The 5 Biggest Mistakes Agents Are Making in 2025 — And How to Avoid Them
Rory Golod & Ashley Donat
The 2025 market is testing even experienced real estate agents. Inventory is rising, mortgage rates have fluctuated, and buyer hesitancy is growing. While some agents adapt quickly, others get caught in patterns that hold them back.
In a recent Compass webinar, Compass President of Growth and Communications Rory Golod and Head of Coaching Ashley Donat shared the five biggest mistakes agents are making today — and the strategies top performers are using to stay ahead.
1. Misaligned Marketing
The mistake: Treating marketing as a list of transactions rather than a reflection of your brand. Over-reliance on “Just Listed” or “Just Sold” posts without context or story. Ignoring the power of video. Using the same listing marketing approach for years.
The fix:
Make your brand about you — your expertise, values, and how you help clients.
Use storytelling to give context and meaning to your wins.
Get comfortable with video; authenticity matters more than polish.
Refresh listing marketing strategies to match today’s technology and market conditions.
2. Overpricing in a Data-Savvy Market
The mistake: Letting sellers dictate inflated prices without market testing, leading to listings that sit unsold and erode trust.
The fix:
Use pre-marketing strategies like Compass’s three-phase marketing to test pricing privately before going public.
Set expectations early with clear, data-backed education.
Leverage tools and agent feedback to position properties accurately for faster, more profitable sales.
3. Stagnant Growth Strategy
The mistake: Growing without a plan — leading to overwhelm, burnout, and inconsistent income.
The fix:
Build repeatable systems; get processes out of your head and into technology.
Use templates, automation, and AI to handle repetitive tasks.
Focus your time on high-value activities: client relationships, prospecting, and strategic planning.
4. Treating Tech Like a Burden, Not a Lever
The mistake: Avoiding technology out of fear or habit, doing everything manually.
The fix:
Shift your mindset: you’re a business owner first, an agent second.
Delegate or automate tasks that don’t require your direct expertise.
Leverage AI for content creation, client follow-up, and business insights so you can spend more time face-to-face with clients.
5. Doing It All Alone
The mistake: Trying to manage every detail yourself — leading to lost time, missed opportunities, and burnout.
The fix:
Seek quality social support — professional and personal — as “psychological armor.”
Hire an assistant (virtual or in-person) earlier than you think you can afford.
Work with a coach to gain perspective, strategy, and accountability.
Key Takeaway
The difference between agents who thrive and those who just get by often comes down to mindset and systems. In 2025, the winners will be those who embrace change, adopt new tools, and build sustainable, scalable businesses — without losing sight of the relationships that make this industry rewarding
Want to hear more? Let's connect and explore the best strategies for your real estate goals.
Featuring
Rory Golod
Compass President of Growth and Communications
Ashley Donat
Head of Coaching
