How Bookkeeping Helps Agents Earn More

By Andy Mulholland

He has a background in leading a top real estate team for over a decade and an understanding of the critical role of clear financials, Andy, along with his wife Ellyn, a seasoned real estate CFO, co-founded Simple-Numbers.

Many real estate agents focus on closing more deals but overlook one of the simplest ways to increase profitability: better bookkeeping. Without accurate records, you risk missing out on deductions, overspending on business costs, and losing clarity on your true income. Today, I’ll break down how proper bookkeeping helps real estate agents keep more of what they earn:

• Track every commission and fee. Your income includes more than just your standard commission. Referral fees, transaction bonuses, and closing credits all need to be documented. Without clear tracking, it’s easy to lose sight of how much you’re actually making.
• Know where your money goes. Business expenses like marketing, staging, client gifts, and mileage can add up fast. Bookkeeping helps you see where you’re spending, identify what’s helping your business grow, and cut what’s not.
• Get every deduction you’re entitled to. Tax write-offs are only available if you’ve documented them properly. Whether it’s software subscriptions, office space, or professional development, clean records ensure you can claim every dollar.
• Understand your cash flow. Knowing what’s coming in and going out each month allows you to plan ahead, avoid cash crunches, and make smarter investments in your business.

Bookkeeping doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does have to be consistent. Even a simple spreadsheet or basic software can give you the clarity you need to run a more profitable business. If you’re not sure where to start, you can reach out to me at andy@simple-numbers.com. I’ll walk you through what you need to start tracking your numbers accurately today.