

By Adam Timothy Group · Austin, Texas
Every agent knows that the market shifts. Sometimes it’s fast, sometimes it’s subtle—but it always turns.

If you primarily represent buyers during a strong seller’s market, you know how exhausting it can be. Every offer feels like a shot in the dark. Calls go unanswered, feedback is curt, and negotiations barely exist. On the flip side, when the pendulum swings and listings sit longer in a buyer’s market, it can feel just as tough. The truth is, none of us are immune. We all live through both kinds of markets if we stay in this business long enough. And how we show up for each other in those moments matters.
We’ve seen what happens when people lose sight of that. During the boom years, some agents became almost unrecognizable—rude, dismissive, unwilling to collaborate. Now, as inventory builds and the balance shifts, many are realizing how it feels to be on the other side.
This business is built on relationships, not transactions. The agents who last—the ones who consistently succeed—treat others with respect no matter the conditions. They answer calls. They give feedback. They look for win-win outcomes.
Being a “good agent” isn’t just about how we negotiate or market a listing. It’s also about how we show up for one another. Here are a few simple ways we can lift each other up:
1. Show up.
Stop by a colleague’s open house when you can. It costs nothing but shows respect for the effort they’re putting in. Example: swing by early, sign in, offer one piece of buyer feedback, and send a short text afterward.
2. Respond.
Return calls and emails, even if it’s just to say, “Thanks” or “Cute listing!” Small acknowledgments can mean a lot. Templates: “Thanks for the update—will circle back after showings,” or “Passing for now—buyer pivoting to X.”
3. Encourage.
When another agent is having a tough season, send a message or a kind word. We all need reminders that what we do matters. Sample text: “Saw the DOM tick up—your presentation is strong. If you want a second set of eyes on copy or photos, happy to help.”
4. Collaborate.
Share ideas, insights, or even frustrations. Real partnership strengthens the industry and helps all of us grow. Quick share set: three relevant comps, one pricing tactic that worked this month, and one recent hurdle you solved.
5. Stay connected.
Instead of unsubscribing from real estate updates or newsletters, set up filters so they skip your inbox but stay searchable. We’ve actually found off-market opportunities this way—one client’s perfect home surfaced because another agent’s old email popped up in a search. Example setup: create a “Agent Newsletters” label and filter, then search later with label:"Agent Newsletters" neighborhood OR pocket.
We can’t control the market, but we can control how we engage with it—and with each other. A good agent thrives in any market: buyer’s, seller’s, or balanced. Because good agents don’t just close deals. They build trust that lasts long after the contract is signed.
At Adam Timothy Group, we believe relationships are the foundation of great real estate. Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or just curious about the Austin market, our team is here to help you plan your next move with confidence.
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