The 3 Lies Every New Recruit Is Told
Every year, thousands of fresh recruits join Malaysia’s property industry, lured by glossy ads, charismatic leaders, and the promise of easy riches. But behind the enthusiastic recruitment often lies a harsher truth: most new agents quit within 12–18 months. Why? Because they were sold a dream built on half-truths.
Let’s unpack the 3 biggest lies every new recruit is told—and the reality behind them.
1. “Unlimited Income”
The pitch: “As an agent, your income has no limit. You can earn as much as you want.”
The reality: While the potential is technically unlimited, income isn’t automatic. New agents often underestimate how much prospecting, rejection, and pipeline-building it takes to close a single deal.
- Most new agents earn little or nothing in the first 6 months. Bills still need paying.
- Cashflow is unpredictable. One month may bring a RM20,000 commission, the next two months nothing.
- High payouts don’t equal stability. Even at 90% commission, 90% of zero is still zero.
The fix: Treat it like building a business, not earning a salary. Track your pipeline weekly, reinvest in lead generation, and accept that growth compounds slowly before it scales.
2. “Flexible Time”
The pitch: “Be your own boss. Work whenever you want.”
The reality: While flexibility eventually comes with experience, in the early years it’s often just another way of saying no structure, no support. For new agents, this is a recipe for failure.
- You don’t own your time; clients do. Buyers want viewings on weekends. Owners call late at night.
- Without discipline, “flexible” becomes “idle.” Many recruits burn out because they treat the job like a side hustle, not a business.
- Pressure to be available 24/7. Instead of freedom, many agents feel chained to their phones.
The fix:Create your own structure from day one. Set fixed working hours, dedicate time for prospecting and admin, and clearly communicate your availability to clients.
3. “Big Brand Guarantees Success”
The pitch: “Join a big name agency. With our brand, deals will come easily.”
The reality: A strong brand can open doors, but it doesn’t close deals for you. Clients ultimately choose people, not logos.
- Clients trust negotiators, not the company’s name.If you lack product knowledge or negotiation skills, the brand won’t save you.
- Big brands can mean more bureaucracy. Override layers, mandatory events, and costs that eat into your margin.
- Small, agile agencies often out-earn giants.A team of 5 disciplined closers can make more profit than a 500-agent firm bloated with headcount.
The fix: Build your personal brand alongside the agency’s. Focus on testimonials, service quality, and visibility so clients remember you, not just the company letterhead.
The Truth Recruits Need to Hear
Success in real estate is possible—but only with the right mindset.
- Income is built, not gifted. Treat it like a business with investment, effort, and consistency.
- Time is earned, not free. Discipline creates freedom, not the other way around.
- Brand is secondary to skill. Build your name; that’s the brand clients will remember.
Final Word
The industry doesn’t need more false promises. It needs more honest preparation. If you’re a new recruit, don’t fall for the 3 lies. Ask yourself instead:
👉 Am I ready to build systems, master discipline, and take ownership of my own brand?
Because that—not hype—is what turns a recruit into a career agent.
