Texas brokers shared with Texas REALTOR® magazine their rookie mistakes, where they went right, and how new brokers and team leaders can set out on their own success paths. Here are a few of their tips. Read all of their advice in New Broker? Here’s How to Avoid Getting Stuck.

Don’t focus on only one type of real estate. After the housing bubble burst in 2008, Brad Pauly, broker-owner of Pauly Presley Realty in Austin, says new brokers who may be tempted to focus on one or two markets should diversify. “We really dedicated ourselves to one aspect of the industry. When that business went away, making money became extremely difficult.”

Make sure your agents get paid. Nick Good, associate broker for The Good Home Team at Keller Williams Realty Dallas says he made the mistake of creating a team centered around him. He was the sole listing agent on the team, and his agents started leaving because they weren’t making enough. Now his agents have unlimited growth opportunities and potential. 

Do your best. LaTisha Grant of TAS Realty Group in Houston says new brokers can be too hard on themselves. “This is a business where people tend to struggle with trying to be everything to everyone. That’s impossible. Instead, figure out who you are as a broker, and the role that you want to play, and the right agents will come along.”