“New year, new me!” We all say it, but sticking to it can be the real challenge. If 2025 left you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated with missed opportunities, 2026 is your chance to do things differently. 

Here are eight common mistakes agents made last year and how you can avoid them to start the year stronger and smarter:

1. Busy… But Not Growing

Working harder alone does not equal growth. Without systems and strategy, endless effort can lead to burnout instead of results. If your business only works when you are working nonstop, it is not set up to grow.

The solution is to focus on systems. Document your processes and use technology to manage repetitive tasks. Templates, automation, and AI can handle work that does not require your direct attention. Focus your time on activities that create the most value, such as client relationships, prospecting, and strategy. A business that runs smoothly without you is the key to sustainable growth.

2.  Neglecting Follow-Up

Most deals aren’t lost because of competition, they’re lost because of silence. Leads go cold when you don’t stay in touch. So how do we combat this? Start by automating check-ins. Build drip campaigns. Schedule reminders. Stay visible with value-driven messages. The fortune really is in the follow-up.

3. Why You Don’t Have to Do Everything Yourself

Doing it all yourself keeps your business small. Delegating the right tasks opens space for higher-value work and more growth. No agent can handle everything alone and continue to grow.

The key is to surround yourself with support. Bring in help where it makes sense, whether that’s an assistant, a mentor, or a trusted professional network. Having the right people in place frees you to focus on what moves your business forward and keeps you from getting caught up in every small detail. FIND can connect you with the people and resources to guide your business forward in 2026.

4. The Overpricing Trap That Kills Listings

Pricing a listing too high can kill momentum before it even begins. Buyers notice, listings linger, and trust erodes. Some agents allow sellers to dictate inflated prices without testing the market. When the listing does not sell, it is easy to blame the seller’s agent.

Set expectations early with clear, market-backed data. Use strategies that allow you to test pricing privately before going public. Listen to feedback from other agents and adjust your pricing to attract buyers from day one. Correct pricing creates more interest and often results in faster, more profitable sales.

5. Treating Marketing Like an Afterthought

Posting randomly when you “have time” isn’t a strategy. Inconsistent marketing leads to inconsistent pipelines and unpredictable income.

Do this instead:
Create a simple weekly plan:

• Educational content
• Personal brand content
• Social proof
• Active listings

Consistency beats creativity every time.

6. Stop Treating AI Like a Chore

Avoiding technology limits your reach and slows your business. AI and automation are tools that can give you a major advantage if you use them correctly.

Automate repetitive tasks, use AI for content creation, follow-up, and insights, and focus on what only you can do. Technology does not replace you. It gives you more time to connect with clients and grow your business.

7. When Your Marketing Looks Like Everyone Else’s

Marketing that blends in doesn’t sell your expertise. If your posts look like everyone else’s, clients scroll past without noticing you. Many agents rely on “Just Listed” or “Just Sold” posts without context, story, or personality.
The solution is to make your marketing about you. Share your expertise, values, and how you help clients. Tell the story behind each listing and each sale. Video is increasingly important, and your authenticity matters more than perfect production. We see how much traction reels and TikToks are getting. Refresh your marketing approach to match the technology and expectations of today’s buyers.

8. Working In the Business Instead of On It

Many agents spend 100% of their time reacting, either answering emails, showing homes, or solving problems and 0% planning growth.

Without strategy, you stay stuck at the same level year after year. Start by blocking weekly CEO time. Review the numbers. Track what’s working. Set clear goals. Plan your next moves intentionally. Growth doesn’t happen by accident!

Real estate is no longer about who works the longest hours. It’s about who builds the smartest machine. Your brand, your systems, your marketing, your technology, your support, all working together so growth doesn’t depend on your exhaustion. That’s how modern agents scale. That’s how real businesses are built.

2026 isn’t about doing more. It’s about operating at a higher level. Step into the role of CEO of your business, not just salesperson, and watch everything change!