Things That Don’t Matter as a New Real Estate Agent (That I Wish Someone Had Told Me)
When I first got my real estate license, I remember sitting at my kitchen table surrounded by logo drafts, business card samples, and brokerage brochures, convinced that every tiny decision was life or death for my new career.
If you’ve been there — obsessing over which brokerage to join or which shade of blue your logo should be — this one’s for you. Because now, years later, I can tell you with complete confidence: most of the things I stressed about as a new agent didn’t matter at all.
Here’s what I wish someone had told me when I was a brand-new real estate agent trying to figure it all out.
1️⃣ The Brokerage Brand on Your Sign Doesn’t Matter (But the Training Does)
When I started, I thought the name on my sign would instantly earn me credibility. I compared every brokerage in town like I was shopping for a luxury car — the logo, the colors, the office decor.
But once I started meeting clients, I realized something surprising: no one cared which brokerage I worked for. Not one client ever said, “Oh, you’re with ___? That’s why I hired you.”
They hired me because I answered my phone, showed up prepared, and helped them feel confident buying or selling their home.
So here’s the truth: clients are hiring you, not your broker.
What does matter is that your brokerage gives you the tools and freedom to build your own brand. Look for a broker who:
Invests in training and mentorship for new agents
Lets you market yourself, not just promote their company name
Offers real support for growing your business, not just collecting a split
If you’re trying to figure out how to choose your first broker, I made a free guide that walks you through exactly what questions to ask before you sign on the dotted line. Just click here to get the guide. I promise it will save you hours and give you the confidence that you are making the right decision when you do order those shiny new business cards.
2️⃣ Your Logo and Business Cards Won’t Make or Break You
I still remember spending days playing around with fonts and color palettes, trying to make my name look “professional” enough to hand out on a business card.
Here’s the secret no one tells new agents: your first logo doesn’t need to be perfect.
You can create something clean and simple on Canva in 10 minutes and move on. Seriously. Clients won’t remember your hex code — they’ll remember how you made them feel during one of the biggest transactions of their lives.
Your energy, consistency, and professionalism matter so much more than your branding. You can always refine your look later once you’ve built momentum.
3️⃣ A Local Office Doesn’t Matter Either
When I first started, I thought having a fancy office would make me look successful. Spoiler alert: most clients never saw it.
These days, people are totally comfortable meeting via Zoom, FaceTime, or even at their own kitchen table. Work from home, use a co-working space, or meet at your favorite coffee shop — whatever fits your lifestyle best.
Real estate is more flexible than ever. You don’t need a physical office to be taken seriously. What clients care about is that you’re reliable, professional, and available.
What Does Matter When You’re a New Agent
If I could go back and give my rookie self one piece of advice, it would be this: focus less on how things look and more on how things work.
Here’s what truly moves the needle when you’re starting out:
Finding a supportive broker who invests in your growth
Building relationships, not just leads
Staying consistent with your outreach
Gaining confidence through experience, not perfection
You’ll figure out the rest as you go — I promise.
Final Thoughts
Being a new real estate agent can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Forget the noise about fancy branding or office space. Focus on the things that help you serve your clients better and build a business you’re proud of.
And if you’re trying to decide how to hire the right broker, I’d love to help. Click here for my guide with 20 Questions to Ask your Broker BEFORE you choose your brokerage so you make the right choice for you. and I’ll send you my free guide with all the right questions to ask before choosing your first brokerage — because remember, you’re not applying for a job. You’re hiring them.
