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Privacy Policy


Privacy Policy Consent

Use of the data that you provide to us, or which is collected by us on or through our Website is governed by this Privacy Policy. By using our Website, you consent to this Privacy Policy.

Submission, Storage, and Sharing of Personal Data

We may seek personal data including your name, e-mail address, and other contact information, namely when you take actions such as subscribe to our newsletter, join our private forum(s), comment on our blog, use this Website, and/or purchase our Programs, Products or Services or contact us. This information is used to contact you about the Program, Products or Services for which you have expressed interest. By you providing such information to us, you grant us permission to use and store such information. We, in turn, will use our best efforts to keep such information safe and secure.

Your information is stored through a data management system. Your information can only be accessed by those who help manage that information in order to deliver e-mail or otherwise contact those who would like to receive our correspondence.

There may be an occasion where we may ask for demographic information such as gender or age, etc., to personalize our programs or correspondence, or to distinguish adults from minors, but if you choose not to provide such personally identifiable data and information, you may still use the Website, but will not be able to use those services where such information may be required.

Confidentiality

We aim to keep the personal information that you share with us confidential.
Please note that we may disclose personal information if required to do so by law or in the good-faith belief that such action is necessary to (a) conform to the edicts of the law or comply with legal process served on us, our partners, sponsors, investors, or affiliates; (b) protect and defend our rights or property or those of our users; and (c) act as immediately necessary in order to protect the personal safety of our users or the public.

Note that whenever you voluntarily make your personal information available for viewing by third parties online, such as on blogs, message boards, emails, or in chat areas, the information you share also can be seen, collected and used by third parties, and therefore, we cannot be responsible for any unauthorized third-party use of such information that you voluntarily share.

Passwords

To use certain features of the Website, you may need a username and password. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of the password and account and are responsible for all activities (whether by you or by others) that occur under your password or account. You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your password or account or any other breach of security, and to ensure that you exit from your account at the end of each session.

It is your responsibility to protect your own password from disclosure to others. We cannot and will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to protect your password or account information. You are responsible for activities that take place using your password(s) and within your account. If you share your password(s) with anyone, they may be able to obtain access to your personal information at your own risk.

By using our Website, you agree to enter true and accurate information on the Website. If you enter a bogus email address, we have the right to immediately inactivate your account.

We will use our best efforts to keep your password(s) private and will not otherwise share your password(s) without your consent, except as necessary when the law requires it or in the good faith belief that such action is necessary, particularly when disclosure is necessary to identify, contact or bring legal action against someone who may be causing injury to others or interfering with our rights or property.

Unsubscribe

You may unsubscribe to our e-newsletters or updates at any time through the unsubscribe link in the footer of all e-mail communications.

We manage e-mail lists through a list management system. Unsubscribing from one list managed by us will not necessarily remove you from all publication email lists. If you have questions or are experiencing problems unsubscribing, please contact us at

YOUR EMAIL FOR SUPPORT GOES HERE

Anti-Spam Policy

We have taken the necessary steps to ensure that we are compliant with the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 by never sending out misleading information. We have a no spam policy and provide you with the ability to opt-out of our communications by selecting the unsubscribe link at the footer of all e-mails. We will not sell, rent or share your email address..

Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act Compliance

We are in compliance with the requirements of COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act), and we do not collect any information from anyone under 13 years of age. Our Website, Programs, Products, and Services are all directed to people who are at least 13 years old or older.

Anonymous Data Collection and Use

To maintain our Website’s high quality, we may use your IP address to help diagnose problems with our server and to administer the Website by identifying which areas of the Website are most heavily used, and to display content according to your preferences. Your IP address is the number assigned to computers connected to the Internet. This is essentially “traffic data” which cannot personally identify you, but is helpful to us for marketing purposes and for improving our services.

Traffic data collection does not follow a user’s activities on any other websites in any way. Anonymous traffic data may also be shared with business partners and advertisers on an aggregate basis.

Use of “Cookies”

We may use the standard “cookies” feature of major web browsers. Cookies are small pieces of data stored on your computer that contain information about the user. We do not set any personally identifiable information in cookies, nor do we employ any data-capture mechanisms on our Website other than cookies.

Cookies help us learn which areas of our Website are useful and which areas need improvement. You may choose to disable cookies through your web browser’s settings. However, disabling this function may diminish your experience on the Website and some features may not work as intended.

Cookie information is only used when communicating with users as per their indicated preferences and as needed for service-related communications. Third party content that may be displayed on our site may also contain their own cookies, but we have no access to or control over any information collected by third parties through our Website.

Privacy Policies of Third Party Links

Occasionally, at our discretion, we may include or offer third party programs, products or services on our Website. These third-party Websites have separate and independent privacy policies. We, therefore, have no responsibility or liability for the content and activities of these linked sites, and thus we cannot be held liable for the information on their Website or that you voluntarily share with their Website. Nonetheless, we seek to protect the integrity of our Website, and we welcome any feedback about these Web sites.

