Let’s be real. 2025 sucked. And 2024 wasn’t much better. And the year before that? Yeah… get over it.
This year will go down as one of the worst in recent real estate history. Did the market crash? Did values plummet? No. But for the past three years, we’ve been in a housing recession. Transactions are at record lows. In a normal year, the U.S. sees about 6.5 million transactions. The past three years? Roughly 4 million. That’s essentially a lost year of business.
Why? Buyers aren’t willing - or able - to overpay for homes that need work. Sellers? Many aren’t motivated to do what it takes. Some think they can sell a house with a hole in the roof for top dollar. Others are sitting on equity with low interest rates, feeling zero pressure to move. It’s a stalemate... a Wild West stand-off that’s keeping sales painfully low.
The good news? There’s a light at the end of the tunnel. And I’m not going to drown you in charts and stats. This is for you! The agent grinding every day to provide for your family, the one going big or going home, wondering if maybe it’s time to quit. This is where it matters. This is where you dig deep and decide if you’re going to win. Are you going to quit? Are you going to let someone hang an “L” around your neck? NO.
Word of the Year: Operate
This year, my word was Simplify. I spent most of 2025 figuring out what worked, what didn’t, and stripping away the noise. I even wrote “Simplify” on my bathroom mirror so every morning it reminded me to keep my day, and my business, simple.
Looking ahead to 2026, my word is Operate. I’ve simplified my business. Next year, I’m not adding anything new. I’m just going to operate... execute the plan I’ve built and make it count.
Step 1: Watch the Film
NFL teams don’t take Mondays off after a Sunday game. They hit the film room. They analyze plays, what worked, what didn’t, and plan for next week. Real estate works the same way.
Take a hard look at 2025:
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Lead Gen Systems: Which ones actually brought in clients? Do you have 2–3 primary systems and a few backups? Keep it simple.
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Past Clients & Sphere Referrals: Are you nurturing your VIPs effectively?
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Social Media & Networking: What worked, what didn’t?
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Follow-Up: Did you do everything possible to win your prospects? If not, what can you improve?
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Budget: Review your P&L with a fine-tooth comb. Where did you overspend? What subscriptions were useless? What gave the highest return?
Step one is about clarity. Know what’s working so you can build on it.
Step 2: Cut the Waste
Now that you’ve watched the tape on 2025, it’s time to cut the waste:
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Lead Gen & Follow-Up: Stop paying for campaigns, leads, or automated systems that fail. If a virtual or AI assistant leaves clients feeling uncared for, ditch it.
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Financial Waste: Cancel subscriptions or tools that don’t deliver. Swap ROI for ROTI—return on time invested.
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Relationships: Even great people can hold you back. If it’s hurting your business, it’s time to make tough choices.
This is where you protect your business and your ability to thrive.
Step 3: Build Your Battle Plan
Before you go into the market, know what fight you’re up against:
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Negative Headlines: Fear sells. Ignore the noise.
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Amateur Agents: Some clients will choose cheaper agents and have a bad experience. Be ready to show why working with you is worth it.
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Haters: Social media, critics, even government agencies may blame Realtors for things outside your control. Block it out.
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Loved Ones: Not everyone will support your hustle. Your broker, friends, or family might question your choices. Prep your team and protect your mindset.
Think like the Navy before deployment: train, plan, and prepare for every scenario. Study the market, know your systems, block out distractions, and assemble a team that supports your success. Evaluate your brokerage too... is the culture right? Are they giving you what you need to hit your goals?
Step 4: Operate
Now it’s time to execute. Use the next week to finalize your evaluation, then take the remaining six weeks of the year to put your plan into action. Don’t wait for New Year’s Eve. Start today.
Yes, take time for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Celebrate. Relax. But don’t turn the holidays into “holi-months.” Use the seasonal slow-down to prep, activate, and start 2026 strong.
Get on a Good Team
If you’re a Jacksonville agent looking to take your business from good to great in 2026, consider Someday Homes Realty & Construction.
We’re a boutique brokerage focused on quality over quantity. No fluff, no gimmicks. Just great culture, support, and results. In the past five years, we’ve sold over $107 million in volume (that doesn't include off market transactions) and even build luxury homes up and down the beaches.
If you want a brokerage that supports your goals, your investments, and helps you get off the sales hamster wheel, Someday Homes Realty might be the right fit. Visit https://www.riggsgroupfl.com/join-our-team/ to learn more.
