Prioritizing Mental Health in Real Estate: Tools for REALTORS® to Manage Work Stress

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a timely reminder for REALTORS® to pause and reflect on their well-being. While real estate can be a deeply rewarding career, it also comes with unique stressors—from unpredictable markets and demanding client needs to financial pressures and ever-changing interest rates. Even if you love what you do, it’s okay to admit: this job can be stressful.

The Iowa REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) recognizes the importance of mental health in the profession and provides a variety of resources to support members. Whether you’re struggling with burnout, anxiety, or simply need strategies to manage the daily grind, there are tools available to help.

Work-related stress is on the rise across industries, and real estate is no exception. According to the American Institute of Stress, 83% of U.S. workers experience work-related stress—with one in four identifying their job as the biggest source of stress in their lives.

For REALTORS®, the stakes are even higher. The nature of the work—long hours, inconsistent income, and the pressure to always be available—can make it hard to set boundaries. Many agents are self-employed and wear multiple hats, which often leads to poor work-life balance and burnout.

The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies burnout as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that hasn’t been successfully managed. Common symptoms include:

• Physical and emotional exhaustion
• Cynicism or detachment from work
• Reduced professional efficacy

Left unaddressed, chronic stress and burnout can also affect your physical health. Research from Harvard University links unmanaged stress to conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and substance abuse.

Mental Wellness Resources for REALTORS®

NAR's dedicated mental wellness hub provides a variety of tools, including:

• Stress management strategies
• Self-care techniques
• Access to mental health professionals through Members TeleHealth
• Suicide prevention hotlines by state
• Webinars and articles on mental health topic

Find Help When You Need It

If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out. NAR’s Member Assistance Program offers confidential counseling services and wellness resources tailored to REALTORS®.

In Iowa, a number of nonprofit and state health agencies offer services to help individuals access affordable mental health care. The map below provides a guide and list of resources. While this is not an extensive list of all organizations that may be of help to Iowa REALTORS® members, we hope that it can serve as a jumping-off point for your research and assistance.  

You’re Not Alone

Mental health matters. As a REALTOR®, your ability to serve clients and grow your business is deeply connected to your well-being. By recognizing the signs of burnout and taking steps to prioritize self-care, you’ll not only protect your health—you’ll build a more sustainable and fulfilling career.

Let this Mental Health Awareness Month be a reminder: taking care of yourself is not a luxury. It’s a necessity.