My youngest grandson recently obtained his California Real Estate License! Since he isn’t financially able to become an agent right now, he placed his license with one of the many referral companies at my suggestion.

What I want him to do now in preparation for his new career is to learn how to generate business before he knows how to do a transaction.

So, I asked ChatGPT to create a day-in-the-life scenario for a new agent and then come up with the ONE thing that would guarantee success. I completely agree with the scenario and am 100% aligned with the “One Thing! ” And it’s not what you may be thinking!  

Read on!

Let’s say it’s your third week as a newly licensed real estate agent. The ink is barely dry on your license, you’ve got a shiny new headshot, and your business cards just arrived from the printer (yes, you spelled your name right—whew). Now what?

Here’s a typical day—and one simple, powerful habit that could make all the difference in your career.

6:30 AM – Rise and… panic?

You wake up early because you’ve read that “successful agents start their day before the sun.” So you sip your coffee while scrolling through real estate memes on Instagram and thinking What have I gotten myself into?

Spoiler alert: You’re not alone. Every agent has felt that moment of “now what?”

7:30 AM – Planning and prep

This is where you block out your day. A little journaling, maybe a goal check-in, then you scan your calendar. It’s probably still a little… empty. But that’s okay. You fill it anyway—prospecting, social media marketing, training, follow-ups. Structure first. Chaos later.

9:00 AM – Lead generation hustle

Time to reach out. Cold calls? Maybe. Circle prospecting? Could be. But most likely, you’re texting everyone you know something like:

“Hey! I just started a new career in real estate. If you or anyone you know needs help buying or selling, I’d love to help!”

It’s awkward but necessary. You’re planting seeds now that will grow if you keep showing up.

11:00 AM – Training or office time

New agents are knowledge sponges. Whether it’s an MLS workshop, broker-led training, or a YouTube binge on “How to Host an Open House,” you’re soaking up as much as possible. Bonus points if you’re shadowing a more experienced agent or tagging along on showings.

12:30 PM – Lunch and networking

Lunch isn’t just lunch anymore. It’s a networking opportunity. Meet a lender. Chat with your mentor. Reconnect with a friend over coffee and casually mention your new gig. Every conversation counts.

2:00 PM – Marketing yourself

It’s time to update your social media. Maybe it’s a “Just got my license!” post (hey, ride that wave), or a Reel about your favorite coffee shop near downtown listings. You’re not just selling homes—you’re selling you.

4:00 PM – Client follow-ups or showing prep

You may not have a client yet, but you’re getting ready. You follow up with a lead from last week’s open house. You draft a thoughtful email or DM. You preview a property. You act like you’ve got business—because soon, you will.

6:00 PM – Showings, Open Houses, or more calls

Evenings are prime time. Buyers want to see homes after work. 

Sellers want updates. Or maybe you’re hosting your first open house, greeting every visitor like they’re your new best friend. This is when the magic starts to happen.

8:30 PM – Reflection and recharge

You wind down by reviewing the day. Did you have a meaningful conversation? Did you show up? Did you learn something new? 

That’s how you build momentum—brick by brick.

The Single Most Powerful Thing You Can Do Daily

Here it is—the one game-changing habit that every new agent should add to their day:

Have at least one real estate conversation with a real person, every single day.

Simple? Yes. Easy? Not always. But incredibly effective? Absolutely.

This could be:

• A call to a past client or friend.

• A DM to someone engaging with your content.

• A chat with your neighbor about the market.

• A follow-up with someone from an open house.

You don’t need to be pushy. Just be real. Ask questions. Be helpful. Share insights. Let them know you’re here to serve.

Do this every day and you’ll be shocked at how fast things start to happen. Referrals, opportunities, even listings—all from conversations.

Final Thoughts

Being a new agent is like being an entrepreneur with a real estate license. Some days are full-throttle, and others feel like crickets. 

But if you show up every day and have just one real estate conversation, you’ll separate yourself from the 90% of agents who are “too busy” updating their Canva templates.

So here’s your challenge: One real estate convo a day. Every day. No excuses.

Do that, and you’ll write your own “day in the life” story—complete with closings, commission checks, and a little more swagger in your step.

Bonus:  For you high achievers, why not shoot for five conversations (or more) every day?

Now, go out there and start talking.