Every so often, something simple stops you in your tracks and changes the way you think. For me, it was a fact I’d heard before but never truly absorbed: Driving 70 mph instead of 80 mph only saves about ten minutes over a 100-mile trip.
The math makes sense. But the meaning runs deeper than the numbers. Once I thought about it through the lens of business, especially real estate, I realized how many of us operate at full speed all the time, convinced that pushing harder and moving faster will get us meaningfully further ahead. But will it? And more importantly, at what cost?
This past year forced me to confront that question in a way I never expected.
The Pace Problem No One Talks About
Real estate rewards responsiveness, urgency, and the ability to move quickly. It’s an industry built on momentum. Most agents have felt the pressure to:
- answer the phone instantly
- say yes to every request
- fit in “just one more” appointment
- juggle work while rushing somewhere that matters just as much
But here’s the truth…Sometimes pushing from 70 mph to 80 mph doesn’t meaningfully change the outcome of your business but it can dramatically change your experience of the journey.
And too often, we don’t realize what we’ve traded until something forces us to slow down.
A Year That Forced a New Perspective
If you’ve followed my journey, you know that 2024 stretched me in new ways.
I ran my real estate business with a baby beside me – sometimes in a carrier, sometimes on my lap, sometimes listening while I talked through contracts and negotiations.
And yes, that meant I lost opportunities.Some clients weren’t comfortable with that. Some needed a different dynamic. Some were looking for a season of me that I wasn’t in anymore.
That was hard. But here’s the part that changed me:
So many people stood beside me. They chose me. They supported me. They understood the season I was in and valued the work I was still doing.
They said: “We’ve got you.” “We respect your dedication.” “We want YOU.”
And those words anchored me. They reminded me that the people who are meant to work with you don’t require perfection. They don’t demand speed at all costs. They don’t need you to outrun your life to earn their business. They appreciate your integrity, your presence, your knowledge, and your humanness.
What Agents Need to Reevaluate Going Into the Next Quarter
This market is evolving. The industry is shifting. The expectations are changing. And agents everywhere are feeling the weight of it.
Some are exhausted. Some are overwhelmed. Some are simply trying to make it through the week. But this is the perfect moment to pause and ask: “What am I sacrificing to go a little bit faster?”
Am I trading peace for productivity?
Am I trading presence for performance?
Am I trading meaningful memories for marginal gains?
This isn’t about slowing down your business, it’s about designing one that doesn’t require burnout as the price of success.
The Wins That Actually Matter
Real estate teaches us to celebrate closings, volume, wins, and momentum. But sustaining a career, and a life requires celebrating more than that.
A quiet moment without rushing.
A dinner where your phone stays in your bag.
A bedtime routine you’re truly present for.
A weekend where you’re not working through burnout.
A business that supports your life, instead of consuming it.
Those are wins. And they matter just as much as any closing.
Why Intention Will Always Outlast Speed
There is a misconception that the fastest agents win. But the agents who last, the ones who build strong businesses, strong referrals, and strong reputations are the ones who manage their pace with intention.
They know when to accelerate. They know when to slow down. They know that success is not about speed; it’s about strategy, clarity, and alignment.
That’s what I’m choosing moving forward. Not less ambition. Not less commitment. Not less excellence. Just more purpose.
Client Testimonial
“Ashley and her team are very professional and knowledgeable. She understands market dynamics and represented us passionately. I have no hesitation in recommending her and her team.”
— Keith Keytel
FAQs – Balancing Work, Life, and Pace in Real Estate
1. Do real estate agents need to be “always on” to be successful?
No. Responsiveness matters, but sustainable success comes from boundaries, organization, and intentional scheduling, not constant busyness.
2. Is it normal to lose some opportunities when balancing work and family?
Yes, and it happens in every industry. The right clients will value professionalism and humanity. Seasons of life change, and strong businesses adapt.
3. How can agents avoid burnout during high-demand times?
By time-blocking, leaning on systems, setting realistic expectations, and protecting key personal priorities so that work doesn’t overwhelm every part of life.
4. Does slowing down mean losing momentum?
Not when done intentionally. Thoughtful pacing can actually increase clarity, improve communication, and result in a higher-quality client experience.
5. How can clients feel confident working with an agent who balances family and business?
By choosing an agent who demonstrates strong communication, clear expectations, professionalism, and a proven ability to navigate the process smoothly, regardless of the season of life they’re in.
Work With an Agent Who Balances Drive and Purpose
Real estate moves fast, but that doesn’t mean your life has to. If you want an agent who understands both urgency and intention who communicates clearly… who honors deadlines without sacrificing humanity, and who knows how to blend professionalism with purpose…I’d love to walk with you through your next move.
Visit HART Realty Team or connect with me at @AshleyHartRealtor.