Assignment of Rights

In the event of an assignment, sale, joint venture, or other transfer of some or all of our assets, you agree we can assign, sell, license or transfer any information that you have provided to us. Please note, however, that any purchasing party is prohibited from using the personal data and information submitted to us under this Privacy Policy in a manner that is materially inconsistent with this Privacy Policy without your prior consent.

Notification of Changes

We may use your contact information to inform you of changes to the Website, or, if requested, to send you additional information about us. We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to change, modify or otherwise alter this Privacy Policy at any time. Such changes and/or modifications shall become effective immediately upon the posting thereof.

Continued use of any of our Programs, Products or Services, or information obtained through or on the Website following the posting of changes and/or modifications constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.

If you have any questions, please contact us at YOUR SUPPORT EMAIL GOES HERE

Many real estate brokers fail within the first few years

Why Some Real Estate Brokers Fail & How to Avoid It

June 09, 20256 min read

Why Some Real Estate Brokers Fail (And How to Make Sure You Don't)

Becoming a real estate broker sounds like a dream gig. Flexible schedule? Check. High-income potential? Check. The ability to be your boss? Double-check. But here's the not-so-glamorous truth: many brokers don't make it past the first few years. Some barely make it past year one. Why? Because success in real estate isn't just about passing an exam and getting a license—it's about building a sustainable business.

So, what separates successful real estate brokers from those who throw in the towel? Let's break down the biggest reasons brokers fail and, more importantly, how to avoid making the same mistakes.

1. Lack of a Clear Business Plan

Many aspiring brokers dive in headfirst without a solid plan. They assume that having their real estate broker license means the deals will start rolling in. Spoiler alert: They won't. A business without a plan is like driving without a map—you'll end up lost, frustrated, and out of gas.

Why This Leads to Failure

  • No direction means no progress and wasted effort.

  • Without goals, it's easy to lose motivation and give up.

  • Lack of structure makes it hard to measure what's working and what's not.

How to Avoid This

  • Set realistic goals (monthly income, lead generation, closing targets).

  • Create a roadmap for marketing, client outreach, and follow-ups.

  • Track your progress and adjust your strategy based on what works best.

2. Poor Lead Generation (AKA Not Having Enough Clients)

What is the biggest reason brokers fail? Not enough clients. Without leads, there are no sales. Without sales, there’s no commission. And without commission… well, you get the idea. Many brokers rely too much on their networks, only to realize that’s not enough to sustain a business.

Why This Leads to Failure

  • Relying only on family and friends limits growth.

  • No lead pipeline means unpredictable income.

  • Brokers who don't market themselves get forgotten fast.

How to Avoid This

  • Use social media to establish yourself as an expert in your niche.

  • Networking, like your career, depends on it.

  • Join a broker referral program to earn commissions without selling homes.

  • Invest in lead generation tools and real estate CRMs to keep prospects organized.

3. Not Understanding Broker License Requirements and Continuing Education

Many brokers think their education ends after passing the real estate license exam. But real estate laws, market trends, and industry best practices change constantly. If you’re not keeping up, you’re falling behind. A lack of ongoing learning can make you seem out of touch and unreliable.

Why This Leads to Failure

  • Failing to renew licenses means losing business opportunities.

  • Outdated knowledge makes clients lose confidence in you.

  • Competitors who stay updated will always have the upper hand.

How to Avoid This

  • Stay updated on broker license requirements in your state.

  • Take real estate broker education courses to stay competitive.

  • Attend industry conferences, webinars, and networking events to stay ahead.

4. Poor Financial Management

A real estate commission check can feel like winning the lottery. But you could struggle between deals if you don’t manage your money wisely. Many brokers fail because they don’t plan for slow months or unexpected expenses.

Why This Leads to Failure

  • Inconsistent income leads to financial stress and panic decisions.

  • Overspending on marketing without a strategy drains funds quickly.

  • No savings means no safety net when the market slows down.

How to Avoid This

  • Set aside at least 20-30% of each commission for taxes.

  • Create a budget that includes marketing, education, and savings.

  • Build multiple income streams (like real estate referral services) for extra security.

5. Weak Negotiation and Communication Skills

You can have all the leads worldwide, but none matters if you can’t close deals. Poor negotiation and communication skills will sink your real estate career faster than a bad Yelp review. Clients want to feel confident in their broker’s ability to get the best deal.

Why This Leads to Failure

  • Losing deals due to poor communication with clients.

  • Misunderstandings lead to unhappy buyers and sellers.

  • Weak negotiation skills result in lower commissions and missed opportunities.

How to Avoid This

  • Take sales training courses to refine your approach.

  • Listen more than you speak—understanding clients’ needs is key.

  • Learn how to handle objections with confidence and professionalism.

