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The year is just getting started, and there’s plenty of time to build your real estate business, Amy Corr writes. Learn how to show up and show out in 2026.
Award season is always a great reminder of what the real estate business is all about. As we wrapped up our celebrations at @properties Christie’s International Real Estate, I found myself thinking about all the work our agents put in behind the scenes. Yes, it’s important to recognize the wins, but the real story is the hustle, the heart and the grit it takes to earn them.
Every year in real estate has its own rhythm. Some are defined by milestones you’ve worked toward your entire career. Others challenge you to dig deep and find a level of resilience you didn’t know you had. But that’s where real growth happens — in the determination to keep pushing forward, even when things aren’t going your way.
That mindset isn’t just for award season; it’s the fuel agents need to build momentum and stay the course in the months ahead.
5 ways to move the needle in your real estate business
If 2026 didn’t start the way you hoped, you’re not alone. But the year isn’t decided in the first quarter, and there’s still plenty of runway left to make it count. Whether you’re riding strong momentum or still finding your footing, here are five ways to move the needle in your business — and drive the results you’ll be celebrating next year.
1. Your race, your pace
It’s easy to get distracted by someone else’s highlight reel. But comparing yourself to other agents is a losing game. Every agent is on a unique path, so define your goals and run your own race. What does success look like for you at the end of this year? Start there, and build your strategy around that. The only finish line that matters is the one you set for yourself.
2. Don’t wait for business to come to you
In low-inventory markets, savvy agents aren’t waiting for listings to appear. They’re leaning into their network and creating opportunities. That was the idea behind the eight-week inventory challenge that we recently launched at @properties Christie’s International Real Estate.
The first challenge was simple: reach out to five people in your sphere, and ask if they know anyone thinking about selling their home. No pitch, no pressure, just a genuine conversation that opens doors to referrals, potential sellers and stronger connections.
3. Reinvest your time where it matters most
AI is a game-changer for your productivity, but the real impact is what you do with the time you get back. Use those reclaimed hours to double down on relationships.
Maybe that means sending a home equity report to your past clients, hosting an event to get more face time with your prospects, or reaching out with a text or phone call when someone shares a life update on social media. There are plenty of ways to stay connected and deliver value.
4. Stay visible — on- and offline
Out of sight means out of mind. As summer approaches, make a point to show up at community events, neighborhood parties and wherever your contacts spend their time.
And pay just as much attention to your digital presence. AI is changing the way consumers find agents online, and the agents who adapt early will have an edge. At our brokerage, we’re training our agents on how to get ahead of that shift. If your brokerage is doing the same, make sure you’re taking advantage of it.
5. Be the go-to resource for everything
The best agents aren’t just transaction-focused; they’re the ultimate connectors. You want to be the person your clients call when they need a reliable painter, a landscaper or anything related to homeownership. When you focus on being a resource beyond the deal, you build the kind of trust that turns a single closing into a lifetime of referrals.
There are still three more quarters in 2026. Use these tips to move the needle in your business. It’s never too late.
May marks Inman’s seventh annual Agent Appreciation Month. Look for profiles of top producers, opinions on the current state of the industry and tangible takeaways you can implement in your career today. Plus, the prestigious Future Leaders of Real Estate Awards return.
Amy Corr is Chief Brokerage Officer for @properties Christie’s International Real Estate.
