Passing your real estate licensing exam is a huge milestone. Congratulations — you’ve opened the door to a career full of potential. But here’s the truth: getting licensed is just the beginning.
The first year as a real estate agent is often the hardest. You’re learning how to prospect, manage clients, write contracts, and juggle the ups and downs of commission-based income. Without the right expectations — and the right support — many agents quit before they ever reach their potential.
At KOMAR Real Estate, we’ve guided dozens of Illinois agents through their first year. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect — and how to make year one the foundation of a long, successful career.
Month 1–3: Training, Learning, and Building a Foundation
Your first few months will be less about closing deals and more about learning the business.
- Getting comfortable with contracts and paperwork.
- Attending training sessions.
- Shadowing experienced agents.
- Setting up your CRM and marketing tools.
Pro tip: Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have clients right away. Use this time to master the basics and build habits that will carry you through.
KOMAR agents get live training 4x per week and one-on-one mentorship, so you’re never learning alone. Learn more.
Month 3–6: Prospecting and First Clients
By now, you should be out in the field:
- Hosting open houses.
- Calling leads and following up.
- Networking in your community.
Most new agents close their first deal between months 3–6. The key here is consistency. Prospect daily, track your progress, and don’t let rejection slow you down.
Pro tip: Use your brokerage’s CRM to stay organized. At KOMAR, we provide a free IDX website and CRM to make sure no lead falls through the cracks.
Month 6–9: Finding Your Groove
This is when confidence starts to build. You’ve closed a few deals, learned from mistakes, and started to see real income. Now it’s about refining your systems:
- Fine-tuning your lead generation strategy.
- Building a personal brand (social media, local networking).
- Asking happy clients for referrals and reviews.
Pro tip: Don’t try to do everything at once. Pick one or two lead channels (social media + open houses, for example) and master them before adding more.
Month 9–12: Growth and Reflection
As your first year wraps up, you’ll likely see patterns:
- Which activities bring you clients.
- How much time you’re spending on income-producing work vs admin.
- Where you need more training or support.
Agents who finish their first year strong typically:
- Have 4–6 closed deals under their belt.
- Have a clear pipeline of future clients.
- Are confident with contracts and negotiations.
Pro tip: Take time to reflect. What worked? What didn’t? The best agents constantly review and adjust.
Challenges You’ll Face (and How to Overcome Them)
1. Inconsistent Income
The first year rarely brings steady paychecks. Many agents panic and quit.
✓ Solution: Build a budget, plan for slow months, and remember — consistency pays off by year two.
2. Information Overload
Between contracts, marketing, and client expectations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
✓ Solution: Rely on mentorship. At KOMAR, new agents are paired with experienced professionals for one-on-one guidance.
3. Fear of Prospecting
Making calls or asking for business feels uncomfortable at first.
✓ Solution: Practice scripts, role-play, and start small. The more you do it, the easier it gets.
What Successful First-Year Agents Have in Common
From our experience, agents who succeed in year one usually:
- Treat real estate as a business, not a side hustle.
- Commit to consistent prospecting (daily).
- Attend training sessions regularly.
- Lean on their brokerage for mentorship and support.
- Stay patient — understanding that big results take time.
KOMAR’s Role in Your First Year
At KOMAR, we built our brokerage to remove the barriers new agents face:
✓ Zero monthly fees - Reinvest in advertising, photography, or personal marketing.
✓ Free IDX website & CRM - Professional tools from day one.
✓ Daily live trainings - Hands-on learning you can immediately apply.
✓ One-on-one mentorship - Guidance tailored to your situation.
✓ A supportive culture - Teammates who celebrate your wins and help you through challenges.
Ready to launch your first year the right way? Join KOMAR.
FAQs for New Agents
How much can I realistically expect to earn in my first year?
Many Illinois agents close 3–6 deals in year one, averaging $30,000–$60,000 depending on commission rates. With consistency, income grows significantly in year two.
How do I balance real estate with another job?
meetings, and consider transitioning to full-time once income stabilizes
What if I’m not “salesy”?
The best agents aren’t pushy — they’re resourceful and trustworthy. Focus on listening, providing value, and building relationships.
Your first year as a real estate agent will challenge you, but it will also be the year that defines your career. With realistic expectations, consistent effort, and the right support system, you can build momentum that carries you into long-term success.
At KOMAR Real Estate, we specialize in helping new Illinois agents thrive from their very first day — without the burden of monthly fees. If you’re ready to go from classroom to closing, we’d love to partner with you.
