First, I predict that part-time, low-producing agents – those who do maybe 4 transactions a year -- will eventually disappear. Commission compression, advancing technology, and the costs of obtaining and maintaining a license, will combine to convince those part-time, low-producing, average-or-below agents that the effort is not worth the shrinking reward. And, frankly, that is a good thing for the industry, since these agents often get in the way of a real estate transaction closing smoothly, rather than actually facilitating it.

One of the most powerful things you can do when you start a new venture, whether it be a new career, hobby, or health routine, is to find the right role model.

We all need at least one: someone who is deep into that pillar, who has accomplished what you are looking to accomplish, who inspires and instructs.

Often an agent who is new to the real estate industry is urged to start off by joining a team or brokerage that provides leads. But why?