Why So Many Realtors® Quit - And How to Survive, Grow, and Thrive in Your First 5 Years
Real estate offers huge opportunity, but the failure rate is staggering. Learn why many agents leave the business and how to build a sustainable, successful career as a Realtor®.
It’s no secret that a large percentage of new real estate agents quit within their first year—and even more by year five. Despite the freedom, flexibility, and earning potential that draw people into real estate, the truth is that many never make it past the initial struggle. This blog explores the reasons why so many Realtors® leave the industry, and more importantly, what it takes to survive and thrive long-term.
How Many Realtors® Quit Within 1 to 5 Years?
While exact statistics vary, industry estimates suggest:
Up to 75% of new Realtors® quit within their first year
Over 85% leave the industry within five years
These numbers may seem shocking, but they reflect the reality of an industry with low barriers to entry, high expectations, and little structure or support for new agents.
The Top Reasons Realtors® Quit the Business
Success in real estate isn’t just about drive—it requires strategy, structure, and support. Here are the most common reasons agents walk away:
Lack of Leads and Income Stability
Many agents underestimate how long it takes to get traction
Without a steady pipeline of leads, income dries up quickly
Marketing Inconsistency and Overwhelm
Agents struggle to market themselves consistently and effectively
DIY marketing often leads to burnout or brand confusion
No Clear Business Plan or Strategy
Without a roadmap, agents operate reactively instead of proactively
Many rely solely on broker resources without building a personal brand
Isolation and Lack of Accountability
Real estate is often a solo pursuit
Agents without mentorship or coaching are more likely to stall out
Mindset and Expectation Misalignment
Some enter real estate expecting fast money with little effort
Rejection, slow starts, and competitive markets lead to discouragement
What Top Agents Do Differently
The agents who survive and succeed don’t just work harder—they work smarter.
They Focus on Brand Consistency and Visibility
Their marketing is polished, professional, and frequent
They stay top-of-mind through social media, direct mail, email, and more
They Invest in Coaching, Training, and Support
Coaching helps them stay accountable and focused
Guidance accelerates growth and prevents costly mistakes
They Build Systems for SOI and Lead Follow-Up
Top agents automate and optimize how they nurture leads
They stay engaged with past clients, not just prospects
They Set Goals and Track Their Progress
Monthly targets for contacts, appointments, and listings
Regular review and refinement of strategy
They Partner With Trusted Marketing Experts
They delegate design, strategy, and execution to professionals
This frees them to focus on service, relationships, and growth
How to Survive Your First Year as a Realtor®
You don’t have to be part of the 75% who quit. Here’s how to make your first year count:
Start With a Business and Marketing Plan
Set income goals and reverse-engineer the activities to get there
Define your target audience and value proposition
Focus on Your Sphere of Influence (SOI)
Reach out to everyone you know and let them know you’re in real estate
Stay in touch through email, mailers, social media, and personal check-ins
Use Multi-Channel Marketing From Day One
Don’t rely on one platform or tactic
Use social media, direct mail, email campaigns, and digital ads together
Join a Coaching Program
Surround yourself with support, strategy, and accountability
Don’t try to figure it out alone
Invest in Your Brand Early
Create consistency across your marketing
Your appearance online and offline should reflect your level of service
How to Grow and Thrive After Year One and Beyond
Getting past Year One is just the beginning. Here’s how to stay competitive and sustainable long-term.
Refine Your Niche or Market Area
Focus on a geographic farm, lifestyle niche, or client type
Become the go-to expert in your space
Leverage Referral and Repeat Business
Deliver outstanding service to every client
Follow up with value and stay connected post-transaction
Elevate Your Marketing Game
Use branded, professional content that reflects your expertise
Layer in email sequences, listing promotions, and retargeting ads
Scale with Systems and Support
Use CRMs, templates, and automation tools to stay organized
Consider a team or virtual assistant when you hit capacity
Keep Learning and Adapting
Stay up to date on trends, laws, and market shifts
Sharpen your skills in negotiation, marketing, and leadership
FAQs: Real Estate Agent Attrition and Success
Why do so many Realtors® fail in their first year?
Most underestimate the time, skill, and strategy required to generate consistent income and build a sustainable pipeline.
Is real estate harder than people expect?
Yes. It’s flexible but demanding. Without structure and support, many agents burn out or drift out of the business.
How can I avoid becoming a statistic?
Start with a plan, market consistently, focus on your SOI, and partner with coaching and marketing experts who understand the industry.
What tools or services make the biggest difference early on?
Consistent branding, done-for-you marketing, CRM systems, coaching, and accountability are top drivers of early success.
Is marketing really that important in year one?
Yes—how you show up defines how people perceive you. Marketing builds trust, credibility, and visibility.
Let AmericasBestMarketing.com Help You Succeed From Day One
Our done-for-you marketing and business coaching is built for Realtors® who want to survive, grow, and thrive in today’s competitive real estate market.
Social media marketing, listing promotions, and brand building
Direct mail, digital ads, and email campaigns
IDX website integration and retargeting
Monthly coaching to guide your strategy and focus
No long-term contracts—just results and support
Ready to Beat the Odds and Build a Real Estate Business That Lasts? Learn more about our Full-Service Real Estate Marketing Program!
Don’t let inconsistency, overwhelm, or lack of support hold you back. Partner with AmericasBestMarketing.com and take control of your growth, your marketing, and your success—from year one and beyond.
Contact Us to get started today.
