As 2024 wraps up and we edge closer to 2025, it’s time for some hard-hitting introspection, especially in terms of career trajectory and financial goals. My guess is that after a tough 2024, a majority of agents didn’t hit their financial goals. 2025 is looking a lot like more of the same, so you’re not going to hit your goals doing the same thing in 2025.

So here’s the question: for 2025, will you choose ego, or will you choose income?

Last year was tough for many in the industry, and projections suggest that 2025 may only show marginal improvements. If you’re aiming for more than just marginal gains in your business and finances, perhaps it’s time to consider a shift in strategy—one that might involve setting aside personal pride to explore new avenues for growth.

One in Four Realtors Choose Finances

If you willing to check your ego in pursuit of more sales, have you considered a sales team? Statistically speaking, joining a sales team is no longer an exception but a considerable trend in the real estate industry. According to the National Association of Realtors, 26% of all real estate agents are now part of a sales team. This shift is largely because a well-oiled sales team offers extensive resources, opportunities, training, and support, enabling agents to accelerate their income and career growth.

Why Sales Teams?

1. Resources and Support: Sales teams often come equipped with administrative support, marketing expertise, and advanced technology tools that individual agents might find too expensive or time-consuming to manage or stay consistent with on their own.
2. Shared Knowledge and Experience: Being part of a team allows you to benefit from the collective experience and knowledge of other team members. This can be particularly valuable in navigating complex transactions or challenging market conditions.
3. Increased Exposure and Business Opportunities: Teams often handle a higher volume of listings and generate their own sales leads, both of which increase the health of your sales pipeline.
4. Structured Training Programs: Many teams provide structured training and mentoring programs that can be crucial for newer agents or those looking to polish their skills in specific areas of real estate.

Ego vs. Income

The biggest hurdle to joining a team is resistance to change and the perceived loss of personal brand. After all, our country has always celebrated the ‘rugged individualist’, who is ‘self-made’. However, this mindset is limiting. Because the reality is that no one succeeds alone. In fact, the question to ask yourself is: Is maintaining your independence (and ego) worth the potential opportunity cost of more sales and improved net income?

If your production in 2024 didn’t meet your expectations, sticking to the same strategy won’t produce very different results in 2025. Consider this: is your ego holding you back from exploring a team-based approach that could potentially scale your business much faster?

Making the Leap

If you’re open to exploring this option, whether in Cincinnati or elsewhere, reach out. Let’s discuss what joining a team could look like for you. We can review your business, assess your goals, and explore possible paths that could enhance your production and, ultimately, your financial well-being.

Choosing to join a team isn’t about giving up on your dreams—it’s about strategically partnering with others to realize them. As we move into the new year, give yourself the flexibility to explore every avenue that could lead to greater success. Let 2025 be the year you choose strategic growth over stagnation, and income over ego. And remember – exploring the option doesn’t mean you’re committing to it! If you have questions or need guidance, simply reach out! I love having these conversations and am happy to help you determine if a team is the move for your finances in 2025.