It’s completely normal to feel like you’re drowning in your first few months as a realtor, especially when you’re trying to build a business while raising a family. That’s exactly why I created this new real estate agent checklist. Because knowing what to focus on (and what to ignore) gives you clarity, builds confidence, and helps you move forward faster.

When I got licensed, I was a brand-new mom in a brand-new state with zero connections and no idea where to start. Everyone said I needed to cold call, pay for leads, or knock on doors like it was 1992. But I knew that wasn’t the kind of business I wanted to build. 

Fast forward to today, and I’ve sold over 500 homes, built a $150M business, and learned exactly what works (and what doesn’t) along the way. So let’s walk through the 7-step checklist every new mom agent needs (without ever paying for leads). 

7-Step New Real Estate Agent Checklist

1. Get Clear on Your Why

This isn’t just about selling houses, it’s about building a business that supports your life. When the doubt creeps in or the market feels slow, your “why” will keep you grounded and focused. And if you’re a mom, that why probably includes flexibility, freedom, and creating a future for your family.

Before you chase every strategy or trend, take time to get clear on what success actually looks like for you.

• Why did you choose real estate?
• What kind of income, lifestyle, or impact are you aiming for?
• How do you want your business to feel?

Pro Tip: Write your why somewhere you’ll see it often, on a sticky note by your desk or the background of your phone. It’s not just motivation, it’s your filter for making smart decisions as your business grows.

2. Choose the Right Brokerage

If you’re picking a brokerage based on commission split alone, I’m going to lovingly say… don’t. As a new agent (and especially as a mom balancing 47 things), you need a place that feels like support, not just somewhere that hands you a login and says, “Good luck!”

Ask these questions:

• Do they offer 1:1 mentorship or coaching?
• Will you get access to scripts, templates, and onboarding systems?
• Are there other agents in similar seasons of life?

Pro Tip: Your brokerage should feel like a launchpad, not a lifeboat. Interview them. Ask bold questions. You are not the lucky one to be there, they’d be lucky to have you. And if you still don’t feel fully supported by your brokerage, join a community like MOMward Real Estate Mastery.

3. Set Up Your Business Essentials

Let me guess, right now you’ve got leads scribbled in your Notes app, a Canva login, and three different Gmail tabs open. Totally normal. But let’s get you set up so you’re not duct-taping your business together.

You don’t need all the fancy tech yet, but you do need structure. Simple systems now will save you from burnout later. Start with:

• A separate business phone number and email
• A business bank account + basic bookkeeping system
• A CRM or lead tracker (even a Google Sheet is fine to start)
• A calendar with blocked time for lead gen, client work, and family life

Pro Tip: Don’t get stuck in “tool overwhelm.” I’ve rounded up my favorite apps for mom agents here. Use what keeps you sane, not what looks fancy on TikTok.

4. Build An Unforgettable Brand

Your brand is what people feel about you before they ever meet you. It’s the vibe you give off through your photos, your voice, and how you show up. When it’s done right, your brand builds trust and connection—so by the time someone reaches out, they already feel like they know you.

It doesn’t have to be complicated or overly curated. The goal is to show up in a way that’s aligned with the experience you want clients to have when they work with you.

Here are a few ways to start building a brand people remember:

• Ask yourself: what do you want to be known for, and how do you want to make people feel?
• Choose 2–3 brand colors and fonts and use them consistently in your marketing
• Invest in branding photos that show your real self, not just stiff headshots (here’s how to prep for your shoot)
• Use templates to make posting faster + more consistent

Pro Tip: Picture your dream client scrolling at 9 pm. What would make them stop and say, “She gets me”? If you’re not sure yet, this blog on niches for mom realtors will help you narrow it down.

5. Announce Your Business

You don’t need to “feel ready” to start telling people what you do. (Spoiler: you won’t feel ready.) But the sooner people know you’re in real estate, the sooner they can send business your way.

Here’s how to start:

• Post on Facebook and Instagram sharing your story and who you help
• Send personal DMs and texts to friends, family, or past coworkers
• Ask for introductions to anyone who might be buying or selling soon
• Write a short, heartfelt email to your network letting them know you’re licensed and ready to help

Your real estate business will grow through connections. One conversation, one relationship at a time. People don’t just hire you because you’re licensed, they hire you because they feel like they know you, trust you, and want to work with you. 

Pro Tip: Don’t overthink it. People connect with people, not perfect branding or sales scripts. Focus on being helpful and real. When you lead with service, your story becomes a magnet.

6. Create Client-First Tools

Even if you don’t have a single client yet, you can prep resources that make you feel more confident and help your future clients feel cared for.

What to build:

• A basic buyer + seller guide (a simple PDF or Canva doc works!)
• Email or DM templates for inquiries, follow-ups, and scheduling
• Pre-written scripts for consultations and check-ins

Pro Tip: If you’re doing something more than once, turn it into a system. I track everything in my business. And when we’re behind our goal, I don’t panic, I go back to what works, simplify it, and do it better.

7. Build Your Network

You grow your business by being in the room, in the DMs, at the school fundraiser—anywhere your people already are. More than half of my business comes from my network. Not cold DMs. Not paid leads. Real people I’ve built relationships with over time.

Commit to blocking out 2 to 3 hours each day for lead generation and building relationships. This isn’t just about posting content, it’s about having intentional conversations, showing up where your people are, and building real trust over time.

Here are a few ways to build a strong, connected network:

• Attend office meetups, trainings, or local mastermind groups
• Introduce yourself to other agents, lenders, and small business owners
• Show up at community events, school functions, or volunteer opportunities
• Share helpful, hyper-local content on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube
• Feature people, businesses, or resources your audience will care about

Pro Tip: The agents who get referrals aren’t always the loudest; they’re the ones who keep showing up and genuinely want to help. People won’t always remember your script, but they will remember how you made them feel. 

The Gist

You don’t need to master everything on day one. But you do need to start with intention. Focus on relationships, show up with clarity, and put simple systems in place early (your future self will thank you).

Lead generation should be part of your daily routine, not just something you do when you feel behind. And most importantly, find support. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

FAQ: New Real Estate Agent Checklist

→ What should I focus on first as a new real estate agent?

Start by building relationships. Let people know what you do, show up consistently, and focus on connection. That’s what leads to trust—and trust leads to clients.

→ How do you introduce yourself as a new real estate agent?

Keep it simple and genuine. Share your story, who you help, and why you got into real estate. Focus on being helpful and approachable, and let people know you’re ready to support them—or anyone they send your way.

→ How can I get clients if I’m new and don’t know anyone?

Look for ways to get involved in your local community. Show up consistently, offer value, and focus on building real relationships. 

---

Want Support Growing Your Real Estate Business While Raising a Family?

Trying to balance real estate and motherhood on your own? You’re making it harder than it has to be! Growing a successful business while raising kids takes strategy, support, and the right community behind you.
That’s exactly why I created MOMward Real Estate Mastery—a community of 400+ realtor moms who support each other, swap strategies, and celebrate wins together. If you’re ready to connect with other moms who get it, we’d love to have you! 👉Click here to learn more