The 2026 Goals Reality Check: What's Actually Achievable

Setting 2026 goals next week.

Make them realistic and achievable.

The Goal Setting Problem

Most agents set goals:

Too high (discouraging) Too vague (unmeasurable) Without strategy (unrealistic) Based on wishes (not data)

Better approach needed.

The Starting Point

Know your 2025 results:

Transactions closed: _____ GCI earned: $_____ Database size: _____ Conversion rates: _____%

This is your baseline.

The Realistic Growth

Sustainable year-over-year growth:

10-20% increase is solid 30-50% requires major changes 100%+ requires different business model

Be realistic.

The Transaction Goal

Set based on history:

2025 closings: _____ Realistic 2026 goal: _____ (10-20% more) Stretch goal: _____ (30% more) Required for goal: _____ contracts

Work backwards.

The Income Goal

Calculate realistically:

2025 GCI: $_____ Average commission per deal: $_____ Required transactions for target: _____ Realistic? Yes/No

Math matters.

The Activity Requirement

Transactions require activity:

Goal: 36 closings (3 per month) Requires: 50+ contracts (accounting for fallout) Requires: 150+ appointments Requires: 400+ conversations Requires: 1,200+ prospecting calls

Build from bottom up.

The Time Allocation

Can you do the work?

Prospecting: 10 hours per week minimum Appointments: 15 hours per week Admin: 10 hours per week Total: 35+ hours per week

Time available?

The Lead Source Plan

Where will business come from?

Database: _____% Past clients: _____% Online leads: _____% Sphere/referrals: _____% Other: _____%

Total: 100%

Based on historical performance.

The Budget Reality

What will it cost?

Marketing: $_____ Technology: $_____ Lead generation: $_____ Professional development: $_____ Total business expenses: $_____

Can you afford it?

The ROI Requirement

Each investment needs return:

Online leads: $X spent, Y deals expected Direct mail: $X spent, Y deals expected Social media: $X spent, Y deals expected

Projected ROI: _____%

The Database Growth

Reasonable database goals:

Current size: _____ contacts 2026 additions: _____ contacts (50-100 realistic) Source of additions: _____

Growth requires plan.

The Skill Development

What skills enable goals?

Skills you have: _____ Skills you need: _____ Training required: _____ Time to develop: _____

Can you learn fast enough?

The Support Structure

Do you need help?

Transaction coordinator: At what volume? Inside sales: At what volume? Buyer's agent: At what volume? Admin support: At what volume?

Plan for hiring.

The Market Conditions

Consider 2026 market:

Interest rates: Likely stable or lower Inventory: May increase Competition: Always present Economic factors: Monitor

External factors matter.

The Personal Life

Goals must fit life:

Family commitments: _____ Health priorities: _____ Personal time: _____ Vacation plans: _____

Business serves life.

The Risk Assessment

What could prevent success?

Market downturn Personal issues Competition Economic changes

Plan for obstacles.

The Quarterly Breakdown

Distribute goal annually:

Q1: 20% of goal (slower season) Q2: 30% of goal (spring market) Q3: 20% of goal (summer) Q4: 30% of goal (fall push)

Seasonal adjustment.

The Accountability Plan

Who keeps you on track?

Weekly check-ins with: _____ Monthly reviews with: _____ Quarterly assessments with: _____

External accountability works.

The Measurement System

What to track weekly:

Calls made Conversations had Appointments set Contracts signed Closings completed

Dashboards show progress.

The Adjustment Protocol

When behind on goals:

Weekly: Adjust activity Monthly: Revise tactics Quarterly: Reconsider strategy

Flexibility matters.

The Written Plan

Document everything:

2026 income goal: $_____ Transaction goal: _____ Required activity: _____ Lead sources: _____ Budget: $_____ Timeline: _____

Writing creates commitment.

Your Next Week

Calculate realistic 2026 goals.

Work backwards to required activity.

Verify you can do the work.

Confirm budget supports plan.

Write it down.

Goals without strategy are wishes.

Tiffany Hampton is a seasoned real estate leader and MAPS Coach with over two decades of experience helping agents succeed through leadership, coaching, and innovative strategy. As the founder of AgentGrowth365.com, Tiffany delivers proven systems, tools, and training that empower agents and market center leaders to grow with clarity and purpose. Whether you're looking to hit 24 transactions, streamline your coaching systems, or lead your business with impact, AgentGrowth365 offers a full suite of solutions designed to meet today's challenges and scale tomorrow's success.