In times of uncertainty, volatility or market sluggishness, the best advice for real estate agents is: Get back to basics. That’s why, here at Inman, we spend an entire month every year focusing on the best advice to meet the moment that the market is in.
As we near the end of Back to Basics Month, we wanted to share with you the top advice published this month — chosen by our readers — so that you have the most current strategies, tools and business advice.
Top 10 advice articles from Back to Basics Month
Here’s the most-read Back to Basics advice for 2025.
How to become the agent AI recommends in your market
Adjust to the new rules of search when you optimize your online footprint for the way AI recognizes and recommends professionals, Jimmy Burgess writes.
The 7 C’s of highly successful agents (and how to apply them)
Implement these characteristics of top agents, Jimmy Burgess writes, to watch your real estate business explode with new momentum.
6 low-cost listing strategies that actually work in today’s market
Jimmy Burgess and Listing Leads co-founder Jimmy Mackin provide budget-friendly strategies for generating listing leads now.
The 90-day restart your real estate pipeline needs
Broker and lead-gen consultant Josh Ries outlines the 5×3×90 Program, a zero-dollar way to restart a quiet real estate pipeline.
7 red flags that your real estate business is headed for a wipeout
Red flags aren’t failures, coach Darryl Davis writes. They’re signposts that help you course correct so that you can improve your business outcomes.
Overwhelmed by AI? Use this step-by-step guide to get started
Stop treating ChatGPT like a virtual assistant, Real’s Drew Thompson writes. New capabilities make it your personal genius, allowing you to collaborate on strategy.
3 unconventional ways to make open houses work harder for you
Open houses offer more than an opportunity to market a single listing, Josh Ries writes. They allow you to connect, both in person and online, long after they end.
CMAs fall flat — this Spotify-inspired lead gen idea wins listings
Take a tip from the streaming platform’s Wrapped feature, Josh Ries writes, to show the value you’ve already provided throughout the year.
9 real estate lead-gen mistakes that are killing your ROI
Profitable lead generation for real estate agents is about understanding timelines, systems, communication and conversion, Josh Ries writes.
I lost a listing to AI. Here’s how I’m making sure it never happens again
After a painful conversation with potential sellers, learn how broker Josh Ries renewed his commitment to personal communication.
Inman’s most popular theme month is back, Back to Basics. All September, real estate professionals from across the country share what’s working for them right now, how they’ve evolved their systems and tools, and where they’re investing personally and professionally to drive growth in 2025 and beyond.
