7 Gritty, Honest, and Slightly Strange Tips for Rookie Realtors (from Reddit)
Shoe covers, toilet papers (you read that right), and open houses: your complete arsenal to surviving your first year as a realtor.
Entering the world of real estate as a new agent is like drinking from a fire hose. You’ve studied for the exam, signed with a brokerage, and you’re officially a Realtor — now what?
We dove deep into the wisdom of experienced agents on Reddit to uncover the gritty, honest, and sometimes hilarious tips they wish they knew their first year. From the obvious to the oddly practical (yes, bring toilet paper), here’s a no-fluff guide to hitting the ground running in your first year.
1. Don’t Just Know the Neighborhood — Know Everything About It
One veteran agent said it best: "You should know the neighborhood better than Google Maps." This means more than just knowing where the local school is — it’s about understanding its vibe, its hidden gems, and what’s coming next.
Where are the best local coffee shops, parks, gyms, and grocery stores?
What developments are planned in the next 2–5 years?
How walkable is it?
What’s the average commute? Is it popular with retirees, families, or investors?
And when you’re showing it off, don’t just tell — show.
Use professional real estate photography and drone shots to highlight the area’s parks, schools, and amenities so buyers can picture their life there before they even set foot in a home.
Drone photography for real estate highlights the neighborhood.
2. A Toilet Paper Roll, Really?
Yes, really. One agent on Reddit joked (but not really joked) that their first sale would've gone a lot smoother if they had a roll of toilet paper handy. Empty homes don’t always have working bathrooms, and when nature calls… you’ll be glad you came prepared.
Other odd (but useful) things to keep in your car include: a phone charger and power bank, measuring tape, bottled water and snacks, shoe covers or slippers, and business cards.
Real estate is not a desk job — you’re in and out of properties, sometimes all day.
Your car becomes your mobile office.
3. Digital Tools That Make You Look Like a Pro (Even If You're Brand New)
Technology can make or break your day. Seasoned agents swear by ShowingTime for managing showings, Trello or Notion for staying organized, Canva for creating eye-catching flyers, Forewarn or Spokeo for verifying contacts, and Google Calendar with a CRM to keep on top of everything.
But the most impressive tech you can use with buyers? 3D Matterport tours, interactive floor plans, and video walkthroughs that let them explore the home from anywhere — even before they step inside.
Link them in your MLS listings, send them to leads, and share them on social media to get more engagement and better-qualified buyers.
Use digital tools to help you stand out in your market and create better relationships.
4. Your First Year is Less About Selling — and More About Surviving
A brutally honest tip from Reddit: "Your first year is a hazing ritual."
Between figuring out contracts, prospecting, handling rejection, and learning how to not sound like a robot on the phone — it’s a lot. The key is to join a mastermind or accountability group, celebrate small wins, ask experienced agents for feedback, and invest in your mindset.
80% of new agents quit within their first year. Those who survive? They have systems, routines, and a little grit.
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5. Create (and Actually Use) a Content Strategy
“Just listed” and “Just sold” posts alone won’t cut it anymore.
Top agents create consistent, value-driven content like monthly market updates, buyer’s guides, behind-the-scenes looks at staging or inspections, and neighborhood spotlights.
One way to stand out is by incorporating high-quality visuals — professional photography, drone videos, and short Matterport clips make your content far more shareable.
Before-and-after staging photos and quick video tours also work well on Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube.
Content: The secret sauce of all the top agents.
6. Don’t Skip Open Houses — Even If They Don’t Get Immediate Results
New agents are often assigned open houses by their brokerage or team lead. They’re valuable practice grounds to test your pitch, learn to handle objections, and meet potential clients.
And while you’re at it, capture the property with professional photos, drone shots, and a Matterport 3D tour so even those who couldn’t attend can experience the home afterward. This keeps the buzz alive well beyond the open house day.
7. Be Where Your Clients Already Are — In-Person and Online
Farmers markets. Community events. Facebook groups. Local coffee shops. One of the smartest tips from Reddit?
Get involved in the neighborhood you’re trying to sell in. Volunteer at community events, sponsor local youth teams, create a hyper-local Instagram account, and interview small business owners.
And don’t forget to visually document it — quick videos and drone shots of local happenings can double as engaging content for your followers.
Final Word: You Only Need One Win to Keep Going
The first year can feel like you’re doing everything and seeing no results. But one closed deal can change the game.
Whether it’s having toilet paper in your trunk or knowing the name of every coffee shop owner in town, success in real estate isn’t about gimmicks — it’s about doing the little things with consistency, care, and creativity.
Ready to Stand Out from Day One?
You've got the grit, the systems, and now you know the secrets to surviving your first year. But here's the thing — while you're building those relationships and perfecting your pitch, your listings need to work just as hard as you do.
Professional real estate photography isn't just another expense — it's your competitive edge.
✓ 3D Matterport tours that let buyers explore homes from anywhere
✓ Drone shots that showcase neighborhoods like Google Maps never could
✓ High-quality visuals that make your social content actually shareable
✓ Before-and-after staging photos that turn ordinary listings into buyer magnets
Don't let amateur photos cost you that crucial first sale. While other rookies are still figuring out their iPhone camera, you'll be the agent with listings that buyers can't scroll past.
Book Your Photography Session Today and give your listings the professional edge they deserve — because in real estate, first impressions happen before the first showing.