At first glance, real estate may seem like the ultimate solo career as industry professionals often operate independently while building their own client base and competing for listings in a fast-paced market. It’s easy to picture the go-it-alone agent hustling 24/7 because that’s been the real estate stereotype for decades.

Today, we’re seeing that abandoning the one-person mindset in real estate and embracing a team approach can be a real game-changer.

As Apple co-founder Steve Jobs said, “Great things in business are never done by one person; they’re done by a team of people.” Building a successful team helps create a culture of trust, open communication, and shared goals. When that strong foundation is in place, the benefits can be truly significant.

Assembling a strong team and allowing each member to play to their strengths provides clients with a smoother, more responsive experience from start to finish.

Instead of one agent trying to juggle every detail, teams can work together and delegate tasks based on expertise. One person might focus on buyers while another may specialize in sellers. Someone else on the team may be the marketing guru and another might excel at transaction coordination. This means clients get the benefit of multiple professionals with different strengths, all working together. And that kind of business model leads to satisfied clients, lasting relationships, and repeat business.

In a study from 2023, RealTrends found that the top 1,000 real estate teams grew their closed transactions by over 400% in just 10 years. Meanwhile, top solo agents saw growth of only 13.9% during the same period. 

When you have more hands on deck, you can handle more deals, generate more leads, and provide better service without any one person burning out. Plus, teams often have established systems in place, which keep business running smoothly and ensure that clients receive more information and better communication throughout the process.

This industry can be challenging, especially in the early years, but when agents are part of a team that provides mentorship and collaboration, everything becomes more manageable and more enjoyable.

In one national survey, 81% of agents on teams said they were more likely to stay in real estate for the long haul. When agents feel like they’re learning, growing, and not going it alone, they become more motivated and confident. This creates an environment in which agents feel supported, encouraged, and set up for success.

There’s a lot to learn in real estate ranging from communicating with clients and negotiating deals to handling complicated transactions and developing effective pricing strategies. Being part of a team means you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.

Teams usually offer regular check-ins and hands-on training, giving new agents a support system that can speed up learning. Plus, having access to shared marketing tools, lead generation systems, and tested workflows and processes gives agents an advantage that’s hard to find when working alone.

Experienced team members also act as sounding boards for new agents, offering advice on everything from marketing strategies and navigating difficult clients to time management and maintaining a healthy work/life balance.

But it’s not just a one-way street. Established agents can also gain fresh perspectives and ideas from newer agents, especially around emerging technologies, social media trends, and innovative approaches to connecting and communicating with clients. This kind of collaboration helps everyone grow, and, in turn, sets the entire team up for success.

While real estate may feel like a solo sport, the most successful agents know it’s truly a team effort. Whether you’re a new agent looking for support or a seasoned pro ready to grow your business, surrounding yourself with the right people can truly make all the difference!