Why the failure of new Realtors affects everyone, including you, and what we can do about it

Picture this: a newly licensed agent steps into the industry, full of energy and big ideas. Within a year, they’re overwhelmed, frustrated and walking away, disillusioned about a career they were once excited to pursue.

We see this scenario play out too often. And while the real estate industry may feel crowded today, the problem isn’t simply about too many agents. It’s about how we’re supporting them—or failing to.

More agents entering the field doesn’t necessarily mean a stronger industry. In fact, an oversaturated market filled with underprepared professionals weakens all of us. Poor client experiences, high turnover and wasted potential erode the professionalism and trust that real estate is built on.

If we want this industry to flourish, it’s on us—experienced agents, brokers and leaders—to make sure new agents aren’t just surviving, they’re thriving.

The real risks of neglecting new agents

Let’s talk about the bigger picture. When new agents don’t receive the support they need, it creates challenges that affect more than just them. The consequences are felt across brokerages, teams, and even client relationships.

• Professional standards slip
  A crowded industry with poorly trained agents lowers the bar for service quality. Mistakes happen when new agents lack guidance, and those mistakes damage the trust clients place in all of us.

• Turnover hurts everyone
  High turnover isn’t just exhausting for brokerages—it’s expensive. Recruitment, onboarding and retraining take up time and resources that could be better spent improving systems and growing businesses.

• Missed opportunities for innovation
  New agents often bring energy and fresh ideas, from adopting new technologies to rethinking how we approach marketing and service. When they leave, we lose that potential to evolve and adapt.

• Client trust declines
  Every poor experience a client has with an underprepared agent reflects on all of us. If clients lose faith in working with professionals, they’ll start turning to alternatives that cut us out of the process altogether.

How we can do better

Supporting new agents doesn’t have to mean overhauling your business or spending hours mentoring every week. Small, intentional actions can go a long way in helping new agents find their footing. Here’s what works:

• Mentorship
  A little guidance can make all the difference. Invite new agents to shadow you at a showing or share advice over coffee. These moments create clarity and confidence for agents still figuring things out.

• Modelling consistency
  Real estate isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about showing up every day. Demonstrating consistent habits, like prospecting, following up and managing client relationships, shows new agents what it takes to succeed.

• Hands-on training
  Theory is helpful, but real-world experience is where the magic happens. Let new agents join you for open houses, negotiations, or listing presentations so they can see how it’s done.

• Simplify technology
  Technology is essential, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Help new agents focus on the tools that truly matter—CRMs, social media and virtual tours—and teach them how to use those effectively.

• Celebrate progress
  Success isn’t just about closing deals. It’s about building relationships, growing your network and mastering new skills. Helping new agents recognize their wins, no matter how small, keeps them motivated.

• Accountability without micromanagement
  While new agents thrive with clear goals and regular check-ins, they also need space to learn and grow. Balancing accountability with independence gives them the structure they need to stay on track.

A shared responsibility

We’ve all been new agents at some point. We know how hard it is to find your footing in this industry and how much it means to have someone in your corner. The success of new agents isn’t just their story—it’s ours too. It reflects the strength of our teams, our brokerages and our profession as a whole.

This isn’t about making grand gestures. It’s about being intentional. It’s about offering mentorship when you can, sharing tools and resources, and showing new agents what’s possible. Because when we invest in them, we invest in the future of the industry.

Real estate is built on relationships, not just with our clients but with each other. Supporting new agents isn’t just an act of kindness—it’s how we ensure this profession continues to grow, adapt and thrive. Let’s commit to building an industry where new agents feel supported, valued and ready to succeed.