Starting a career in real estate can feel like trying to get through a dense forest without a map. That’s where a mentor comes in as a tour guide, helping you avoid pitfalls, spot opportunities, and stay on course. While your mentor can show you the way, every step forward is still yours to take.

In this blog, we’ll break down what a real estate mentor actually does, the different types of mentorships available, how to find the right mentor for you after finishing your pre-licensing education, and the real benefits of having a seasoned pro in your corner.

What Does a Real Estate Mentor Do?

A real estate mentor is typically an experienced agent or investor who understands the nuances of the market and offers guidance to newcomers. Their role isn’t just to give advice; they’re there to share real-world insights, battle-tested strategies, and lessons learned from years of experience.

Mentors can:

• Teach you how to apply successful sales and marketing strategies.

• Help you understand the local market dynamics.

• Guide you through client relations, negotiation techniques, and deal structuring.

If you want to advance in your real estate agent career, seek out a mentor who has already accomplished what you're aiming for and has a track record of closing deals, cultivating clientele, and navigating the local market.

What Should I Expect from Real Estate Mentoring?

Not all mentorships look the same. Understanding the different formats can help you decide what kind of guidance suits you best:

One-on-One Mentorships

This is the most personalized form of mentorship. You’ll work closely with an experienced agent, maybe a coworker, a friend, or someone you meet through networking. The advice is tailored specifically to your needs, and the relationship can be highly impactful if you put effort into it.

Group Mentorships

Group settings involve several agents learning from one or more experienced mentors. These can be found locally or online, and may be free or require membership fees. The diversity of perspectives in group mentorships offers exposure to a range of strategies and experiences, especially within specific niches of real estate.

Apprenticeships

Want to learn by doing? Apprenticeships let you shadow a successful agent, assist in deals, or even work part-time under their wing. Though they require more time and commitment, they offer deep, hands-on learning, and some even come with pay or profit-sharing from early deals.

What Are the Benefits of Having a Mentor? 

A mentor is a valuable relationship that offers guidance, encouragement, and support in personal or professional life. Having help can be a big benefit whether you are just starting out in the industry or if you’re just looking to improve. Here are just some of the benefits of having a real estate mentor: 

• Shortcut to Experience: Mentors reveal real-world insights and strategies that you won’t find in textbooks or licensing courses.

• Avoid Costly Mistakes: From contract missteps to negotiation blunders, a mentor can steer you clear of expensive errors.

• Confidence Booster: Knowing someone has your back builds your confidence and helps you tackle new challenges more boldly.

• Constructive Feedback: Good mentors won’t just pat you on the back. They’ll also push you to grow with honest, actionable feedback.

• Ongoing Inspiration: Seeing how your mentor overcame similar hurdles can motivate you to stay committed and goal-focused.

What Do I Do to Find a Mentor?

There are a few different ways you can go about finding your own mentor. Here’s a good few places to start:

Start at Your Brokerage

Your current brokerage is the best place to begin. Even if it doesn’t have an official mentorship program, look for seasoned agents who are open to sharing advice or letting you shadow them.

Tap Into Industry Networks

Don’t stop at your brokerage. Local real estate associations, specialty groups, and networking events can connect you with potential mentors. Many national organizations also offer formal mentorship programs.

Match Values and Style

Look for someone whose approach, work ethic, and personality align with your own. A mismatch in values can lead to friction, so choose a mentor who inspires you and shares your professional philosophy.

Build the Relationship Gradually

Mentorship is a relationship, not a transaction. Start small by asking for advice, inviting someone to lunch, or offering to help them with a project. This allows you to build trust over time before asking for a deeper commitment.

What to Do Before Reaching Out to a Mentor? 

Before contacting a potential mentor, do some self-reflection. Ask yourself:

• Why am I pursuing a real estate career?

• What specific goals do I have?

• Where do I need help or direction?

Clarity makes your conversations with mentors more productive. Once you know what you're looking for, put yourself out there:

• Reach out to local agents who align with your goals.

• Attend real estate events or educational workshops.

• Get active on LinkedIn and join industry forums.

When you meet potential mentors, ask about their background, how they define success, and whether they’ve mentored others. Once you find a match, work together to set clear expectations like how often you'll meet, how you’ll communicate, and what goals you want to achieve.

Start Training With VanEd

Mentorship is more than advice; it’s a partnership. With the right mentor, you gain not only knowledge but also long-term support and a valuable professional network. Relationships built in mentorship can grow over the years, creating a foundation for continued success.

And while mentors are crucial, your growth also depends on continued learning. That’s why investing in education is equally important.

VanEd offers pre-licensing courses and continuing education courses designed to help you launch and advance your real estate career. Head to our website to enroll today!