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Rainmaker
608,881
Mitchell J Hall
Manhattan, NY
Lic Associate RE Broker - Manhattan & Brooklyn

Because it's much harder than it looks. Most people are not cut out to work on a straight commission. Most people have an employee mentality rather than an entreprenuer mentality. 

A real estate agent regardless of the brokerage whether they know it or not they're running a small business and most small businesses also fail within a year.

Jan 09, 2017 04:09 AM
Ambassador
2,436,099
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I thought it was something like 80% of new agents fail. It's due to a lack of information about what the job really entails up front, lack of financial cushion for first few years, lack of training/mentoring/etc, lack of determination, and I'm sure there are more reasons.

Jan 09, 2017 02:57 AM
Rainmaker
1,197,042
Peter Mohylsky, Beach Expert
PMI. Destin - Miramar Beach, FL
Call me at 850-517-7098

This should generate some interesting comments. But my take is that the industry is much harder to gain a foothold than most individuals imagine.  Real estate is a business and like any business it needs a business plan, marketing budget and careful planning.  The failure rate ofmost small businesses is highreal estate is no different.

Jan 09, 2017 01:26 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Locally I heard something like 90% fail.  Perhaps because the licensing process teaches NOTHING about running a business??!! 

Jan 09, 2017 03:35 AM
Rainer
213,263
Dennis Swartz
Full Circle Property Management - Columbus, OH
MBA, GRI...experience counts!

As with most new businesses there is a few reason they fail:

  • Not enough capital to make it for 1-2 years while the business grows
  • No business plan-they wing it
  • No realization that this is a real job, and you have to work and show up
  • Lack of support from significant others while they make no income for a while
Jan 09, 2017 02:52 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,271
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Unreal expectations of what the job truly entails. 

Manager not telling the truth as to what it truly entails.

Fantasy expectations of selling homes that look like the pages of Architectural Digest.

'I can decorate' syndrome. Since I am talented I can sell these homes. 

Not having a plan.  Not having a backup money reserve.

 

Jan 09, 2017 05:16 AM
Rainmaker
1,027,602
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

I thought it was a much higher failure rate than that, but regardless, what @Mitchell Hall said is pretty much what I believe, as well.  We are entrepreneurs, not employees, and as such, need a plan and capital.

Jan 09, 2017 04:32 AM
Rainmaker
529,983
Kathryn Acciari
Central One Federal Credit Union - Shrewsbury, MA
Mortgage Loan Originator

Expecting the business  to come to them, rather than having an action plan for going out and finding business.

Jan 09, 2017 03:56 AM
Ambassador
2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

Unrealistic expectations of what it takes to succeed in real estate.

Saturation.  There are way too many agents in the business.

The fact that they are "new".

Jan 09, 2017 05:25 PM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

So many people think we make easy money. I don't think many people realize how difficult our profession really is, and how much it costs. 

Jan 09, 2017 03:28 PM
Ambassador
3,344,906
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Lack of training and planning. Most have no clue on how to run a business. Real estate can look easy.  It is not. It takes a lot of work and money to run a business. 

Jan 09, 2017 11:56 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, Broker, Tacoma Washington I believe the number is higher and a much higher percentage drop out of the business after the first year. The reason being many find this business is much more than showing properties. It requires hard work, persistence, and proper capitalization to run a business.

Jan 09, 2017 06:24 AM
Rainmaker
5,216,353
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Easy answer - the only place success comes before work is in the dictionary!

Jan 09, 2017 06:19 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I believe it's a higher figure than that and from what I've observed over the years might be as high as 8 or 9 out of 10. Maybe it depends on the market.

Jan 09, 2017 05:57 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

It is not easy to get people to work with a new agent.

Jan 09, 2017 05:04 AM
Rainmaker
1,513,143
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

Besides the other great answers; I think the local board is just looking for the cash.

Jan 09, 2017 04:52 AM
Rainmaker
3,626,530
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

In my case I was promised training however, that didn't happen.  My first broker was out for themselves.  Number two it takes funds to get your feet on the ground and thankfully I had those funds, most don't.

Jan 09, 2017 04:24 AM
Rainmaker
851,242
Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

Unrealistic expectations.  We are are running a business.  Most consumers think we're out showing houses all day, every day and business falls into our lap.

Jan 09, 2017 04:07 AM
Rainmaker
3,340,443
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

There is little financial reality with many new agents who don't understand expenses continue even when there is no income...and that the phone doesn't just ring automatically when you are licensed.

Jan 09, 2017 02:49 AM
Rainmaker
687,136
Hella Mitschke Rothwell
(831) 626-4000 - Honolulu, HI
Hawaii & California Real Estate Broker

I think "fail" means they run out of money and need to bring in a regular income. Real estate is hard work and not everyone is an "instant" success. But some are, and that brings in so many hopefuls.

