7 Things I Wish Every Real Estate Trainer Would Stop Saying
Real talk? Some of the advice floating around in real estate training rooms needs to be retired like, yesterday.
As someone who’s been in the industry for 20+ years and now works with agents every day through Happy Agent Co., I’ve sat through way too many sessions led by well-meaning real estate trainers who are teaching strategies that are either outdated, unrealistic, or downright damaging to agent wellbeing.
If we want agents to succeed and stay in this business long-term, it’s time to evolve the conversation.
So today, we’re diving into the top 7 things I wish every real estate trainer would stop saying, along with what we should be saying instead.
1. “It’s a numbers game, just make more calls.”
The reality? Burnout isn’t a badge of honor. And mindlessly calling 100 people a day doesn’t mean you’re building a sustainable business, it means you’re running on fumes.
Say this instead: “It’s a connection game. Build meaningful relationships, and the numbers will take care of themselves.”
2. “You have to be available 24/7 to succeed.”
This is the fastest path to resentment and agents quitting the industry. We’re not ER doctors. Boundaries are not optional; they’re essential.
Say this instead: “You control the process, your client controls the decisions. Protect your time and energy so you can serve better.”
3. “Just post more on social media.”
Without strategy, more content is just more noise. And when agents feel like they have to show up everywhere, they show up nowhere consistently.
Say this instead: “Get clear on your message and your audience, then show up intentionally where they already hang out.”
4. “You don’t need systems, just hustle.”
Hustle can help you start but it won’t help you scale. You need repeatable systems to build sustainability and sanity.
Say this instead: “Systems = freedom. Get out of your head and into a process that supports your growth.”
Want to train your agents with smarter, more sustainable strategies (that don’t burn them out)? 👉 Book Lindsay Dreyer, real estate trainer + speaker, for your next workshop or CE event.
5. “Fake it till you make it.”
This advice encourages disconnection and imposter syndrome. You don’t need to fake anything, you just need to own where you are and lead with value.
Say this instead: “Confidence comes from clarity and preparation. Show up as you, not a polished version of someone else.”
6. “Everyone is your client.”
Nope. If you’re trying to serve everyone, you’ll connect with no one. You need to niche down, even if it feels scary at first.
Say this instead: “Find your people. Serve them well. That’s how you build a magnetic brand and business.”
7. “You just need to want it more.”
This one makes my blood boil. As if burnout is just a mindset problem. Wanting it isn’t the issue, agents need support, tools, and a path that aligns with their values.
Say this instead: “Let’s help you build a business that fits your life, not one that consumes it.”
Additional Tips + Better Practices for Trainers
✅ Teach agents to build aligned businesses, not cookie-cutter ones
✅ Share strategies that support both income and mental health
✅ Be honest about what’s required but offer realistic solutions
✅ Focus on systems, sustainability, and joy, not just sales
🚫 Stop glorifying burnout
🚫 Stop teaching one-size-fits-all models
🚫 Stop equating hours worked with worth or success
The real estate industry doesn’t need more hype or hustle, it needs honest, human-first training that helps agents stay in this business for the long haul.
And that starts with real estate trainers who are willing to evolve the conversation.
At Happy Agent Co., we teach agents how to build profitable, sustainable, aligned businesses without losing their weekends (or their minds). If you're ready to bring that message to your next event, CE course, or team training…
Let’s ditch the outdated advice and start giving agents what they really need to thrive. 👉 Click here to book Lindsay Dreyer for your next real estate training or workshop.
