Most real estate professionals juggle client meetings, showings and transactions. Brandon Holtz is doing all that while competing on golf’s biggest stages.
The RE/MAX Rising agent from Bloomington, Ill., made headlines this year after qualifying for both the Masters Tournament and the U.S. Open as an amateur golfer. But in the latest episode of “NAR REALTOR® News Change Agents,” Holtz says the same skills that help him compete at an elite level also drive his success in real estate.
“Whatever that task is, I just really home in on that just to get it done,.” says Holtz, who credits his wife for her help and support. “She really has become my manager.”
Holtz came to real estate after an unexpected career change. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, he lost his job selling athletic equipment as youth sports programs across Illinois shut down. That transition coincided with his return to competitive golf, creating a balancing act that continues today.
“A lot of my [real estate] work is done in the morning and then at night,” Holtz says. “The afternoons, I schedule to get out and play and practice as needed, but the flexibility is key for sure.”
Focus on What Matters Most
As a lifelong athlete, Holtz says he’s learned how to tune out distractions and concentrate on what matters in the moment. On the golf course, that means visualizing every shot before he takes it. In business, it means prioritizing the most important tasks and avoiding the temptation to become overwhelmed.
That approach becomes especially important when balancing a demanding real estate business with preparation for major golf tournaments.
“Time management is key,” Holtz says.
He credits much of his ability to juggle both pursuits to a strong support system. Colleagues at RE/MAX Rising frequently step in to assist clients when he’s traveling for tournaments. During a recent trip to New York for a U.S. Open practice round, another agent showed a property to one of his clients.
“So teamwork [is important] definitely,” he says. “Even though we’re not on a specific team together, but we’re fellow agents and we’re buddies, so we help each other.”
Building Trust Through Communication
While golf taught Holtz the importance of preparation and focus, real estate has reinforced another lesson: Communication matters.
When discussing common challenges in a transaction, Holtz points to home inspections as one of the biggest opportunities to set expectations and build trust.
“At the first meeting, it’s conversations about what might come up,” he says. Rather than waiting for issues to arise, Holtz walks clients through potential scenarios early in the process, from small repairs to larger surprises. That transparency helps clients stay calm when obstacles appear.
“Communication is number one for sure,” Holtz says.
He applies the same philosophy to navigating market uncertainty. Whether clients have questions about interest rates, inventory or financing options, Holtz believes agents need to stay informed and prepared.
“I think educating yourself is key,” he says. “Being able to answer those questions that the clients have is huge.”
For Holtz, some of the most rewarding moments in real estate happen at the closing table.
“The main goal is to keep your clients happy, get them through the process—get them through the transaction,” he says.
As he prepares for another major championship, Holtz’s advice to fellow agents is simple: “Stay present, take it day by day.”
The same philosophy applies whether you’re chasing a dream or building a real estate business.
“Conquer the day,” Holtz says. “Do whatever you can that day to make the most of it.”
