Lessons From My First Year in Real Estate

When I first decided to get into real estate, I knew it would be a challenge. I have owned a couple of businesses in the past, so I expected it to take time to build this one too. What I did not expect was how long it would feel in the beginning. The pace tested my patience in ways I had not anticipated, but it also taught me some lessons I will carry with me for years to come.

The first big lesson was that patience really does pay off. I thought clients would sign quickly, contracts would move smoothly, and closings would line up one after another. The truth is, real estate moves at its own rhythm. Much of my role is guiding clients through waiting periods and keeping them confident along the way. Learning to remain steady for others, even when things felt slow to me, has been one of the most valuable skills I have gained.

Another surprise was how deeply personal this career is. Buying or selling a home is not just a transaction. It is an emotional step, often tied to a major life change. I have sat at kitchen tables listening to families share their dreams and their worries. I have walked through empty houses with first-time buyers who were already picturing family dinners in the dining room. Those moments remind me that my work is not about closing deals, it is about being trusted to walk beside people during pivotal chapters of their lives.

I also learned that community is everything. Even though I am building my own business, it does not mean I am doing it alone. Relationships with other Realtors, lenders, inspectors, and local business owners have shaped my first year as much as any transaction has. Each connection has reminded me that growth comes from collaboration and consistency.

And here is an honest truth. Some days were harder than I imagined. Deals fell apart, phone calls brought more questions than answers, and there were times when I questioned whether I had made the right decision. But each challenge stretched me. I realized that resilience is not about avoiding setbacks, it is about moving forward with a little more wisdom than the day before.

Looking back on my first year, I am grateful for the lessons, the surprises, and the people who have supported me along the way. If there is one takeaway that stands out most, it is this: building a real estate business takes time, but the trust and relationships formed make every step worth it.

So thank you for being part of this journey, whether you have cheered me on, read my posts, or trusted me with your home search. I am excited for the years ahead and I cannot wait to share more of this adventure with you.