Agent Success Check-In: 9 Strategic Areas to Evaluate Your Business After Q1

As we wrap up the first quarter of 2025, it is essential to pause and honestly evaluate your Real Estate Business. The pace of daily activities can sometimes distract us from assessing what's truly driving our success - or holding us back. In this insightful article, Broker/Owner Craig Summerall outlines nine critical check-in areas agents must review regularly, emphasizing the importance of structure, consistency, and accountability. If you are serious about growing your Real Estate career and staying ahead of industry shifts, his guidance is for you.  

Time for a Q1 Check-In

--- Written by Craig Summerall, Broker/Owner of EXIT Real Estate Consultants 

It’s the end of the first quarter, and while it can be a tough conversation to have with yourself, now is the perfect time to assess your business and see where you stand. 

But don’t just have this conversation with yourself - have it with your broker, too. 

Why? Because let’s be honest: when we ask fellow agents for advice, they might not always be willing to address the hard truths. Your broker, on the other hand, can offer an unbiased and honest overview of your business - especially your daily activities. What’s working? What isn’t? What needs to change? 

In Real Estate, success can almost always be traced back to consistent activity. And when things aren’t going well, the root cause is often a pile of excuses rather than a lack of ability. 

After 24 years in Real Estate, here’s something I know for sure: a narrow, singular focus will hurt you. A successful career in this business comes from a balanced approach - one that combines proven, consistent activities across multiple areas. 

So, what kind of topics should you be reviewing in your Q1 check-in? 

Daily Activities - What are you doing consistently each day to grow your business? If you're just waking up and “seeing what happens,” that’s a red flag. You need structure. Activity is everything. 

Daily Schedule - What time are you starting your day? Are you going to the office? Real estate is a job - treat it like one. If you give it the respect of a job, it will reward you with a real career. So: get up, get dressed, and get out of the house. 

Lead Generation - This should be at the core of everything you do. No matter how you spin it, real estate is a lead generation business. 

Marketing - Be careful here. Don’t fall into the trap of spending all your time “working on marketing.” I’ve seen agents stay busy with marketing, but not productive. It’s important, yes - but not the main event. At the end of the day, nearly everything you do in real estate is marketing in some form. 

Social Media - What’s your presence like? Who is it reaching? Choose the platform that fits you best, then develop a strategy for content that actually engages people. 

Open Houses - Should this be part of your plan? I’ve seen many agents build serious momentum through open houses. It’s a great way to meet people, build relationships, and practice your conversations. 

Past Clients & Sphere - What are you doing to stay in touch with this group? For most agents, this is the single largest untapped source of consistent business. 

Trainings - Are you regularly learning something new? Even your broker check-in counts as training. The industry is always evolving - stay sharp. 

Community Involvement - This one’s been said a million times, but it’s worth repeating: don’t be a secret agent. Get out there and get involved in your community. 

Taking the time to conduct a thorough Quarterly Check-In takes real courage and signals your commitment to excellence. By engaging in this process, you invest in yourself and affirm that you are a Dedicated Real Estate Professional - one who works with purpose and discipline, Not merely on a whim. Embrace this reflective exercise as a strategic step toward renewed focus and continuous success in your career. 

Author: Craig Summerall is Broker/Owner of EXIT Real Estate Consultants, serving Greater Columbia, Lexington, and surrounding South Carolina communities. With 20+ years in Real Estate Leadership, Craig focuses on innovative marketing, advanced technology, and comprehensive training to empower his agents and better serve clients. He is actively involved in local organizations and is recognized as a Life Member of the Central Carolina REALTORs® Circle of Excellence. Reach Craig to learn more about how he and his team can support your Real Estate Goals. 

---  Some Quotes and Affirmations to consider below Graphic:

Excuses rarely build careers; Consistent Activities do. Replace excuses with Purposeful Daily Action, and watch your Real Estate business Grow in Measurable Ways.

Reflect on these Quotes and Affirmations -- I invite you to write a few of your own:

Quote: “Consistent Daily Activities form the backbone of your Real Estate Success - structure each day Intentionally, and your business will reward your Discipline.” 

Quote: “Real Estate success demands lifelong learning. Commit regularly to professional growth opportunities and trainings to stay sharp, adaptive, and ahead of industry changes.” 

Affirmation: “I treat Real Estate as my Full-Time Profession and Career; my Discipline and Daily Habits reflect my commitment to excellence.” 

Affirmation: “My Past Clients and Sphere of Influence are valuable connections - I consistently Nurture these relationships to Grow my Real Estate Business.” 

Affirmation: “I Proactively seek honest feedback and Accountability in my business, knowing it strengthens my Growth and Success as a Real Estate Professional.” 

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