The 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Real Estate Agent in PA
When I got my real estate license, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what was coming.
I had drive. I had people skills. I figured, “How hard can this be?”
Well… I learned. 😅
Now that I’ve closed hundreds of transactions, built a team, and coached agents from their very first client to six-figure businesses, I can confidently say: there are a few things I wish someone had told me earlier.
If you’re just getting started—or you’re stuck and wondering why it’s not working—these five lessons might save you a lot of time, money, and stress.
1. Your Broker Doesn’t Equal Your Mentor
Just because someone signs your paperwork doesn’t mean they’ll teach you how to grow.
In fact, many agents get licensed, pick a big-name brokerage, and then… disappear. Why? Because they don’t know what to do next and no one is showing them.
🔑 Choose a team and sponsor who are actively producing and actually invested in your success.
At eXp Realty, I make sure agents on my team are trained, mentored, and coached—not just recruited.
2. You Don’t Need to Do Everything Alone
The “lone wolf” agent model is outdated. It’s isolating, inefficient, and leads to burnout fast.
I wish I’d joined a team sooner. One that had:
Systems in place
Scripts to practice
People to brainstorm with
And a roadmap for getting paid consistently
If you're struggling silently—you don't have to. Community matters.
3. Real Estate Is a Business, Not a Job
This one hit hard.
No one tells you that your first few months will be heavy on learning systems, lead generation, marketing, budgeting, and time blocking—not just showing houses and collecting checks.
If you treat real estate like a hobby, it’ll pay you like one.
But treat it like a business? It’ll change your life.
That’s why I equip new agents with CRM training, marketing templates, content plans, and the accountability they need to take off.
4. Success Doesn’t Have to Take 5 Years
People say it takes 3–5 years to really “make it” in real estate. But I’ve watched new agents close deals within 30–60 days—with the right systems and support.
If you’re coachable, consistent, and paired with a team that has volume and mentorship?
You’ll collapse time. Plain and simple.
5. It’s OK to Want More—and Expect Better
You’re allowed to want a business that:
Pays well
Gives you freedom
Feels aligned with your values
Supports your life—not drains it
That’s why I partnered with eXp Realty and built the kind of team I wished existed when I started: collaborative, high-performing, modern, and empowering.
💬 “I wish I’d found Shaina sooner. She gave me the tools, the mindset, and the mentorship I needed to finally grow a real business.”
— Sam Staten, Montgomery County Agent
Thinking About Getting Licensed? Or Just Need a Fresh Start?
Whether you’re still working through your pre-licensing course or years in and craving change—let’s talk about how to build the business you want.
👉 Book a private agent consult with me
👉 Join eXp Realty with me as your sponsor
📨 Or email me directly at Shaina@MontcoLiving.com
Take the Next Step in Your Real Estate Career
If you're ready to join a team that values growth, collaboration, and community, the Shaina McAndrews Team is the place for you. We're committed to supporting our agents every step of the way, ensuring they have the tools and guidance needed to succeed.
Ready to join? Here's how:
Click: “Get Started”
Enter Sponsor Name:
First Name: Shaina
Last Name: McAndrews
Complete the Application: Takes about 10 minutes
Notify Shaina: Send a quick email to Shaina@MontcoLiving.com
For a more personalized discussion, feel free to schedule a private call with Shaina: https://calendly.com/agentshainamc
