Let me tell you something that might sound a little woo-woo at first, but stick with me because this is going to change how you think about leading your team and running your business. We’re talking about gratitude, and before you roll your eyes thinking this is just another feel-good blog post, let me share why gratitude has become my secret weapon in building a multi-million dollar real estate business.
Why Gratitude Isn’t Just Nice to Have (It’s a Must-Have)
Look, I get it. In our fast-paced real estate world, we’re focused on closings, commissions, and quarterly numbers. But here’s what I’ve learned over two decades in this business: the most successful leaders aren’t just the ones who can negotiate the toughest deals or create the flashiest marketing campaigns. They’re the ones who make people feel genuinely appreciated.
When I started my own brokerage, I was drowning in stress, eating cereal for dinner to make payroll, and wondering if I’d made the biggest mistake of my life. But even in those dark moments, I made a conscious choice to focus on gratitude. Not because I’m naturally an optimist (though my team might argue otherwise!), but because I discovered something powerful: gratitude transforms everything.
The Ripple Effect of Recognition
Think about the last time someone genuinely thanked you for your work. Not a quick “thanks” as they rushed past your desk, but a real, heartfelt acknowledgment of your efforts. How did it make you feel? Energized? Motivated to do even better? That’s the magic I’m talking about.
In my office, I’ve watched this play out hundreds of times. When I take a moment to write a personal note with each commission check, thanking my agents for their specific contributions, something beautiful happens. Their shoulders straighten, their smiles get bigger, and they walk out ready to conquer the world. That energy doesn’t just stay with them, it spreads to their clients, their families, and back to our entire office culture.
I remember one particularly tough quarter when one of my agents, let’s call him Dave, was struggling. Nothing was closing, his confidence was shot, and I could see he was questioning whether he was cut out for this business. Instead of giving him a pep talk about working harder, I sat down and wrote him a letter listing every single thing he’d done right that month. His attention to detail, his client communication, his willingness to help other agents. Two weeks later, he closed three deals. Coincidence? I don’t think so.
Building a Culture That People Don’t Want to Leave
Here’s a sobering truth about our industry: agent turnover is brutal. We’re constantly recruiting, constantly training, constantly wondering if our best people are going to jump ship for a better split or a fancier office. But what if I told you that gratitude could be your best retention strategy?
When people feel genuinely valued, they don’t just stay, they thrive. At Serhant, we celebrate everything:
- First listing – We make it feel like the milestone it truly is
- Difficult client finally closes – We acknowledge the extra effort it took
- Someone helps a colleague with a showing – We recognize teamwork and collaboration
- Creative marketing idea that gets results – We celebrate innovation and thinking outside the box
Our office has become a place where people actually want to spend time, not just somewhere they have to be.
The Client Connection
But gratitude doesn’t stop with your team. Some of my most loyal clients became raving fans not because of my market expertise (though I like to think I know my stuff!), but because I took the time to genuinely thank them for trusting me with their biggest investment.
I once had a client who was moving overseas and had already shipped all their belongings. Instead of just handing them the keys and wishing them well, I surprised them with a full dinner from their favorite Italian restaurant and a party package for their kids. The text I received that night brought tears to my eyes. They said it was one last wonderful memory in their home, and that’s the kind of impact that creates clients for life.
Making Gratitude Your Daily Practice
Now, you might be thinking, “This all sounds great, Tiffany, but I’m already working 60-hour weeks. When am I supposed to find time for all this gratitude stuff?” Here’s the beautiful thing: gratitude doesn’t require grand gestures or extra hours. It requires intentionality.
Start with these simple daily habits:
- Send one genuine thank you text each day – Be specific about what you’re thanking them for and how it made a difference
- Create Monday morning gratitude moments – Take a few minutes while enjoying a cup of coffee or while driving to work to simply make a list in your head of everything you are grateful for as you embark on the week
- Keep handwritten thank you cards in your desk – Nothing beats the personal touch of a handwritten note
- Acknowledge the behind-the-scenes heroes – Thank your transaction coordinator, your marketing person, your cleaning crew
Keep it authentic. People can spot fake gratitude from a mile away. If you don’t mean it, don’t say it. But if you start looking for things to genuinely appreciate, you’ll be amazed at how many you find.
Your Competition Isn’t Doing This
Here’s what gives me hope and excitement about sharing this with you: most leaders in our industry aren’t focused on gratitude. They’re focused on numbers, pressure, and pushing people harder. That means you have an incredible opportunity to stand out simply by being genuinely appreciative.
When you become known as the broker who truly values their people, who celebrates wins big and small, and who creates a culture of positivity and support, do you think top agents will want to work with you? Do you think clients will remember how you made them feel? Absolutely.
The Science Behind the Magic
I know some of you are thinking, “Show me the data, Tiffany.” While I could throw statistics at you all day, here’s what I know from my own experience: grateful teams outperform unhappy teams every single time. When people feel appreciated, they’re more creative, more willing to go above and beyond, and more likely to stick around when things get tough.
At Serhant, we’ve grown into a powerhouse operation, and while gratitude alone didn’t make that happen, it created the foundation that made everything else possible.
Starting Your Gratitude Revolution
So here’s my challenge for you: for the next week, make gratitude your secret superpower. Thank one person each day for something specific they did. Notice how it changes your energy, their energy, and the overall vibe of your office.
Thank your assistant for staying organized during a crazy week. Thank your top producer for mentoring a newer agent. Thank your mortgage broker for making a difficult deal happen. Thank your marketing person for that creative flyer that got everyone talking.
And here’s the kicker: thank yourself too. Leading a real estate team isn’t for the faint of heart. You’re juggling personalities, market fluctuations, client demands, and a million moving pieces. Give yourself credit for showing up, for caring, and for making it all happen.
The Bottom Line
In a world that often feels like it’s all about the hustle, the grind, and the next big deal, gratitude is your differentiator. It’s what transforms a good real estate office into a great one. It’s what turns team members into family and clients into lifelong advocates.
So go ahead, start your gratitude revolution. Your team will thank you, your clients will notice, and your business will never be the same.
Remember: if we can believe in something great, we can achieve something great. And it all starts with a simple “thank you.”
Now get out there and shine!
Want more strategies for building a standout real estate business? Check out my book “The INth Degree” for seven keys to taking your life and business to the next level. Because when you go all IN on gratitude, everything else follows.
