Escaping the ‘Secret Agent’ Trap
Many new agents announce their careers, then fade from view. Experts say success comes from visibility and showing up consistently.
NEW YORK — Many new real estate agents fall into the "secret agent" trap, announcing their career and then disappearing from view. Industry experts warn that success depends on visibility, not perfection or waiting for the right moment.
Agents who rely on business cards or a single social post often miss opportunities because customers hire the professionals they see and hear from consistently. Visibility can be built through repeated announcements, conversations in the community, neighborhood mailers, social media updates and steady outreach that keeps an agent top of mind.
“You don’t need to shout, ‘Buy a house with me!’ from every rooftop. You simply need to show up consistently, in a service-minded and service-oriented way, so when someone is ready to buy or sell, you’re the first name that comes to mind,” Darryl Davis said in an Inman article.
Being visible is not about pressure but presence. Showing up authentically helps establish trust. Consistency creates familiarity, and familiarity drives client confidence. Professionals who commit to being seen, bring energy to their work and show up with a service mindset often find their businesses grow more naturally and with greater satisfaction.
Source: Inman (09/03/25) Davis, Darryl
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