Launching a real estate career is exciting — you’ve got a fresh license, unlimited earning potential, and the freedom to build your own path. But the first year in real estate is also the hardest. Many new agents fail not because they aren’t motivated, but because they repeat the same mistakes others have already made.

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At KOMAR Real Estate, we’ve trained and mentored dozens of new agents in Illinois, helping them avoid costly missteps and get their careers off the ground faster. Here are the 7 most common mistakes new agents make — and exactly how to avoid them.

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Mistake 1: Treating Real Estate Like a Hobby

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Too often, new agents think of real estate as a side gig rather than a business. They dabble, wait for clients to appear, and lose momentum quickly.

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Reality check: Real estate is a commission-based business. If you don’t take it seriously, income won’t follow.

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How to avoid it:

  • Create a daily schedule for lead generation, networking, and client outreach.
  • Track your business expenses and treat them like investments.
  • Ask yourself: Would I hire me if this were my own company?

Mistake 2: Inconsistent Prospecting

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Prospecting is the lifeline of every agent’s career — yet many new agents avoid it because it feels uncomfortable. They rely on family and friends for their first deals and stop there.

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Reality check: Your pipeline is your paycheck. Without consistent prospecting, business dries up.

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 How to avoid it:‍

  • Set a goal of contacting at least 10 new people every day.
  • Use tools like a CRM to keep track of leads.
  • Diversify your prospecting: open houses, social media, cold calls, and community networking.

KOMAR provides every agent with a free IDX website & CRM to simplify prospecting. See how it works.

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Mistake 3: Skipping Ongoing Training

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Passing your licensing exam doesn’t mean you’re done learning. Many new agents mistakenly believe they’re “ready” after licensing and stop sharpening their skills.

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Reality check: Laws, contracts, and marketing tactics change constantly. What worked five years ago won’t necessarily work today.

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 How to avoid it:

  • Commit to weekly training sessions (KOMAR runs 4 per week).
  • Seek one-on-one mentorship to get real-time feedback.
  • Join role-play groups to practice conversations before meeting clients.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Technology

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Some agents still rely only on paper flyers, business cards, and word of mouth. While those tools can work, today’s buyers and sellers expect fast communication and digital presence.

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Reality check: If clients can’t find you online, they’ll find someone else.

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 How to avoid it:

  • Build a strong online profile (social media, Google Business).
  • Use IDX websites to showcase listings professionally.
  • Automate repetitive tasks (email follow-ups, reminders) with CRM tools.

At KOMAR, agents get these tools for free — no hidden costs, no tech fees.

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Mistake 5: Poor Time Management

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Real estate gives you flexibility, but that freedom can backfire. Without discipline, agents waste hours on busywork instead of income-generating activities.

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Reality check: The average agent spends too much time “looking busy” instead of focusing on what drives sales.

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 How to avoid it:

  • Break your day into time blocks (prospecting, client meetings, admin tasks).
  • Prioritize tasks that move deals forward.
  • Limit distractions: social media is a tool, not a time sink.

Mistake 6: Neglecting Personal Branding

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Many new agents copy their brokerage’s branding and never build their own identity. The problem? Clients choose people, not logos.

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Reality check:  Your name is your business. If clients can’t remember you, they won’t refer you.

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 How to avoid it:

  • Define your niche (first-time buyers, investors, luxury, local area expert).
  • Keep your branding consistent across business cards, social media, and website.
  • Share authentic stories and wins, not just listings.

Mistake 7: Joining the Wrong Brokerage

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This is the biggest mistake new agents make. They sign on with a big-name brokerage that charges heavy desk fees or offers little mentorship — and end up broke or burned out.

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Reality check: The right brokerage can make or break your first year.

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 How to avoid it:

  • Ask what training and mentorship is provided.
  • Look at the cost structure — are you paying hidden monthly fees?
  • Choose a brokerage invested in your growth, not just their bottom line.

At KOMAR, we’ve built a model for agent success:

  • Zero monthly fees
  • Free IDX website & CRM
  • Live training 4x a week
  • One-on-one mentorship
  • A culture that celebrates teamwork

Ready to start with the right team? Apply here.

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Extra Tips for New Agents

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  • Build your network early. Tell everyone you know you’re in real estate.
  • Track your numbers. Know how many calls, meetings, and deals it takes to hit your income goals.
  • Stay patient. Many agents don’t see steady income until month 6–12. Stick with it.

Your first year in real estate sets the tone for your entire career. By avoiding these 7 common mistakes — and surrounding yourself with the right tools, training, and support — you’ll dramatically increase your chances of success.

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At KOMAR, we’re more than a brokerage. We’re a partner invested in helping new agents launch strong and grow long-term.

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Don’t start your career with avoidable mistakes. Join KOMAR today.