How Top Real Estate Agents Start Their Day for Success

By Katie Taylor & James Goodman

With a combined 30 years of experience in the real estate industry, Katie and James lead the Goodman Taylor Team, one of the top-performing teams in the Greater Phoenix area.

Success in real estate isn’t random—it’s built on daily habits that drive consistent results. And if you’re looking to increase your production, close more deals, and work more efficiently, it all starts with how you structure your morning.

The most successful agents know that the first few hours of the day set the tone for everything that follows. But too many agents start their day reacting—checking emails, scrolling social media, or handling low-value tasks—while top producers take control from the moment they wake up.

Let’s break down the ideal morning routine that can help you dominate your market, stay focused, and set yourself up for success every single day.

1. Your morning starts the night before. If you want a productive day, you have to plan for it. We set our priorities the night before. We ask: what are the three most important things we need to do tomorrow?

We also go to bed at a set time. No late-night scrolling. No emails. Just rest. That way, we wake up with energy and clarity. In the morning, we don’t jump into work. We take care of ourselves first. A short workout, a quiet cup of coffee, or a quick walk clears our head and sets the tone.

2. Prioritize high-value activities first. Most agents waste the first part of the day. They check emails, reply to texts, and get stuck in admin tasks. Not us. From 8:00 to 10:00 a.m., we block out time for revenue-generating activities. We make calls. We follow up. We book appointments. This is the most important part of our day, and we treat it like a meeting we can’t miss.

People are easier to reach in the morning. We’re sharper. And when we finish that block, we already feel like we’ve won the day.

3. Master time-blocking to stay in control. Want to avoid feeling overwhelmed, distracted, and unproductive? Time-block your morning for success. Here’s a sample morning routine used by top agents:

6:00 AM - 7:00 AM – Self-care (exercise, breakfast, mindset work)
7:00 AM - 7:30 AM – Plan the day, review schedule, prep for calls
7:30 AM - 9:30 AM – Lead generation & follow-ups (non-negotiable!)
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM – Respond to urgent emails, texts, and messages
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM – Client meetings, property previews, or listing appointments

By blocking off time for essential tasks, you ensure that lead generation, client work, and personal development don’t get pushed aside by distractions.

If you’re looking to increase your production, reduce stress, and work smarter—not harder—your morning routine is the key. Start by planning the night before so you wake up with clear focus and direction. Then, begin your day with high-value tasks like lead generation and appointment setting—these are the activities that move your business forward. Time-block your schedule to stay in control and avoid getting pulled in every direction.

The agents who succeed in 2025 aren’t just winging it; they’re owning their time, taking action early, and building daily habits that lead to long-term success. If you’re feeling inspired but not sure where to start, let’s connect. We’d love to help you refine your routine and build a plan that supports your business goals. Reach out today by phone or email. We’d love to help.