First Experiences as a Real Estate Agent: Challenges, Tasks, and Opportunities

Why Choose a Career in Real Estate

Becoming a real estate agent means choosing a profession that is constantly evolving, where no two days are ever the same. It’s a career that demands initiative and organisational skills, but at the same time offers great personal and financial rewards. Beyond the potential for attractive earnings, it is also a path that allows you to grow professionally and build a valuable network.

Many people are drawn to this career because of its variety: meeting clients, analyzing the market, visiting properties, and managing negotiations; this dynamic keeps motivation high. Most importantly, it’s the direct contact with people that makes this profession so special: guiding families, couples, and professionals in choosing their home means becoming part of significant moments in their lives and helping turn their dreams into reality.

If you’d like to dive deeper, we’ve also put together an article on the five reasons to become a real estate agent.

The Main Challenges in the Early Stages

Every new beginning comes with its challenges. In the first few months, a real estate agent must learn how to build a solid network of contacts. Without strong relationships, with clients, property owners, and other professionals in the field, it’s challenging to unlock new opportunities. This is a role that demands consistency, active listening, and availability.

Another step is handling the first negotiations. Sitting down with a client who is buying or selling a property means managing expectations, emotions, and often conflicting interests. It’s not uncommon for these early experiences to bring uncertainty, but they are also the moments where you learn to remain calm, communicate clearly, and find balanced solutions.

Finally, competition should never be underestimated: the real estate market is highly competitive, and to stand out you need professionalism, attention to detail, and a service that is both attentive and transparent.

The Key Tasks of a New Real Estate Agent

The first activities of a real estate agent are what lay the foundation for their career. Property search and acquisition are the starting point: learning how to spot promising opportunities, correctly evaluate a property, and earn the trust of property owners to secure the listing, are all skills that require time and experience to master.

Equally important is the preparation and presentation of listings. Clear, accurate descriptions paired with professional images can make all the difference in capturing the attention of potential buyers. Added to this is the organization of viewings: from punctuality to the way a property is presented, every detail helps convey reliability and professionalism.

Finally, there is client management: being available, answering questions thoroughly, and building trust-based relationships are essential elements for creating long-lasting connections.

For example, a new agent might simultaneously assist a young couple searching for their first home and a professional looking to invest in a rental property. These are two very different needs that require attentive listening, flexibility, and the ability to adapt communication to each context.

Key skills to develop 

A successful real estate agent doesn’t happen by chance. From the very beginning, it’s essential to develop a set of core skills that drive professional growth:

• Communication and listening skills: understanding the client’s needs, their desires, and turning them into concrete solutions.

• Knowledge of the local market: keeping track of prices, identifying areas of high-demand, and staying updated on regulations to provide reliable advice.

• Negotiation and problem-solving: approaching negotiations with clarity and proposing creative alternatives when talks reach a standstill.

• Digital skills: mastering online marketing tools and digital platforms to expand visibility and reputation.

Cultivating these skills not only improves performance but also builds a solid, recognizable professional profile in the market.

If you’d like to learn more, read our article on therequirements for becoming a real estate agent.

In addition, there are specific steps you need to follow to officially enter the profession, our in-depth article outlines all the necessary stages.

Engel & Völkers Support for New Agents

Facing all of this alone can seem overwhelming, but Engel & Völkers guides every new agent with solid, structured support. Training lies at the heart of this journey: dedicated courses, hands-on workshops, and digital programs designed to build technical expertise. Additionally, every new agent receives mentorship from experienced professionals, allowing them to learn in the field by observing and collaborating with colleagues who have years of experience.

On top of this, agents benefit from innovative digital and marketing tools developed at an international level, enabling them to work professionally and efficiently. From CRM platforms for contact management to targeted advertising campaigns, every resource is designed to support consultants from their very first steps.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities with Engel & Völkers

Early difficulties shouldn’t be seen as obstacles, but as opportunities for growth. With Engel & Völkers, every challenge becomes a chance to learn, improve, and build a solid foundation for a long-term career. The company offers a structured path, concrete incentives, and above all, the possibility of developing your career internationally by joining a global network that values talent and dedication.

Becoming a real estate agent with Engel & Völkers means not just starting a profession, but embarking on a journey of personal and professional growth, with the credibility of a globally recognised brand.