6. Ignoring the Power of Referrals

Many brokers underestimate the power of a good referral network. Referrals are the easiest, most cost-effective way to get high-quality leads. A satisfied client can be your best marketing tool, sending new business your way without any extra effort.

Why This Leads to Failure

  • Relying only on cold leads makes growth harder.

  • A lack of a referral system means fewer repeat clients and lost income.

  • Agents miss out on easy commission from a referral fee percentage.

How to Avoid This

  • Ask past clients for referrals—happy clients are your best advocates.

  • Join a real estate referral services program to expand your reach.

  • Partner with local businesses for mutual referrals and increased visibility.

7. Lack of Patience and Unrealistic Expectations

Real estate success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes months—sometimes years—to build a steady stream of clients and closings. Many brokers quit too soon because they expect instant results.

Why This Leads to Failure

  • New brokers get discouraged when success isn’t instant.

  • Unrealistic expectations lead to burnout and frustration.

  • Impatience results in rushed, bad business decisions.

How to Avoid This

  • Give yourself at least 6-12 months to build momentum.

  • Set long-term goals, not just short-term wins.

  • Celebrate small victories to stay motivated along the way.

8. Not Joining the Right Brokerage or Referral Network

Where you place your license matters; not every brokerage is the right fit, especially if you want flexibility and passive income opportunities. Choosing the wrong brokerage can mean high fees, little support, and limited earning potential.

Why This Leads to Failure

  • Traditional brokerages take high commission splits, cutting into earnings.

  • No mentorship or support leaves new brokers struggling to find success.

  • Limited opportunities for passive income restrict long-term growth.

How to Avoid This

  • Choose a brokerage that aligns with your goals and lifestyle.

  • Consider joining a real estate referral brokerage like IREN.

  • Look for a brokerage that offers flexibility, mentorship, and a strong network.

Final Thoughts: Set Yourself Up for Success

Most Illinois real estate brokers fail because they aren't prepared for the reality of the business. But that doesn't have to be your story. Avoid the common mistakes, build a solid strategy, and focus on consistency.

Whether you’re actively selling homes or getting a broker referral program, there are plenty of ways to succeed in this industry. The brokers who thrive aren’t necessarily the smartest or most experienced. They’re the ones who plan, keep learning, and adapt to the ever-changing real estate landscape.

Want to earn commissions without the hassle of selling?

Consider joining a real estate referral brokerage like IREN, where you can make money by referring clients. No open houses, no late-night calls, just pure referral income.

Ready to get started? Let's talk!


Real Estate BrokerIllinois real estate brokersBroker license requirementsBecoming a real estate brokerSuccessful real estate brokersReal estate license exam
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Stephanie Krol

Dr. S. has a proven reputation of excellence & professionalism alike among clients & peers, in Higher Education Administration (Chicago-land market), and is a Publishing Services Provider. Krol is a well-known Multi-Award-Winning Educator (Professor, Speaker, Curriculum & Training Developer, & sought after Allied Health-Higher Education Dean (school turn around expert), while Investing & Brokering over the last 25+years, because of her proven market knowledge, integrity, and personalized approach. She transitioned into Publishing services, and enjoys advocating for authors, is a #1 Best-Selling National and International Author, a Certified Raw Dog Food Nutrition Specialist, and an entrepreneur. Dr. S. is: ➰a Boutique Publishing Services Provider, and Founder of Riley-Infinity & Lemniscate-Infinity Press ➰An Amazon Best Selling, & National Multi-Award-Winning Author (What the Pet Food Industry IS NOT Telling You…) ➰a Health Advocate (Functional Medicine Practitioner) ➰a Co-owner of a Real Estate School (Nationwide) Featured in many articles, podcasts, radio & TV relative to her functional medicine background, pet health & wellness consulting and publishing. She was inducted into The Marquis Who’s Who Publication Board. Her clients books have won a NYC Big Books Award, Silver, and BIBA. Her book has won 2022 Gold-NYC Big Books Award, Distinguished Favorite for Nonfiction Book Cover, 2022 Gold-Nonfiction Author’s Association, Living Now Award-Gold 2022 (IPPY), IBPA Benjamin Franklin, Silver Award 2022 & Independent Press Award 2022. She has very positive professional reviews (Kirkus, BookLife/Publishers Weekly, Blue Ink & The Wishing Shelf). She partners with: other publishing service providers, and independent authors, managing books for High-end Influencers, & Speakers all the way to a la cart folks creating DIY beautiful legacy books for their families. From fiction, to non-fiction, political, business, Ph.D. peers & higher educators alike, to decades long systematic world changers, children’s book writers, working with those passionate about their books, positively moved to change the world! Passionate about reversing disease & pain in dogs, cats & horses around the world, by changing the conversation from yearly vet visits to what we put in and on our pets daily!

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Wheaton, Illinois 60523. © Catalyst Group, Inc., 2016. All Rights Reserved.


Wheaton, Illinois 60523. © Catalyst Group, Inc., 2016. All Rights Reserved.