There’s Still Time to Make 2026 Count

If you’re one of the 84% of real estate professionals who haven’t completed a transaction yet in 2026, there’s still time to get one done. You don’t need a big budget — you need a place to focus, people to talk to, and the follow-up.

There are three months left in the year. Every transaction is different, but the opportunity is still there.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get started. You need to pick a place to focus, talk to people and follow up.

Start in your own neighborhood

Choose a neighborhood you know, preferably one where you live or spend time. There’s probably already a top-producing agent there. That doesn’t mean that agent has every opportunity. There are still homeowners who haven’t chosen an agent, buyers looking for help and properties that may suit someone’s needs in a different way.

I’ve always believed in door knocking, but it helps to have a reason for doing it. Get to know the people who live there. Ask questions, listen and take notes so you can remember the conversation. Then follow up when you have something useful to share.

Tools like Breezy can help you keep track of those conversations. Its notetaker can record details as you meet potential sellers, so you can remember what they told you and pick up the conversation later.

Look for homes with potential

As you get to know the neighborhood, look at the properties, too. Some homes may be small for the lot they sit on. A buyer might see potential to renovate, add space or build an accessory dwelling unit. Breezy’s UnderBuilt product can help identify these properties and connect them with buyers interested in a cash purchase or a redevelopment opportunity.

If you don’t already know cash buyers, start building those relationships. Explore companies such as Opendoor and Easy Street Offers. You can also introduce yourself to builders and contractors who are working nearby.

Stop by a construction project and say hello. Ask what kinds of properties their clients are looking for. Exchange contact information. People still use business cards, and a simple conversation can help you understand what buyers in your area want. When you come across a property that might fit, you’ll have someone to call.

Make it easier to stay in touch

If you have a database but aren’t sure what to send, Listing Leads from Jimmy Mackin can give you real estate content to share. It can help when you’re stuck on what to write or don’t have time to create something from scratch. Add your own thoughts and make the message relevant to the people you know.

If you don’t have a CRM, check whether your brokerage offers one. Many do. If you need another option, there are systems available for less than $100 a month.

HomeCode Reviews has a directory of real estate technology products, including CRMs. Search for what you need, look through the options and request a demo. Choose a system you’re comfortable using. Keeping track of people and following up is easier when you have a place to put your notes.

Share what you know about the community

Local content gives people a reason to see you as someone who knows the area. Take a walk and talk about what you notice. Visit a local business, share a community event or show people a place you enjoy with your family. You don’t need a listing or a recent sale to have something worth posting.

If you have a hard time coming up with ideas, Coffee & Contracts offers prompts and a community where agents share what they’re creating. Use those ideas to find a format that feels comfortable and works for the neighborhoods you know.

Krys Benyamein is a good example of an agent sharing the process of getting to know a new community. He recently moved to the area and is building an account from scratch. His posts include local places, business content and things he does with his family.

There’s also a local agent in El Segundo who walks the streets and talks about the neighborhood as she goes. It’s simple, useful content from someone who is out in the community. People get a feel for the area and the person who knows it.

You don’t have to wait until you close a deal to start posting. Your first video could be about the neighborhood walk you took today. It could be about a business you stopped into or a conversation you had with a homeowner.

Get moving

It’s easy to overthink what you need before you get started. You might think you need a listing before you can make content, a buyer before you can build relationships or a big budget before you can market yourself. You can start without those things.

Choose one thing you can do today and do it. Then keep going tomorrow. The next opportunity might come from a homeowner you met on a walk, a builder you introduced yourself to or someone in your database who saw your email.

You don’t need a “just listed” or “just sold” post to get started.

You need a reason to reach out, something useful to offer and the willingness to keep showing up. There are still opportunities ahead, and many of the first steps cost very little.