The Real Estate Agent’s Tax Strategy Playbook: Maximize Compliance & Keep More of What You Earn

As a real estate agent, you work hard for your commissions, but without a solid tax strategy, too much of your income can slip away. The good news? Taxes don’t have to be overwhelming or unpredictable – as long as you understand the system and have a plan.

Kelly Cote, director of operations and services at Keller Williams Realty, LLC, and a former market center administrator (MCA), loves discussing tax strategy. “Taxes are a fun topic, once you see them as a system that can be managed almost like a game.”

For more than a decade, Cote has been helping agents keep more of their hard-earned income (in a legally compliant way). “Understanding how to optimize your tax strategy isn’t about gaming the system – it’s about playing by the rules in the smartest way possible,” she says.

So, how can you take control of your 2024 taxes and win the game, legally and strategically? By implementing a few key habits, avoiding common tax pitfalls, and ensuring your finances are structured for long-term success.

“Understanding how to optimize your tax strategy isn’t about gaming the system – it’s about playing by the rules in the smartest way possible.”

Amy Irving Reflects on Her Home and Upcoming Willie Nelson Covers Album

The actor reflected on what means most to her, as she gets ready to release an album of Willie Nelson covers.

$1.3 Million Homes Near Zurich

As property prices soar in Switzerland’s largest city, buyers are looking to its suburbs for both apartments and single-family homes.

Housing Discrimination Groups Sue DOGE and HUD for Cutting Funds

Organizations that enforce the federal Fair Housing Act say they are struggling to operate with the sudden elimination of annual grants.

Utilize Digital Marketing Strategies

Utilizing Digital Marketing Strategies for Real Estate Success In today's competitive market, digital marketing is essential for real estate agents to attract clients, showcase properties, and build a strong brand. Here are the best strategies to maximize your online presence and generate leads: 1. Build a Professional Website Ensure your website i...

Hard Work, a Dream, and a Bay Area Apartment for Less Than $600,000

Chris Ramos spent years cycling through room rentals and living in his van, all so he could one day afford a home of his own. Would it be in San Francisco, or across the Bay?

Homes for Sale in Connecticut and New York

This week’s properties are a six-bedroom country house in Sherman, Conn., and a five-bedroom ranch-style house in Syosset, N.Y.

Homes for Sale in Manhattan and Staten Island

This week’s properties are in Lincoln Square, Lenox Hill and Annadale.

The Wettest U.S. Cities

Moving for the weather? A study of rainfall in major U.S. cities may surprise you.

Georgia Real Estate Market

As of 2025, Georgia's real estate market is showing signs of stabilization with moderate growth. Home prices continue to rise at a steady pace, while an increase in inventory is helping balance supply and demand. Key Trends in Georgia's Housing Market Home Values on the Rise – The average home price in Georgia has seen modest growth over the past y...

Is It Spring Yet?

The answer is in your yard. Watch closely for the smallest hints, record what you find and advance the cause of science.

What $350,000 buys in Texas, Missouri and Georgia

A 1936 cottage in San Antonio, a 1925 stucco house in University City and a condo in Atlanta.

Real Estate Companies

Global Real Estate Firms CBRE Group – The world's largest commercial real estate services firm, offering brokerage, property management, and investment services. JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle) – A global leader in real estate investment and management, with a strong presence in commercial and residential properties. Cushman & Wakefield – Specializes ...

How the Pandemic Upended Our Lives

Whether you fled a crowded city or thought a puppy was the answer, the glimpses of another life we got during Covid have faded away.

A New Rental Building in Brooklyn Replaces a Parking Lot

Mason Gray, with 158 apartments ranging from studios to three-bedrooms, makes its debut in the Crown Heights historic district.

Texas Real Estate Market

The Texas real estate market is experiencing a period of transition, influenced by factors such as interest rates, inventory levels, and economic growth. Below is a detailed breakdown of key market trends: Home Prices and Appreciation Home price growth has moderated compared to the rapid increases of 2020-2022, but prices remain elevated in many ar...

What $1.5 Million Buys in California

A Spanish-style house in San Rafael, an 1899 cottage in St. Helena and a 1978 condo in Santa Monica.

Step Off the No. 1 Train and Into La Noxe

A hidden bar has taken hold in the netherworld of a subway station in Chelsea.

Who to Blame When the Elevators Don’t Work

In New York City, landlords are required to have an active contract with an approved elevator company, and to make needed repairs immediately.

Powered Up at Keller Williams Family Reunion 2025

A Recap of Real Estate’s Legendary Learning and Networking Conference

Focus was the driving force behind this year’s Keller Williams Family Reunion. Attendees descended on the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas powered up and ready to optimize their time learning from the most successful agents, leaders, experts, and coaches in real estate. FR25 delivered – and then some.

In 2020, Las Vegas officially changed its slogan to “What Happens in Vegas, Only Happens Here.” That’s true for Family Reunion, too. While this year was the first FR for many, others have made it a recurring, non-negotiable investment in their professional development. The blend of new and familiar faces makes for a constant stream of dynamic discussions and high-energy relationship-building that only happens in person.

But those who couldn’t make it IRL weren’t left out of the learning. The FR25 Digital Experience offered a curated livestream of select sessions throughout the week. And while this year’s event is behind us, there’s still a way to catch content you may have missed or want to revisit. FR25 Unlocked offers free access to highlights, key insights, and expert discussions, including Gary Keller’s Vision Speech and 10 BOLD Truths, The ONE Thing With Jay Papasan, rapid-fire coaching sessions with Cody Gibson, Mega Agent panels, and so much more.

Bookmark FR25 Unlocked, then read on for exclusive coverage of Jamie Kern Lima’s keynote, session takeaways, and a recap of real estate’s now-legendary learning and networking conference. 

Health, Wealth, and Mindset: Big-Picture Thinking at CEO Summit

On Monday, the sold-out CEO Summit set the stage for the week ahead. The event opened with Gary Keller, Jay Papasan, and Jason Abrams discussing the importance of getting clear on your purpose – and purposefully feeding your brain.

Jay Papasan, Jason Abrams, and Gary Keller on stage at FR25 for the Vision speech.
Mo Anderson and Mark Willis on stage at Inspirational Morning with guests held during FR25.
Attendee in front of Family Reunion 2025 sign in the Exhibit Hall.
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