It’s early in the year, but there’s plenty of time to build your real estate business, writes Amy Coe. Learn how to show up and show off in 2026.
Awards season always reminds us what the real estate business is all about. @properties As I left the celebration at Christie’s International Real Estate, I found myself thinking about all the work our agents put in behind the scenes. Sure, it’s important to recognize the wins, but the real story is the effort, heart, and guts it takes to earn them.
Real estate has its own rhythm every year. Some are defined by the milestones you have worked toward your entire career. Some challenge you to dig deep and find a level of resilience you never knew you had. But that’s where the real growth happens. In the determination to keep moving forward even when things don’t go your way.
This idea isn’t limited to awards season. Fuel distributors need to build momentum and maintain this policy in the coming months.
5 ways to dramatically change your real estate business
If 2026 didn’t start the way you hoped, you’re not alone. But the first quarter doesn’t define the year, and there’s still plenty of important runway left. Whether you’re on strong momentum or still finding your footing, here are five ways to shake up your business and drive the results you’ll celebrate next year.
1. Your race, your pace
It’s easy to get distracted by other people’s highlight reels. But comparing yourself to other agents is a losing game. Every agent is on their own path. So define your goals and run your own race. What does success look like to you at the end of this year? Start there and build your strategy around it. The only goal line that matters is the goal you set for yourself.
2. Don’t wait for business to come to you.
In a low inventory market, smart agents don’t wait to get listed. They rely on their networks to create opportunities. That was the idea behind the recently launched 8-week inventory challenge at @properties Christie’s International Real Estate.
The first challenge was simple. You reached out to five people in your radius and asked if they knew anyone who was looking to sell their home. There’s no sales pitch or pressure, just pure conversation that opens the door to introductions, potential sellers, and stronger connections.
3. Reinvest your time where it matters most
AI is a game-changer for productivity, but the real impact is how you use the time you get back. Use the time you regained to further strengthen your relationships.
Perhaps that means sending home equity reports to past clients, hosting an event to get more time with potential clients, or contacting them by text or phone when they share an update on their life on social media. There are many ways to stay connected and provide value.
4. Always be visible online and offline
Being out of sight means being out of mind. As summer approaches, make sure to attend local events, neighborhood parties, and other places where people you know spend time.
And pay equal attention to your digital presence. AI is changing the way consumers find agents online, and those who adapt early will have an advantage. At our brokerage, we train agents on how to stay ahead of that change. If your brokerage does something similar, definitely take advantage of it.
5. Be your go-to resource for everything
Great agents aren’t just focused on transactions. The ultimate connector. You want to be the person your customers call when they need a trusted painter, landscaper, or anything related to home ownership. By focusing on being a resource beyond a transaction, you can build the kind of trust that turns one closed sale into a lifetime of referrals.
There are three quarters left until 2026. Use these tips to take your business to the next level. It’s never too late.
May is Inman’s seventh annual Agent Appreciation Month. Find profiles of top producers, their thoughts on the state of the industry, and concrete takeaways you can implement in your career today. Additionally, the prestigious Real Estate Future Leader Award is back.
Amy Corr is Chief Brokerage Officer at @properties Christie’s International Real Estate.
