Short-Term, Long-Term, and Continuous Goals Every REALTOR® Should Set
Louisiana REALTORS® • January 17, 2025
A successful REALTOR® is always striving to improve their skills, expand their network, and elevate their career. The best type of goals for any professional are SMART goals. SMART goals are objectives that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound.
Short-Term Goals for a REALTOR®
- Increase Listings: Set a goal to list a certain number of properties in a predetermined amount of time.
- Close More Deals: Decide how many deals you want to close in a specific time frame.
- Establish Your Online Presence: Make sure your website is SEO-optimized and keep an active social media presence.
- Develop a strategic network by going to industry events, joining regional real estate associations, and making connections with other experts.
- Obtain Real Estate Certifications: To focus on particular facets of real estate, obtain certifications such as ABR, CRS, or SRES.
Long-Term Goals for a REALTOR®
- Financial Objectives: Establish yearly revenue targets and create a strategy to meet them.
- Career Advancement: Take into account working as an investor, broker, or team leader.
- Establish a Solid Reputation: Put your energy into establishing a solid reputation for honesty and quality.
- Give Back to the Community: Donate your time to charity and local groups.
- Work-Life Balance: To prevent burnout and preserve a healthy lifestyle, make work-life balance a top priority.
Continuous Improvement Goals for REALTORS®
- Stay Up-to-Date: Keep up with the latest industry trends, technologies, and regulations.
- Master Negotiation Skills: Hone your negotiation skills to achieve the best possible outcomes for your clients.
- Enhance Marketing Strategies: Continuously refine your marketing strategies to attract more clients.
- Develop Strong Client Relationships: Build long-lasting relationships with clients through excellent service and communication.
- Seek Mentorship: Find a mentor to guide you and provide valuable advice.
Keep in mind that SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—will keep you motivated and allow you to monitor your progress. You can have a prosperous and satisfying real estate career by concentrating on these objectives and persistently pursuing them.

As previewed last week, NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on estate planning. This guide explains how estate planning can help homeowners protect their property and ensure it is passed on according to their wishes, covering tools like wills, trusts, and title planning. As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow a few days for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Your Home and Estate Planning Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction Understanding & Protecting Yourself from Title Fraud Buying Land and Building a New Home Deeds and Titles Thank you for continuing to engage with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients so that they have the information they need to find success in their homebuying or selling journey. Please remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. Be on the lookout for next week’s guide on Wednesday, which will cover the differences between a buyer’s market and a seller’s market.

As previewed last week, NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on mortgage interest tax deductions. This guide explains how the deduction works, when it may be useful, and how NAR is working to preserve the tax benefits of homeownership. As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow a few days for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction Understanding & Protecting Yourself from Title Fraud Buying Land and Building a New Home Deeds and Titles Alternative Listing Options Thank you for continuing to engage with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients so that they have the information they need to find success in their homebuying or selling journey. Please remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. Be on the lookout for next week’s guide on Wednesday, which will cover estate planning.