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AVOID These Fatal Real Estate Mistakes in 2025 (or Get Left Behind)

AVOID These Fatal Real Estate Mistakes in 2025 (or Get Left Behind)

December 10, 20245 min read

This market is intense, isn’t it? With constant changes, new rules (hello, NAR updates), and shifting client expectations, it can feel like a hamster wheel. But here’s the thing: success isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving. I’m here to share four essentials that’ll give your business a boost. Some are basics we often overlook, and some might be new to you. Let’s get into it.


1. Positive Attitude: The Game-Changer

A strong attitude is your foundation, and let me tell you, it’s not easy to keep it up when life throws punches. I’ve been there. Back in the ’90s, I was personally sued—by a best friend, no less. It was brutal, and by the time it was over, my confidence was shredded. How did I bounce back?

I stumbled into personal development. I’ll never forget the analogy of the yo-yo: when life knocks you down, you’re the one who decides to flick it back up or let it spin out. That stuck with me. And honestly, it’s true—nobody’s coming to save you. You’ve got to pick yourself up.

For me, faith has been my rock. I’m a Christian, and my daily gratitude practice—thanking God for my blessings, even the small ones—grounds me. Combine that with vision boards, goal-setting, and a daily focus on where I want to go, and it keeps my attitude on track. You can’t win this game with a negative outlook.

2. Effective Time Management: Master Your Day

Time management? It’s a beast, especially for Realtors. But let me share my method. Every day, I pull out my handwritten planner. On one side, I lay out the hours of the day. On the top right, I list my “must-dos”—three to five things that are non-negotiable. Below that? A “things to do” list for lower priorities.

Here’s the key: I don’t overload the day. If something doesn’t fit, I push it to Friday or next week. Color coding helps me track progress: green for done, yellow for started. For example, if I leave a voicemail for a client, I mark it yellow until they call back. That way, I stay organized without feeling overwhelmed.

Life happens—kids get sick, clients need urgent help, or family emergencies arise. Flexibility is a must, but so are boundaries. I have set commitments, like networking meetings and Zoom calls, that I don’t miss. Consistency is crucial, and while I’m far from perfect, this system keeps me moving forward.

3. Embrace AI: Your New Best Friend

AI isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a game-changer. If you’re not using it, you’re falling behind. Let me give you a practical example. I worked with a Realtor who spent hours on BPOs. By incorporating ChatGPT, we streamlined her process, shaving off three hours per project. Imagine what you could do with that extra time.

You can even use AI to create tools tailored to your business. Say you’re working with investors who have specific formulas for evaluating properties. Input those formulas into ChatGPT, and boom—you’ve got a personalized assistant to run the numbers for you.

I’m taking a class soon to learn how to create AI “agents”—little digital minions to handle tasks like auto-responding to emails. AI is here to save you time, money, and stress. Invest in it, pay for the pro version, and start asking it how it can help your business. Trust me, it’s worth every penny.

4. Think Global: Expand Your Horizons

The real estate world isn’t just local anymore—it’s global. If you’re not tapping into the luxury global market, you’re leaving money on the table. I’ve been diving deep into this space, learning everything I can about international referrals, currency exchanges, and market trends.

I’m with eXp Realty, which offers a global marketplace for referrals. But whether you’re with eXp or not, there’s no excuse not to explore these opportunities. The luxury market is booming, and educating yourself on this could open doors you didn’t even know existed.

Bonus: Stay Educated and Visible

Here’s the icing on the cake: never stop learning. I’m a huge fan of Audible books—I listen to them daily, usually at 1.5x speed while driving. Right now, I’m into Ryan Serhant’s book on branding. Staying visible on social media, through videos and podcasts, is also non-negotiable in today’s market. If you’re not showing up, you’re invisible.

There are so many resources out there, from podcasts to training sessions. One of my favorites is KGC Radio, a real estate station packed with golden nuggets from eXp agents. Tune in, take notes, and keep growing.

Your Next Step

If this resonated with you and you’re ready to elevate your real estate game, let’s connect. Whether you want to explore the power of AI, dive into global markets, or fine-tune your time management, I’d love to share what’s working for me and help you find your path forward.

🔑 Curious about what’s possible in this market? Let’s chat, book a business strategy call with me. The opportunities are endless—you just need the right mindset, tools, and strategies to seize them.


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Kathy Byrnes

Waterfront Specialist, REALTOR® at Lake Norman, NC. Dedicated to guiding agents through the "shift storm" with a focus on continuous improvement (Kaizen) and empowerment. Join me for a journey towards Financial and Life Freedom. © Real Estate Riches

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