Jan 08, 2017 11:29 PM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

I thought the failure rate was a lot higher than this.  Maybe it's gotten better!

Jan 08, 2017 11:00 PM
Rainmaker
282,018
Nancy Robinson Ranked #6 in MI
Century 21 Town and Country - Royal Oak, MI
#11 Century21 Realtor in the US, #16 in the World

Paul , your entry level must  be higher  we have abut an 80% fall out rate.  I think one other issue I did not see posted  here is that some agents come into the market because they have a friend or family member who want to  buy or sell  and that makes it look easy and then when they do not have that any longer they fade away.

Feb 07, 2017 01:23 PM
Ambassador
5,229,439
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

There's something about the stamina and drive that it takes to work 100% commission - that's terrifying to some and others, just don't know how hard you have to work.  When they find out, they're OUT!

Feb 06, 2017 09:08 PM
Rainer
6,108
Samuel Steve Martin
Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners - Winder, GA
Associate Real Estate Broker
  • They don't have enough money put back for them to last until they are consistently closing transactions.
  • New agents often have unrealistic starting expectations - they don't know what they don't know and often expect that it's going to be like their previoous jobs. 
  • They are often unable to quickly digest the firehose of new information and apply it for long enough to realize results.
  • Fear of the unkown and being unable/unwilling to engage in activities that are outside their comfort zone.
Jan 14, 2017 05:20 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Unrealistic expectations, work ethic and ability.

Jan 12, 2017 06:33 AM
Rainmaker
142,796
Diana White-Pettis
Bennett Realty Solutions - Upper Marlboro, MD
GRI, CDPE, CNE, WHC Upper Marlboro Homes for Sale

I think they may have unrealistic expectations.  They are told about how much money can be made in the real estate business, but not always told what it take to build a successful business.

Jan 10, 2017 04:15 PM
Rainmaker
5,868,372
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Expectations are that this is an easy career choice, easy money, and most do not have the reserves to stay in long enough to make it.

Jan 10, 2017 10:11 AM
Rainmaker
613,494
Eve Alexander
Buyers Broker of Florida - Tampa, FL
Exclusively Representing ONLY Tampa Home Buyers

When I was hiring agents, I could teach them everything they need to know...

What I could not do is pay their bills while they were learning.  My main concern with new hires was "who is going to support you in the next few months?"

Eve

Jan 10, 2017 09:46 AM
Rainmaker
763,783
Tony Lewis
Summit Real Estate Group - Valencia, CA
Summit Real Estate Group Valencia & Aliso Viejo

I've been in this industry for over 20 years and still can't verify that people leave at this rate.  Most of our new agents seem to suceed and flourish.  I've heard these numbers forever.  They must be tainted by people that weren't really going to ever sell homes anyway.

Jan 09, 2017 10:03 PM
Rainmaker
599,274
Nathan Gesner
American West Realty and Management - Cody, WY
Broker / Property Manager

Without data in front of me, I suspect it's because they don't consider the expenses involved. Even if they are "average" in the first year, they are well below average income once expenses are calculated.

Jan 09, 2017 08:24 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I heard it is more like 80%.  I think most people have unrealistic expectations

Jan 09, 2017 05:59 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, Broker, Tacoma Washington - one reason - they don't join ActiveRain.....lol!

On a serious note, they are not guided and are on their own!

Education makes the difference.

Jan 09, 2017 03:17 PM
Rainmaker
1,502,898
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Because it's not "easy money" the people make it seem.  They're not expecting or used to the level of work, doing the so called "working 80 hours to avoid working 40"

Because real estate school does not teach you how to sell homes.

Jan 09, 2017 01:35 PM
Rainmaker
138,826
Kelly Turbeville
Keller Williams - Lake Forest, CA
Turning Real Estate Dreams into Reality

I would say they don't realize how hard it is and how much face to face as well as money it takes to build.  

I mentor Agents in our office and once you work the numbers backwards it is always eye opening. 

Jan 09, 2017 01:23 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

training and mentoring is lacking....

Jan 09, 2017 12:29 PM
Rainmaker
108,016
Scott Lawson
America's Home loans - Santa Rosa, Petaluma Mortgage Broker - Santa Rosa, CA
Mortgage Broker FHA, VA, refinance or purchase

It's closer to 8/10. I tell everyone on my side it takes 6-12 months to get going--if ever...Many come in expecting to knock it out of the park right away. While I admire the spirit, it just never works out that way.

Seen quite a few throw in the towel just as it gets going for them. That one has always baffled the Hell out of me.

long term success is about lasting. The longer you last, the more likely it will turn into a career...Just my take...

Jan 09, 2017 11:30 AM
Rainmaker
1,153,794
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

It has something to do with not having any money left in their bank accounts.

