Chapter 1: Market Immersion & Starting Strong
Your first month in residential real estate sets the tone for your entire career. It’s the time to get focused, develop good habits, and immerse yourself in your market. This guide covers everything you need to do in your first 30 days to gain confidence, build credibility, and start attracting clients — fast.
Set Your Intention
Before you dive in, ask yourself: Why real estate? Is it…
To build a lucrative, self-directed career?
To help people make one of the most important decisions of their lives?
To gain independence and control over your time and income?
To become a respected presence in your community?
To create something of your own that no one can take away?
All great reasons, and all within reach if you put in the work. This guide (and Patty’s coaching) is here to help you get there.
Step 1: Get a Head Start on Your Brand
Build trust and credibility from day one with a professional presentation.
Create a polished bio that shares your story, relevant skills, and passion for real estate.
Invest in professional headshots. These will be used across your website, social media, and marketing materials.
Launch a standout website when you’re financially ready. We’ll walk you through the must-have content that draws people in.
Contact your sphere of influence. Let friends, family, and past colleagues know what you’re doing, where you’re working, and how they can refer you. A referral incentive never hurts.
Step 2: Leverage Your Skills
You don’t need prior real estate experience to be successful. Consider the strengths you already have:
Outgoing and approachable? Great for client rapport.
Good listener or therapist-type? You’ll be amazing in buyer consults.
Passionate about architecture or design? Clients love a knowledgeable guide.
Organized and self-driven? You’ll thrive in managing your own business.
Write down your skills and start seeing how they translate into real estate success.
Step 3: Choose the Right Brokerage
Where you hang your license matters, especially in the beginning. Look for a brokerage that offers:
A high volume of listings and visibility
Active mentorship or access to top producers
A strong, helpful sales manager who’s been in the field
Opportunities to sit open houses or shadow experienced agents
Tip: During interviews, ask how the brokerage supports new agents and if seasoned agents are willing to talk and advise new agents.
Step 4: Get Plugged into the Office
Even if many agents work remotely, spending time in the office (when possible) is invaluable.
Attend office meetings
Offer to help with twilight and broker’s tour that most busy agents don’t have time to do
Get friendly with top producers — they may refer you lower-budget clients they’re too busy for (win-win)
The more you're seen and heard, the more opportunities will come your way.
Step 5: Market Immersion
This is the single most important step to become a confident, competent agent.
Start by:
Getting a lockbox (via your local MLS) so you can access properties at your convenience
Touring different types of properties (single-family homes, condos, investment properties)
Learning the nuances of various neighborhoods
Treat your first month like a crash course in local real estate. Your goal is to know your market cold—what sells, where, and why.
Step 6: Build a Daily Previewing Schedule
Here’s what a solid day looks like:
Pick 6–10 listings to preview
Plan your route using Google Maps and a traditional paper map
Take notes on location, layout, charm, and finishes
Note nearby schools, parks, or commercial hubs (these drive value)
Attend weekday broker tours and weekend open houses
Introduce yourself to agents — you’re building a network as much as market knowledge
Even without current clients, you're laying the groundwork for your future business.
Step 7: Create a Tracking System
Use a spreadsheet, notebook, or digital app to keep tabs on:
Listings you’ve previewed
Final sale prices (compare to original list price)
Price changes or time on market
Condition, layout, and other factors that impacted pricing
Set up MLS alerts so you’re notified when homes go pending or close. Over time, this system will become your secret weapon in knowing values, writing winning offers, and impressing clients with on-the-ground insight.
Take it one step further and download/print Patty’s personal checklist below to rate homes in real time.
Step 8: Train Your Eye
Why did one home sell $100K higher than another with the same square footage?
Did layout, charm, or upgrades make the difference?
Are homes near cafés, parks, or top-rated schools selling faster?
Study the market like a student. Notice the difference between a good floor plan and a bad one. Learn architectural styles in your area—it’s both helpful and impressive to clients.
Final Thoughts: The Daily Commitment
Success in real estate isn’t about luck. It’s about showing up — consistently.
Get out and preview homes 6 days a week
Drive your market. Know the streets. Learn the vibes.
Stay sharp and current with sales data
Keep building relationships—clients and agents alike
Key Reminder: Clients trust agents who know their market. Your knowledge won’t just win you business—it will give you confidence and longevity in your career.
Let this first month be the beginning of a long, successful run in real estate.