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. 

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NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide about contract contingencies and clauses that buyers and sellers may encounter in a real estate transaction. The guide defines common contingencies and clauses and helps consumers understand what happens if the terms aren’t fulfilled. As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow up to two weeks 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: Real Estate Contract Contingencies Understanding Condo Ownership How to Protect Against Real Estate Wire Fraud 5 Home Selling Tips for Privacy and Safety Do You Need Private Mortgage Insurance? What Is the VA Home Loan Guaranty? Thank you for your continued engagement with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients to ensure they have the information they need to find success in their homebuying or selling journey. 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 the next consumer guide, which focuses on working with a remodeling contractor.
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