Jan 09, 2017 10:52 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

They watch too many reality real estate shows and fail to understand just what it takes for success!

Jan 09, 2017 10:00 AM
Rainmaker
4,935,567
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Lack of money,  I have my newbie keep a job till they have 3 deals under there belt that they have money for marketing.  

Jan 09, 2017 09:56 AM
Rainmaker
577,750
Gloria Valvasori, Accredited Senior Agent
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE SIGNATURE SERVICE - Mississauga, ON
REAL Experience | REAL Commitment | REAL Results!

Most people think its a cushy job and we all make huge sums of money... they don't realize how hard it really is.  Their expectations are not realistic... if you are not a self motivator you are not going to make it.

Jan 09, 2017 09:56 AM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

No business plan, no daily schedule, no prospecting, no accountability.

Jan 09, 2017 09:45 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Many cannot work as independent contractors and need a regular paycheck. Financial pressures keep them distracted with the continual outgo making it where they cannot focus on the long term results.They get disenchanted and start failing to do the daily routines of what it takes to build a business and spend less and less time on it. The spiral continues downward until they say, This isn't for me.

Jan 09, 2017 09:01 AM
Rainer
66,409
Kartik Subramaniam
Adhi Schools, LLC - Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Market Analysis--Educational Content, Adhi Schools

I think most of the major contributors to failure have been mentioned. One that I haven't seen is the failure to transition from early business (i.e. the family and friend connections that make up a lot of agent's early business) to a sustainable operation. There are a lot of agents that can sustain themselves for a year off of the first step of networking and connections. But turning that business into new business is something that many cannot accomplish, whether that be inability to successfully network or failing to recognize when it is time to do so. This is where a lot of Year 2 failure comes from. 

Jan 09, 2017 08:52 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Paul,

It is as simple and as rewarding as it looks.  Also some are not suited for this profession.  A

Jan 09, 2017 08:06 AM
Rainer
252,600
Macy Babb ... North Georgia Realtor
Re/Max Around Atlanta Realtor - 404-234-6166 - Cartersville, GA
Realtor, SFR, HUD/REO Certified

I would say they have unrealistic expectations of what "Real Estate" really is, as well as the actual "costs" to being an agent...it's not just lets look at 3 houses and they buy and you get a "HUGE" check .... and some of it also is the education to get licensed does not teach you how to "be" a Real Estate Agent

Jan 09, 2017 07:23 AM
Rainmaker
564,494
Maria Sapio
Keller Williams of Central PA - Carlisle, PA
Real Estate Agent- Carlisle, PA. Mariasapio.com

Lack of steady/predictable income

Jan 09, 2017 07:14 AM
Rainmaker
711,752
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

They are independent contractors who have to work their own schedule to create business. And if they have no closing, they have no income.  This can be a challenge for many.

Jan 09, 2017 07:05 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Any service or sales business would have this as true.

Jan 09, 2017 06:40 AM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

They have visions of grandeur of becoming a millionaire over night

Jan 09, 2017 06:40 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,123
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Death by lack of experience....#1 killer

Jan 09, 2017 06:36 AM
Rainmaker
846,475
Marco Giancola
Beachfront Realty - Miami Beach, FL
Realtor (305)608-1922, Miami Beach Florida

Unfulfilled expectations.

Jan 09, 2017 06:19 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

They are not ready, dont have a built up savings to get through the the learning curve and time it takes to close a deal. Learned to take a test but not sell homes. Chosen a company that does not provide mentoring to teach the agent how to succeed.

Jan 09, 2017 05:42 AM
Rainmaker
7,835,323
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Many are not prepared for the challenges.

Jan 09, 2017 05:16 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Why? Because Brokers are irresponsible and greedy folks.

They suffer NO CONSEQUENCE when their process creates the long enduring failure system. Trump University has the same success rate and that did not turn out well.

The solution is SIMPLE. Unfortunately, way too much new money is being harvested through the existing failure system. 

But, first, one must define, "What is success?"

That is an important question because a great many agents who have not failed do not make a living income.

Jan 09, 2017 04:41 AM
Rainmaker
151,633
Julie Larson Realtor® Sarasota FL 941-284-9826
White Sands Realty Group FL | 941-284-9826 | Serving Sarasota, Manatee & Charlotte Counties - Sarasota, FL
When you're thinking of moving...ThinkSuncoast.com

I don't think they realize all the work that is involved to become successful. Plus, you definitely need to have a financial cushion to keep you going until you start making money.

Jan 09, 2017 04:19 AM
Rainmaker
911,228
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

What exactly is failing? Did they not make any money? Not enough money? Not represent any buyers or tenants? No listings first year? Just decide that real estate wasn't for them after getting a couple listings and representing a couple buyers? Did they get a job but kept their license active?

Jan 09, 2017 02:51 AM