handwritten note that says, “Just wanted to help you stay cool this summer — thanks again for trusting me with your real estate journey.”

Bonus: Include a magnet or postcard with a quick summer home maintenance checklist — they’ll appreciate the thoughtfulness and your expertise.

3. Create and share a local summer guide

Be the neighborhood expert who goes beyond real estate. Put together a well-designed, branded-to-you list or PDF of local concerts, farmers’ markets, splash pads, kid-friendly events or date night ideas.

Teaching moment: This shows you know (and love) your community. It’s also shareable — clients may forward it to friends, expanding your reach organically.

4. Offer a free home checkup or seasonal maintenance reminder

Team up with a trusted local contractor or handyman and offer complimentary or discounted check-ups for things like A/C units, gutters or sprinkler systems. Or simply send a branded summer maintenance checklist with your favorite vendor recommendations.

Why it matters: It positions you as a homeowner ally, not just a sales rep. People remember the agent who made their life easier — even years after closing.

5. Drop off a sweet treat

Surprise and delight goes a long way. A small cooler of popsicles on the porch, a fruit basket with a ribbon or even a $5 gift card to the local ice cream shop with a punny note like, “Real estate is sweet — thanks to you!”

What to know: These don’t need to be extravagant. They need to be timely and thoughtful. That’s what gets remembered.

6. Send a personalized market update

Take a few minutes to send a quick check-in: “Hey! Just wanted to share what’s happening in your neighborhood right now — your home’s value may surprise you.” Attach a mini CMA or video message.

Pro insight: This isn’t just a pitch — it’s a service. It keeps your clients informed and shows that you’re still actively invested in their biggest investment.

7. Celebrate milestones that matter

Home anniversaries. Birthdays. New babies. First summer in a new home. These are easy to track (CRM, anyone?) — but so often missed. A handwritten card, a bottle of lemonade with a bow or even just a call can rekindle client connections.

Tip: Use your phone’s reminders, or set up recurring calendar events so you don’t miss these moments.

8. Host a fun summer giveaway

Make it seasonal and simple. “Enter to win a backyard BBQ basket!” or “Tell us your favorite summer memory for a chance to win local concert tickets.” Keep the entry tied to your business — maybe a photo of their home, a testimonial or referral.

Why it works: Giveaways create engagement. People love free stuff, and they love sharing with others even more.

9. Send a handwritten note — No strings attached

No marketing. No QR code. Just a real thank-you. Something like, “This time of year always reminds me how grateful I am for the clients who’ve trusted me. Hope you’re having a great summer.”

Fact: A handwritten note stands out 10x more than any email or text — and it costs you less than a dollar. Clients aren’t loyal to agents who simply “close the deal.” They’re loyal to agents who stay connected.

Summer is the perfect time to be the exception. To show up when no one else is. To deliver gratitude when others go silent. To stay top of mind — not with gimmicks, but with genuine care.

You don’t have to do all nine. Just start with one. Then do another. Then repeat. Because when your business is built on relationships, referrals aren’t luck — they’re the natural result.

And if you ever need a little inspiration or a boost of encouragement, you’re in the right place. Inman’s full of the kind of agents, ideas and stories that help you grow stronger in every season.

Stay generous. Stay present. Stay human. You’ve got this.

Bigger. Better. Bolder. Inman Connect is heading to San Diego. Join thousands of real estate pros, connect with the Inman Community, and gain insights from hundreds of leading minds shaping the industry. If you’re ready to grow your business and invest in yourself, this is where you need to be. Go BIG in San Diego!

Let’s talk about something every agent will face eventually — the listing that tests your patience and professionalism.

You know the one. The seller who ignores your advice. Wants to hover during showings. Says no to photos, no to staging and is this close to going back to FSBO even though it didn’t work the first time. One of our clients recently shared a story like that during coaching: a smoker’s home, sellers who insisted on being there for every showing, and now — after weeks of no movement — they’re threatening to walk away altogether.

Sound familiar?

Whether you’re brand new or you’ve got decades under your belt, listings like this can rattle even the best agents. But they don’t have to derail you. Let’s walk through how to manage them with strength, professionalism and maybe even a little peace of mind.

Real talk: You’re not just spending time; you’re making an investment

Real estate is one of the only professions where you work first and get paid later — if the client follows through. No hourly wage. No salary safety net. You’re investing your time, your money and your expertise upfront, hoping that your client will partner with you to bring it to the finish line.

That’s not just a job — that’s a leap of faith. Every minute you spend is a down payment on their success.

So, when a seller decides midway through to cancel the listing or go back to FSBO, you don’t have to simply shrug and walk away. Especially if you’ve done the work. You have every right to protect your investment.

If they want out, don’t let them walk without understanding the cost

Here’s what I teach agents to say in situations like this:

“Seller, I’ve already invested time, money and resources into getting your home sold. I’ve done all that without asking for a penny upfront because I believed in your goals. But if you want to cancel and go back to FSBO, I can’t just walk away from that investment. In any other profession — attorney, consultant, contractor — you’d receive a bill for time and services rendered. I’ve taken the liberty of adding mine up. Here’s what that looks like.”

This isn’t about being confrontational. It’s about creating clarity. You’re not just “the agent”; you’re a professional. You’ve put in real work, and your value deserves recognition.

When sellers sabotage their own sale

Now let’s talk about the showings. Sellers who refuse to declutter, insist on staying during tours or won’t let you take photos aren’t just being difficult — they’re getting in their own way.

Buyers can’t speak freely if the seller is watching their every move. They won’t say, “It smells like smoke” or “This kitchen needs work.” But they will tell their agent, who can then pass that feedback on to help you reposition the property. If the seller shuts down that loop, they’re cutting off their own chance at a successful sale.

Here’s a simple metaphor I often use:

“Imagine I’m a doctor, and I prescribe medicine to help you get better, but you refuse to take it. Then, when your symptoms don’t improve, you blame the doctor. That doesn’t make sense. The same applies here. You hired me to help you sell your home. But I need your cooperation to make that happen.”

That usually lands.

Stand tall, set boundaries

There’s a difference between excellent service and emotional servitude. You are not a doormat. You are not a magician. You’re a skilled professional running a business.

If your client refuses to listen and insists on ending the listing early, you can offer a conditional release, meaning they can cancel, but if the home sells before your agreement expires, you’re still owed your commission.

“I want to support your decision, but I also have to honor the time and resources I’ve already committed. A conditional release protects both of us and respects the work that’s already been done.”

That’s not being “difficult.” That’s being fair.

This business is simple, but it’s not always easy

At the end of the day, the formula is clear: Be honest. Be professional. Set clear expectations early. And when necessary, be willing to have the tough conversations.

Because sometimes, the most important thing you can do for your client is not to agree with them. It’s to guide them. To educate. To hold the line. And to remind them that success comes when we act like a team — not when we go rogue.

So, if you’re in one of those listings right now — the kind that keeps you up at night — take a breath. Stand your ground. And remember: You didn’t sign up to be steamrolled. You signed up to serve. And there’s a big difference.

And you’re reading this on Inman, so you’re in the right place

This is where smart agents go to grow. To sharpen their skills. To find perspective and solutions when things get tough. My team and I are proud to support professionals like you — because this business needs strong, heart-centered leaders now more than ever.

Keep going. Keep learning. And keep standing tall.