Real Estate Agent Reality 2025: Building Relationships Through Ups and Downs
As 2025 comes to a close, I've been reflecting on what it really means to be a real estate agent. This year had everything—strong starts, market shifts, and hard truths about what happens behind the scenes. If you've ever wondered what this career really looks like, or why relationships matter more than transactions, here's an honest look.
How My Year Started
My year started strong with some great sales early on. But then the market shifted. Buyers got cautious. Things slowed down.
This was one of those years where some agents had their best year ever… and others barely made it through.
For me? I stayed steady. I'm grateful for that. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't hope for more.
Some years are about big wins. Some years are about hanging in there. This one was a mix of both.
What Most People Don't Know About Real Estate Agents
A lot of people think they understand what real estate agents do. They see the "SOLD" sign, hear about a commission, and think we just unlock doors and send a few texts.
But here's what most people don't see: we work for free until a deal actually closes.
I can spend weeks or months with a client—showing properties, writing offers, negotiating, dealing with inspections and financing issues—and then the deal falls apart. All that time? All that work? Unpaid.
Here's a real example: I've been working with some clients for five years trying to help them buy a home. When they finally find the right property, yes, I'll get paid. But I've been putting in time and effort for half a decade with nothing to show for it yet.
That's pretty normal in real estate. It's why so many agents don't make it past their first year or two.
Why 2025 Was Tough for Many Agents
I've watched a lot of agents leave the business this year. When the market gets hard and deals take longer or fall through more often, it gets really tough to survive.
So when I say I'm grateful to have stayed solid this year, I really mean it. It wasn't my biggest year ever, but it was steady. And in a year like this? Steady is a blessing.
A New Chapter: Opening Engel & Völkers Reno
One of the biggest blessings of 2025 was opening our new Engel & Völkers Reno shop, where I serve as managing broker.
I'm incredibly grateful to our owner and CEO, Paul Benson, for having faith in me to open this shop and lead our team. That trust means everything to me.
We're already growing, and we serve clients throughout Northern Nevada—Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Incline Village, and the Lake Tahoe area. Building something new while staying true to what matters most—relationships, integrity, and serving clients well—has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career.
This opportunity reminded me that even in slower markets, good things can happen when you stay steady and keep showing up.
Why I Know These Areas Like the Back of My Hand
Being born and raised in Reno-Sparks gives me a different perspective than agents who just moved here. I'm a native Nevadan who grew up in these communities, and now I call Incline Village home at Lake Tahoe.
I know these areas because I've lived them. From Reno and Sparks to Carson City, from the Truckee Meadows to the Lake Tahoe basin—this is my home.
That local knowledge matters when you're helping someone find the right place or marketing a property effectively. I'm not just showing you houses—I'm sharing the places I know and love.
The Clients Who Made It All Worth It
Even in a slower year, I've had some amazing clients. People who trusted me. People who treated me like a friend, not just "the real estate guy."
Right now, I'm working with some truly wonderful people on a significant transaction. I'm grateful not just for the opportunity, but for the kind of people they are. They've been gracious and understanding, and they recognize what it takes to market a home at this level.
That's what reminds me why I love this job. It's not about the transaction. It's about the people. It's about the relationships. It's about making friends along the way.
Balancing Real Estate, Family, and Community
Real estate takes time. Evenings. Weekends. Holidays. The people closest to you feel that.
So as Christmas rolls around, my biggest gratitude isn't about business. It's about my family.
My wife has been my rock through everything—the good months, the slow months, the stress, the uncertainty. My kids keep me grounded and remind me what actually matters.
On top of real estate and family, I've also been coaching football at the high school, running the scoring table for varsity basketball, and coaching boys golf. It's a lot, but it's fulfilling. Those things keep me connected to our community and remind me that success isn't just about closings—it's about showing up and making a difference.
The Truth About Commissions
When you see a real estate agent post about a sale and the price tag, you might think, "Wow, they made a lot of money."
But here's what you don't see:
- The deals that fell apart after months of work—zero dollars
- The hours behind every closing—easily 100+ hours per transaction
- The expenses—gas, marketing, licensing, insurance, technology, professional photos all come out of every commission
When you factor in all the time, effort, and money invested—plus all the deals that didn't close—the reality is very different from what most people imagine.
Why I'm Grateful for 2025
When I look back on this year, I see ups and downs. Strong starts and slower stretches. Lessons learned. Relationships built.
Some years teach you. Some years test you. Some years bless you.
This one did all three.
I'm grateful for every client who trusted me. I'm grateful for Paul Benson and the opportunity to open our Engel & Völkers Reno shop. I'm grateful for the friends I made through transactions. And I'm especially grateful for my family.
Let's Talk About Your Goals
As we head into Christmas, thank you. To my clients—thank you for trusting me. To my team and leadership—thank you for believing in me. To my community—thank you for supporting me. And to my family—thank you for everything.
Merry Christmas.
Real estate is personal. It's not always about doing something right now. Sometimes it's just about having the right person in your corner when you need them.
If you ever want to talk through your real estate goals—whether that's tomorrow or two years from now—I'm here. I'd love to help. And honestly? I'd love to be your friend through the process.
