Why Core Values Matter for Real Estate Team Success: A Complete Guide for Los Angeles Agents
The Hidden Factor That Separates Top Real Estate Teams from the Rest
In Los Angeles real estate, where competition is fierce and every corner features another brokerage billboard, success isn't determined by the loudest marketing or flashiest promises. The difference between thriving real estate teams and struggling agents lies in one critical factor: strong core values that create winning culture.
At The Borges Real Estate Team, our core values aren't just marketing slogans—they're the operational foundation that drives recruitment, training, client service, and team performance. For real estate agents seeking the best team to join in Los Angeles or Pasadena, understanding how core values translate into career success is essential.
From Failure to Success: Why Culture Matters in Real Estate
The Common Agent Struggle
When most agents enter real estate, they receive generic advice: "Make contacts. Hustle hard. Figure it out." This approach leads to predictable results—burnout, inconsistent income, and eventual career changes.
After three years of struggle, chasing clients without a system, and watching other agents succeed while remaining stuck, the breakthrough came through coaching and accountability. This experience revealed a crucial truth: talent and ambition aren't enough without a structured value system that guides daily actions.
Building a Value-Driven Real Estate Team
The Borges Real Estate Team was created to provide agents with the culture and systematic support that most brokerages fail to deliver. Instead of leaving agents to navigate challenges alone, our team operates on six core values that drive measurable results.
The Six Core Values That Drive Real Estate Success
1. Creativity in Real Estate Marketing and Service
Cookie-cutter approaches don't work in competitive markets like Los Angeles. Our creativity value drives innovative marketing strategies, unique problem-solving approaches, and distinctive client service that sets listings apart from standard offerings.
2. Collaboration Over Competition
Internal competition destroys team culture. When another team member is better suited to serve a specific client, we collaborate without ego. This approach maximizes client satisfaction and creates referral opportunities that benefit everyone.
3. Optimism as a Business Strategy
Energy and mindset directly impact client relationships and deal momentum. By focusing on solutions rather than problems, our optimistic approach helps navigate challenging negotiations and market conditions effectively.
4. Obsession with Continuous Improvement
Success in real estate requires obsessing over growth—in skills, client service, market knowledge, and production. This value drives daily improvement habits that compound into significant career advancement.
5. Good Vibes Only: Protecting Team Culture
Negative attitudes and drama don't close deals or serve clients. We protect our culture by maintaining positive energy and eliminating toxic behaviors that undermine team performance.
6. Growth Mindset in Everything
If you're not growing, you're declining. This value applies to skill development, market knowledge, business systems, and personal development. Constant growth mindset separates top producers from struggling agents.
Proven Results: How Values Create Real Estate Success
Case Study 1: From Zero to Top Producer
One team member joined at 21 years old with zero real estate experience and no existing network. Within 2.5 years, they became a top-producing listing specialist earning over $150,000 annually. This transformation happened because:
Accountability systems prevented hiding from difficult activities
Team support eliminated the isolation common in real estate
Proven systems provided clear paths to success
Collaborative culture created learning opportunities
Case Study 2: Breaking Through Limitations
Jason joined from a team where he wasn't permitted to take listings. Within his first two months on our team, he secured two listings and completed six transactions. This rapid success resulted from:
Value-driven culture that encouraged growth
Systems that supported agent development
Leadership that removed artificial limitations
Team environment focused on results
Accountability Systems That Transform Real Estate Careers
The Mathematics of Real Estate Success
Successful real estate production follows predictable patterns:
198 meaningful two-minute conversations = first deal
20 quality conversations per week = $100,000+ annual income
Consistent daily activities = predictable monthly results
Technology-Driven Accountability
Using Follow Up Boss and Maverick AI, we track and analyze:
Call summaries and conversation quality
Appointment setting percentages
Closing technique effectiveness
Lead conversion rates
This data drives personalized coaching that helps agents transform 15-second calls into meaningful two-minute consultations that generate appointments and listings.
What High-Performance Real Estate Culture Looks Like
Weekly Team Rhythm
Daily Script Practice (8:30-9:15 AM): Role-playing objections, refining talk tracks, and sharpening communication skills through repetition and feedback.
Tuesday Team Meetings: Progress updates, celebrating wins, accountability check-ins, and family-style team connection.
Hands-On Training Workshops: Deep-dive sessions covering listing presentations, prospecting strategies, negotiation tactics, and market analysis.
Bi-Monthly Team Events: Relationship-building activities including axe throwing, bowling, Dodgers games, and beach bonfires that strengthen team bonds.
Shadowing Opportunities: New agents observe top producers during real transactions, gaining practical experience and learning proven techniques.
The Difference Culture Makes
This structured rhythm creates belonging and clear success pathways. Agents don't guess what success looks like—they experience it daily through mentorship, accountability, and proven systems.
Why Most Brokerages Fail to Create Winning Culture
The Traditional Brokerage Model
Most real estate brokerages operate on outdated models:
Minimal training beyond licensing requirements
No accountability systems or performance tracking
Isolated agents competing against teammates
Desk fees with empty promises of support
No technology or lead generation systems
The Survival vs. Building Distinction
Traditional brokerages create survival environments where agents fight for scraps. High-performance teams like Borges create building environments where agents develop skills, systems, and sustainable businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Real Estate Team Culture
How Do Core Values Impact Daily Real Estate Activities?
Core values guide decision-making in client interactions, team collaboration, marketing approaches, and personal development choices. They create consistency and accountability that drives measurable results.
What Should Agents Look for in Real Estate Team Culture?
Agents should evaluate:
Clear accountability systems
Proven training programs
Technology and lead generation support
Collaborative vs. competitive environment
Leadership accessibility and mentorship quality
How Long Does It Take to See Results from Strong Team Culture?
Most agents see improved confidence and activity levels within 30 days. Significant production increases typically occur within 90-180 days when agents fully embrace team systems and values.
Choosing the Right Real Estate Team in Los Angeles
Key Questions to Ask
When evaluating real estate teams in Los Angeles or Pasadena, consider:
Do they have clearly defined, lived-out core values?
What accountability systems and training programs exist?
How do they support agent development and growth?
What technology and marketing support do they provide?
What does their track record show for agent success?
The Borges Difference
At The Borges Real Estate Team, culture isn't theory—it's practice. Our six core values create an environment where agents build sustainable, profitable real estate careers through proven systems, ongoing support, and genuine collaboration.
Ready to Experience High-Performance Real Estate Culture?
If you're ready to grow within a culture that wins, we invite you to explore whether The Borges Real Estate Team aligns with your career goals. Schedule a confidential consultation to discuss how our value-driven approach could accelerate your real estate success in Los Angeles or Pasadena.
Culture isn't just about feeling good—it's about creating the foundation for lasting real estate success through proven systems, genuine support, and shared commitment to excellence.
About the Author
Justin Borges is the Team Leader of The Borges Real Estate Team at eXp Realty — widely recognized as the best real estate team to join in Los Angeles. With over a decade of experience and $200M+ in sales, Justin built the team to give agents the mentorship, accountability, and tech he never had starting out. His mission is to help new and experienced agents fast-track success, build sustainable six-figure businesses, and thrive in a culture built on collaboration and growth.