If you’ve been in real estate (or even just paid attention to how top producers work), you’ve probably noticed something: it’s not always the “hardest worker” who rises to the top. There are countless agents grinding out 12-hour days, chasing leads, and juggling endless to-do lists. But the ones who consistently stay ahead? They don’t just work harder they work with a system.

One of the most popular systems out there, and one that’s gained traction among high-performing agents nationwide, is the 1-3-5 Framework.

On paper, it looks simple. In practice, it’s one of the most powerful execution tools you’ll ever use. If you’re an agent looking to bring more clarity and consistency into your business, this framework can completely transform how you plan your year.

What Is the 1-3-5 Framework?

At its core, the 1-3-5 framework is about cutting through the noise. Here’s how it works:

1 Big Goal → Your single most important outcome for the year.
3 Key Priorities → The core focus areas that will get you to that goal.
5 Strategies per Priority → Concrete, actionable steps you can take each week to build momentum.

Instead of starting the year with a messy list of 20+ resolutions or “someday” ideas, you’re forced to zoom in:

• What is the one thing that truly matters this year?
  
  
• What three levers will make or break that success?
  
  
• What fifteen strategies (spread across your priorities) will you actually execute every week?
  
  

It’s a blueprint not just for dreaming but for doing.

Why Agents Are Using It

The 1-3-5 framework helps agents:

• Cut through distractions. Instead of chasing every new marketing idea or lead source, you stay laser-focused on what drives results.
  
  
• Stay consistent. When the market shifts (and it always does), your blueprint doesn’t disappear it adapts.
  
  
• Build confidence. Big goals like doubling transactions, breaking into luxury, or growing a team feel achievable when broken into smaller, strategic steps.
  
  
• Prevent burnout. Real estate can be overwhelming. Having a structured plan helps you focus on what matters and say “no” to what doesn’t.

How to Build Your Own 1-3-5

Let’s walk through what it might look like in practice.

Step 1: Define Your 1 Big Goal

This isn’t just about numbers. Sure, your big goal might be “sell 50 homes this year,” but it could also be:

• Launch a team and step back from daily showings.
• Break into the luxury market.
• Build a sustainable work/life balance while keeping production steady.

Your Big Goal is your north star, the one thing that, if you achieved nothing else this year, would still make you proud.

Step 2: Identify Your 3 Key Priorities

These are your focus buckets. Think:

1. Lead Generation & Pipeline Growth
2. Client Experience & Referrals
3. Personal Development & Systems

Each one is a lever. If you consistently pull on these, your Big Goal becomes inevitable.

Step 3: Break Down 5 Strategies per Priority

This is where the magic happens. Instead of vague “work harder” goals, you’re spelling out exactly what you’ll do.

Priority 1: Lead Generation & Pipeline Growth

• Block 2 hours daily for prospecting calls.
• Launch a quarterly market update for local homeowners.
• Partner with nearby businesses for referral swaps.
• Run targeted social media ads highlighting local neighborhoods.
• Follow up with 100% of open house visitors within 24 hours.

Priority 2: Client Experience & Referrals

• Create a closing gift program featuring local products.
• Host 2 client appreciation events each year.
• Build a post-closing “check-in” system at 30, 90, and 180 days.
• Automate a monthly home value report for past clients.
• Collect and share video testimonials on social media.

Priority 3: Personal Development & Systems

• Hire a virtual assistant to manage paperwork.
• Implement a CRM follow-up workflow.
• Read 12 books on leadership and negotiation this year.
• Attend at least one national real estate conference.
• Build a morning routine that prioritizes health and mindset.

See how this works? Your massive year-long goal becomes doable because it’s broken into daily, weekly, and quarterly actions.

The Science Behind Why It Works

The beauty of the 1-3-5 framework isn’t just in its simplicity it’s backed by how our brains actually operate.

Most people fail at goal setting because they:

• Set too many goals.
• Don’t connect actions to outcomes.
• Lack of accountability.

The 1-3-5 framework fixes all three:

• You focus only on what truly matters.
• You link specific strategies to each priority.
• You can measure progress weekly instead of waiting until December.

For busy agents balancing business and life, this approach is a game changer it replaces overwhelm with direction.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Like any tool, the 1-3-5 framework only works if you use it right. Avoid these pitfalls:

• Setting vague goals. “Sell more homes” isn’t enough to be specific.
• Making priorities too broad. Keep them measurable and actionable.
• Overloading strategies. Stick to five per priority not ten.
• Forgetting to review. Revisit your plan monthly to stay aligned.

Why Clarity Is Your Competitive Edge

In a fast-paced market, you can’t afford to scatter your attention. Buyers are competing for limited homes. Sellers are weighing their timing. New developments are launching constantly.

That means clarity isn’t optional, it's your edge.

Agents who use the 1-3-5 framework aren’t just more productive; they’re better positioned to serve clients. They’re not chasing every shiny object they’re executing on what matters most.

When clients see that focus and confidence, they trust you more, refer you more, and stay with you for the long haul.

Tools to Make It Easier

At REGN, we’ve taken the guesswork out of building your 1-3-5. Our Sales Assistant GPT (inside the Agent Power Pack) walks you step-by-step through creating your customized blueprint.

It helps you:

• Define your Big Goal.
• Choose the right priorities.
• Generate actionable weekly strategies.

It’s like having a productivity coach in your back pocket built specifically for real estate.

Ready to Build Your 1-3-5?

Most agents don’t have a clarity problem, they have an execution problem. The 1-3-5 framework solves that by turning big dreams into practical, repeatable actions.

If you’re ready to stop winging it and start executing with confidence, it’s time to build your own 1-3-5 plan.

Follow @reg.network for more tools, strategies, and resources and DM us “135” when you’re ready to get started.