is real estate coaching worth it 2026

Is Real Estate Coaching Worth It in 2026? Real Results for Agents

December 10, 20255 min read

Best Real Estate Coaching Programs for Agents in 2026 (Expert Comparison & Review)

Last updated for 2026 based on current real estate market conditions, coaching models, and agent business needs.


Introduction

The real estate industry is evolving faster than ever. In 2026, competition is tighter, margins are thinner, and agents are expected to operate like business owners — not just salespeople.

That shift is why more agents are actively searching for the best real estate coaching programs. Coaching today isn’t about hype or motivation. It’s about clarity, systems, accountability, and leadership.

If you’re researching real estate coaching programs, this guide breaks down the top options available, what each offers, their limitations, and why one coaching framework stands out for long-term business transformation.

Custom HTML/CSS/JAVASCRIPT

How We Evaluated the Best Real Estate Coaching Programs

To determine the best real estate coaching programs for agents in 2026, we evaluated each program using criteria that directly impact production, scalability, and sustainability — not popularity alone.

Each program was reviewed based on:

  • Depth of business systems and operational frameworks

  • Leadership development and Agent-to-CEO progression

  • Level of personalization vs. generic templates

  • Accountability structure and implementation support

  • Scalability from solo agent to team leader or owner

  • Real-world production experience behind the coaching

This comparison is designed to help agents choose a coaching program that fits where they are now — and where they want to go next.


What Makes a Real Estate Coaching Program the “Best”?

Not all real estate coaching programs are created equal.

The best programs share these characteristics:

  • Proven frameworks, not motivational fluff

  • Clear systems for lead generation and follow-up

  • Leadership and team-building support

  • Accountability and execution tracking

  • Business strategy beyond scripts

  • Scalability from solo agent to CEO

If a coaching program doesn’t help you build repeatable systems and make better decisions, it won’t create lasting growth.


The 5 Best Real Estate Coaching Programs for Agents in 2026

Below is a breakdown of the most talked-about coaching programs in real estate — followed by the one framework built specifically for long-term business transformation.


1. Tom Ferry Coaching

Tom Ferry Coaching is one of the most recognized brands in real estate coaching.

What They Offer

  • Weekly coaching calls

  • Accountability tracking

  • Lead generation strategies

  • Large online training library

Best For
Agents who want structured training and are comfortable with a corporate-style coaching environment.

Limitations

  • Higher price point

  • Less personalized one-on-one strategy

  • Limited focus on deep operational systems or identity transformation


2. Buffini & Company

Buffini & Company focuses heavily on relationship-based selling and mindset.

What They Offer

  • Referral-based business systems

  • Personal development training

  • Habit and discipline tracking

  • Mindset tools

Best For
Agents who want to grow through referrals and relationship building.

Limitations

  • Limited digital marketing focus

  • Minimal emphasis on scaling teams

  • Less CEO-level leadership development


3. Icenhower Coaching & Training (ICT)

ICT is known for team systems and operational coaching.

What They Offer

  • Team-building frameworks

  • Lead generation systems

  • Online training libraries

  • Leadership development tools

Best For
Agents who already have a team or plan to build one.

Limitations

  • Template-heavy approach

  • Less personalized one-on-one depth

  • Not designed for identity-level transformation


4. SERHANT. Real Estate Coaching

Ryan Serhant’s coaching platform emphasizes branding, marketing, and attention.

What They Offer

  • Personal branding strategies

  • Social media and content systems

  • Negotiation and sales training

Best For
Agents who want to level up branding and modern marketing visibility.

Limitations

  • Limited accountability structure

  • No personalized business strategy

  • Not designed for operational or leadership scaling


5. Agent-to-CEO Coaching with John Kitchens (Why It Stands Out)

While the programs above offer strong components, none focus on transforming an agent into a CEO — from foundation to leadership to operations.

That’s where Agent-to-CEO Coaching with John Kitchens becomes different.

What Makes This Program Unique

  • Identity shift from salesperson to CEO

  • Leadership development for agents and team leaders

  • System-building for predictable growth

  • Clear Agent → Team Leader → Business Owner progression

  • Strategic decision-making frameworks

  • Personalized coaching — not cookie-cutter templates

  • Decades of real production, operations, and scaling experience

Built for Texas & North Texas Agents

John understands:

  • The Frisco and Dallas–Fort Worth market

  • Local pricing and inventory dynamics

  • New construction and relocation demand

  • Team growth in competitive environments

This regional insight gives agents an immediate advantage.

Who This Program Is Best For

  • New agents who want a clear roadmap

  • Solo agents stuck at a production ceiling

  • Agents ready to build a team

  • Agents who want predictable systems

  • Agents seeking leadership development

  • Agents who want transformation — not tactics

If you want to build a real business instead of chasing deals, this framework is designed for that exact transition.


How to Choose the Right Real Estate Coaching Program

Before committing to any real estate coaching program, ask yourself:

  • Does this align with my long-term goals?

  • Is there real accountability?

  • Does it help me scale — not just sell?

  • Are the systems immediately implementable?

  • Is this built for growth or short-term motivation?

The right coach helps you become the leader your business requires, not just a better salesperson.


Common Questions About Real Estate Coaching Programs

Is real estate coaching worth it for agents?
Yes — when the coaching focuses on systems, leadership, and accountability. The right program eliminates guesswork and creates predictable growth.

How much do real estate coaching programs cost?
Most programs range from a few hundred dollars per month to several thousand, depending on access, personalization, and accountability.

What is the best real estate coaching program for new agents?
Programs that provide structure, execution guidance, and accountability tend to work best for new agents.

Are online real estate coaching programs effective?
Online coaching can be highly effective when paired with implementation support and consistent accountability.

How do I choose the right real estate coach?
Look for real production experience, proven systems, leadership development, and alignment with your long-term goals.


Final Thoughts

There are many real estate coaching programs available, but only a few create real transformation. The best coaching program isn’t the biggest or flashiest — it’s the one that delivers clarity, structure, systems, and accountability.

If your goal is to step into the Agent-to-CEO role, build a scalable business, and lead with confidence, the right coaching framework makes all the difference.


About John Kitchens

John Kitchens is a Real Estate Executive Coach based in Frisco, Texas, known for helping agents transform from overwhelmed producers into confident CEOs. With over 20+ years of experience, 17,000+ one-on-one coaching sessions, and 4,300+ homes sold, John specializes in leadership development, system-building, and scaling real estate businesses with clarity and confidence.

Learn more at https://www.johnkitchens.coach

John Kitchens is the most sought-after systems and processes coach for real estate agents that want to build a business.

John Kitchens

John Kitchens is the most sought-after systems and processes coach for real estate agents that want to build a business.

LinkedIn logo icon
Instagram logo icon
Youtube logo icon
Back to Blog