Inspired by the festive season and the upcoming Inman conference in New York this January, we thought to share our take on seven of the Inman founder’s list of 2024 objectives – “Brad Inman’s 100 tougher, smarter must-dos for 2024″.

1. Write 2023 on a piece of paper and light it on fire.

Definitely a great one to go into the new year with, minus all the baggage of 2023. There’s been many issues – commission lawsuits, interest rate hikes, and low housing inventory. But we think these challenges will help separate the professionals from the part-time agents. Serious professionals will see it as an opportunity to grow, innovate, and service the clients others unmotivated agents left behind.

2. Lofty goals are for the gods. We mortals just need to get going.

This is sobering advice. The Economic and Strategic Research Group predicts the housing market’s woes will continue such as affordability challenges, the lock-in effect, and a shortage of homes for sale. Agents in this climate should simply continue to do the good work, maintain relationships and be visible on social media. Consistency is the key to success.

3. Listen to your leaders, if they don’t lie to you.

Leadership entails significant responsibilities. In 2023, we witnessed a series of disappointing leadership incidents within prominent real estate companies, ranging from sexual harassment allegations to unethical business practices. It is important to recognize that bigger is not necessarily better. The essence lies in specialization, and local markets offer unique niches. Such as Inman mentions in his next point.

4. Find a niche, and serve it better than anyone else.

Sometimes you’ll find the extraordinary in the ordinary. Immerse yourself in your neighborhood, in your community, become its real estate expert. Join a boutique brokerage that offer personal service with big brokerage support. A more focused community approach backed by a great support structure may open new doors.

5. Watch TikTok before preparing your 2024 business plan.

We are not on TikTok but we will talk to our marketing team about this one. Alexander Zakharin’s story is a brilliant example of how far perseverance, personality, and innovative use of social media will get you. And while on the subject of authentic personal marketing, see Matt Lionetti’s story here. The take home? Sell yourself, don’t try to be someone else.

6. Remember that helping people own a home is a spectacular profession.

We often feel unappreciated as real estate professionals. Clients don’t realize how much is required to provide consistent professional service. Remember we don’t sell handbags, furniture or carpets, we help people find a home, a place where they will likely spend the rest of their lives. We do important and valuable work. Be proud.

7. Take your right hand, put it over your left shoulder, and pat yourself on the back.

Need we say more? Well done for making it through 2023. If you made through this year, you can make it through any year!

Find all of Brad Inman’s gems here.

Photo credit: Matt Barnes and Nikki Ross
Source: Inman