5 Mistakes Real Estate Agents Make that Turn Clients Away
1/20/2025
Even the best multitasking real estate moms can fall into common pitfalls that cost them clients and commissions. Many of the mistakes real estate agents make are easy to overlook—but just as easy to fix once you know what to watch for.
Here are five key mistakes real estate agents make and how to avoid them, so you can grow your business while staying present for the life you love.
Mistake #1: You’re Not Clear on Who You’re Serving
One of the most common mistakes real estate agents make when trying to attract new clients is attempting to market to everyone. No judgment here! I know when I first started my own real estate biz I was ready to help anyone who was willing to trust me.
But the harsh truth is, when you try to appeal to everyone, you end up appealing to no one. Buyers and sellers want to feel like you “get” them—their unique challenges, goals, and lifestyles. Without a clear target audience, marketing becomes generic and forgettable, making it hard for potential clients to see why you’re the perfect fit for them.
Whether it’s first-time homebuyers, luxury clients, large families, empty nesters, or military families, narrowing your focus to a specific audience allows you to tailor your messaging, your marketing, and your services to their specific needs.
Mistake #2: You Don’t Have a Defined Brand
Branding is how you show up in your business—and for real estate agents, it’s often the first impression clients have of you. If your branding is all over the place, it can create confusion, make you seem unprofessional, and erode trust.
So what does inconsistent branding look like exactly? Here are some examples for realtor moms:
- When the way you portray yourself online doesn’t align with the real you (i.e., how you show up and present yourself when working with clients).
- Using a 10-year-old headshot or handing out outdated business cards that you just want to “use up” before you order new ones.
- When your website and social media have random fonts, clashing colors, or poorly designed graphics that don’t create a cohesive look and feel.
This may not seem like a big deal, but this can be one of the most detrimental mistakes real estate agents make because it can cause potential clients to question your professionalism and doubt your ability to deliver. Trust is the foundation of the client-agent relationship, and your branding should inspire confidence from the start.
Pro Tip: Audit your branding across the board—social media, website, and printed materials. Make sure your visuals (logos, colors, fonts) are cohesive, polished, and consistent, and that your messaging reflects your unique personality and values. If something feels outdated or doesn’t align with how you want to be perceived, update it!
Mistake #3: You’re Showing Up Inconsistently (Especially on Social Media)
One of the biggest mistakes real estate agents make (especially us busy realtor mamas) is being inconsistent with their social media presence. Whether that looks like going all-in for a week and then disappearing for a month or posting random content without a clear plan, showing up sporadically is hurting your ability to land clients.
Being inconsistent with your social media doesn’t just confuse your audience—it also makes it harder for them to trust you. If your online presence feels scattered, they might wonder if your work ethic is too.
Pro Tip: While I’m calling out social media specifically here, one of the biggest mistakes real estate agents make is a lack of consistency in general. Looking for tools to help keep your days running smoothly? Check out my favorite apps for realtors that make staying consistent in your life and business easier!
Mistake #4: You’re Not Prioritizing Relationships
Real estate is a people-driven business. Yet one of the most common mistakes real estate agents make—one that can seriously damage trust and long-term success—is skipping straight to the transaction.
After all, buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions people make—your clients crave a relationship built on trust, empathy, and clear communication as they navigate this milestone.
Skipping the hard sell and leading with genuine connection can build loyalty, foster trust, and set you apart as more than just another agent. So how do you do this? Here are a few of my top favorite relationship-building tips for realtor moms:
- Start by offering value without expecting anything in return. Share helpful resources, like home-buying tips, neighborhood guides, or market updates tailored to their needs.
- Listen to their concerns and take the time to understand their goals. Be a problem-solver, not a transaction-chaser.
- Stay in touch and be present, even after the sale. Send a thoughtful follow-up note, congratulate them on milestones, or simply check in to see how they’re enjoying their new home.
People are far more likely to work with (and recommend) someone they feel a connection with. When you lead with relationships, business naturally follows!
Mistake #5: You’re Self-Sabotaging with Poor Time Management
As a real estate agent and mom, you’re juggling much more than just deals. So it’s no surprise that bad time management is one of the mistakes real estate agents make that I’m ALWAYS seeing among my students (I don’t blame us!!).
Real estate doesn’t revolve around a typical 9-to-5 schedule, which comes with its pros and cons. Clients want evening showings, last-minute calls, or weekend open houses. And your family needs you to be present too.
Without strong time management, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, drop the ball, or miss important opportunities. Potential clients may see you as unreliable, and even loyal clients could start to question whether they’re your priority—all while you’re feeling stretched too thin to deliver your best.
Pro Tip: One of my favorite time management tips for moms is to start by setting clear boundaries. This helps you and your clients get realistic about expectations, ensures you have protected time for family, and makes it easier to avoid overcommitting.
The Gist
Remember, as a real estate mom, you already have the multitasking skills and determination down. You can do this! The key? Avoiding these sometimes easy-to-miss mistakes real estate agents make can cost you clients and commissions
FAQ: Mistakes Real Estate Agents Make
→ How do I create a cohesive brand as a real estate agent?
Consistency is key! Use the same logos, colors, fonts, and tone of voice across all platforms—your website, social media, and printed materials. Align your branding with your personality and the type of clients you want to attract, so everything feels authentic and professional.
→ How often should real estate agents post on social media?
Aim for consistency over quantity—posting 3–5 times per week is a good starting point. Focus on sharing valuable, engaging content that speaks to your audience’s needs and showcases your expertise.
→ How do real estate agents manage their time effectively?
Create a realistic schedule that prioritizes your top tasks and blocks time for work, family, and self-care. Trying to do it all “when you have time” is one of the biggest mistakes real estate agents make.