“Should I stay or should I go?” 5 Questions Agents Should Ask

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The holidays are over, and the new year is here. As you jump feet first into 2025, it is important to pause and assess your situation to see if you are set up for success this year.

The goal is to get clear on what you need from the vendor – the one you currently work with or are considering working with.

The focus should be on determining what you need from a salesperson to meet your goals. That requires getting into the weeds of your current business. Here are five questions to get you started:

1. Where is my business coming from right now?

Have you been successful in converting the leads the company has produced? Are your company’s marketing resources giving you enough visibility? Does your broker offer you a CRM system to help you stay in touch with your sphere? Are the firm’s learning and professional development offerings helpful?

Doing a deep dive like this can help you find out what has the biggest impact on your business. Then, you want to determine if your broker can help you lean even further. If not, can a thoughtful seller help you in this area?

2. What is the biggest hole in my business today?

Are you looking to expand your client base in a specific area such as luxury or new homes, or do you want to reach a specific area or price point? Are you interested in working with relocation clients? Can access to loan sources and title make a difference to your business?

How supportive is your vendor in filling these gaps so you can move the needle on your business? Can another vendor provide additional support in filling these opportunity gaps in your business?

3. What is the one thing I really want to do but can’t?

Is your dealer in a position to support you in this regard? Have you ever asked for support from your dealer? If not, what is holding you back?

I recently spoke with an agent who had great success at open houses where he put up large “open house” balloon letters in front of the home. In addition to the $300 cost per open house, the time required was significant, so he couldn’t do it for every open house. A simple conversation with his salesman resulted in a solution that supports this agent’s business.

4. By Dec. 31, 2025. Where do I want to be?

Working through the first three questions should give you a deeper understanding of your current business, the opportunity gaps that exist and your desires for how to grow your business.

Now think carefully: Do you see your salesperson helping you get there? Can the seller you are considering achieve this?

5. What do I like about my current broker or brokerage, and am I willing to leave that behind?

Company culture is a big factor and I encourage you to make this part of your consideration set when considering whether to stay with your current company or move to another. Yes, I always talk about my goal of helping agents make more money and live a better life, but both of these things are equally important.

If you leave a supportive culture for greater competition, you may make more money, but you may be miserable. I know I will be! If you’re in this business to truly help people live their best lives, then a company that leads by this philosophy may be more aligned with your overall goals.

Yes, it is important to grow your business but not if you have to move away from what is really important to you.

The new year is always a good time to think about your goals and the support you need to achieve them. Asking yourself these five questions is a good way to decide whether you should stay or go. Have the confidence to know what you need and ask for it, so you can crush it in 2025.

Alex Vidal is the president of ERA Real Estate.