Whether you’re refining your business model, mastering new technology, or finding a strategy to take advantage of the next market boom, Inman Connect New York prepares you to take a bold step. The next chapter is about to begin. Please join us. Join us and thousands of other real estate leaders from January 22-24, 2025.
The presidential election, the aftermath of the commission’s lawsuit, inventory shortages and stubbornly persistent mortgage rates have left many agents struggling with how best to take action heading into 2025.
Here’s what to do to manage disruption, avoid burnout, and keep your business moving forward, no matter what’s happening in the market.
Where is your focus?
Today’s news cycle is a never-ending fountain of negativity. We are constantly exposed to negativity on our mobile devices, social media, radio, and television. Add to that the stress of your real estate career, the financial pressures of inflation, and the stress from your personal life, and it can become completely overwhelming.
What makes this so dangerous is the impact stress and negative emotions have on our health. When you experience stress or anger, your body releases a substance called cortisol. Excess levels of cortisol have been shown to cause cancer, heart disease, and other serious illnesses.
This can often lead to learned helplessness, a psychological concept that describes a feeling of helplessness after repeated exposure to stress. For agents, this often manifests as paralysis, where the weight of the challenge makes it difficult to take action in both work and personal life.
If you’re struggling to restart your gear and make 2025 a great year for your business, here’s a list of strategies to get you back on track today.
1. Embrace optimism
Research by Dr. Toshihiko Maruta shows that optimism is one of the most protective factors for health. Just a 10-point increase in optimism reduces the risk of premature death by 19 percent. If you compare this to quitting smoking, your risk decreases by 5 to 10 percent. Clearly, maintaining a positive mindset is more than just a matter of feeling good, it’s a matter of survival.
The good news is that it’s easy to be optimistic. Start by limiting your exposure to major sources of negativity, including social, digital media, family, friends, and work.
For example, I recently took three days off from social media, online news, and all television, including Netflix. It was amazing how calm I felt when those 72 hours were over. I encourage you to try it out and see if it affects you the same way.
Another strategy is to spend more time with people and activities that make you happy or that you really enjoy. It’s easier to be optimistic when you’re doing what you love and when you’re spending time with people you enjoy life with.
2. Avoid “giving in to expectations”
Back in 1997, my husband and business partner Byron Van Arsdale coined the phrase “killed by expectations.” It describes what happens when you cling to rigid results and end up disappointed.
As 2024 began, the industry was optimistic that mortgage rates would fall. We also expected this year to be similar to previous years in terms of cooperation between buyers and sellers.
The entire industry was “killed” by these two expectations. Some resilient agents embrace change, while others deny it and try to cling to past ways of doing things, unable to move forward.
3. Take your first simple action step
If you’re feeling exhausted, burnt out, or worried about where your next deal will be, start small. Ask yourself, “What action steps can I take today to move my business forward?”
There are three ways to get started:
Call past clients. Follow up on leads from previous open houses. Keep sellers up-to-date on recent market activity.
It doesn’t matter where you start. The important thing is to take action. Every small step you take builds momentum, making it easier to take the next step.
4. Look back at your best moments
Think back to a time when you dealt with a challenge effectively. What strategies have helped you? Use past successes as a blueprint for future challenges. Remember that you have overcome difficult situations before, and you can overcome them again. Staying calm and setting priorities effectively can make all the difference.
5. Detach from results
Fixating on outcomes that are out of your control can backfire. Instead, focus on processes you can control. For example, instead of focusing on closing deals, focus on providing great service. This makes it easier to manage, reduces stress, and helps maintain client presence.
6. Take small, manageable steps
When you’re struggling to move forward or feeling overwhelmed, the old saying “one step at a time” is wise advice. The trick is to break down the task into small achievable steps.
Then, instead of focusing on what you thought you should have done, celebrate small accomplishments every day, like completing a follow-up call or organizing your workspace. These small steps chain together will help you get back into action while building the momentum you need to move forward more easily.
7. Help others
Helping others is a proven way to increase your happiness. Ronald Reagan once said: “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” Whether it’s mentoring a new agent, helping a client with a small problem, or volunteering in your community, There are many ways to help and feel better yourself.
8. Focus on hyperlocal expertise
With inventory scarce and buyers wary of interest rates, knowledge of hyperlocal trends can set you apart as a trusted expert. Highlight niche opportunities in your area, such as high-potential areas or areas for future redevelopment.
Another strategy is to position yourself as an immigration expert by partnering with local businesses and schools to create “welcome packets” for new residents. Include insights on the best coffee shops, gyms, and weekend activities.
9. Leverage technology for client connectivity
Use AI tools to automate repetitive tasks so you can focus on high-value client interactions. From chatbots to predictive analytics, deploying technology can improve efficiency and responsiveness.
For example, use a CRM with AI capabilities to track client behaviors such as viewing a property multiple times and provide personalized follow-ups such as “I noticed you were interested.” Send. [Property Name]. Would you like to schedule a screening? ”
10. Master the art of video marketing
Video remains the best-performing content type in attracting buyers and sellers. For 2025, make sure your videos are mobile-optimized and include accessible subtitles.
Here are some additional ideas.
Establish yourself as a trusted local expert with quick market updates and neighborhood tour videos. We film a series called “Local Hotspots” that visits local restaurants, parks, and entertainment venues and connects that content to the surrounding real estate market. For example, “Homes near this park tend to sell within 10 days.” Create short educational videos on topics like “How to save money on your utility bill” or “The hidden costs of buying a home.” Use ChatGPT to find ideas and other clickable content for buyers and sellers. Keep your content short, simple, and sweet and post it to Instagram Reels or TikTok.
11. Invest in your own personal and professional growth.
Staying ahead in 2025 will require adaptability and continuous learning. Developing your skills not only increases your confidence but also builds trust with your clients.
Enroll in a course that teaches advanced negotiation strategies and effective digital marketing techniques. You can apply these skills to secure better deals for your clients or expand your reach.
Take online courses, listen to podcasts, or hire a coach to hone your skills.
12. Create a consistent system
In a turbulent market, consistency creates trust. Implement systems for client follow-up, marketing campaigns, and deal management to ensure no details are left out. Most of the top real estate CRMS already have many of these tools available and built into their products.
The bottom line is that the only constant in life is change. To quell the chaos and thrive in 2025, focus on your actions and processes, not the end result. Consistent small steps over time can produce amazing results. Lao Tzu once said:
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
Bernice Ross, President and CEO of BrokerageUP and RealEstateCoach.com and founder of RealEstateWealthForWomen.com, is a national speaker, author, and trainer who has published more than 1,500 articles.
