The Hidden Value of Your First “Almost Deal”

real estate agent walking away almost deal

Most investors think success is measured only by the number of properties they close. That’s true long term, but in the early stages, the deals you don’t close, often referred to as ‘Almost Deals’, can carry just as much weight as the ones you do. The so-called ‘Almost Deal’ often holds more lessons than the successful ones.

At REALDEAL Network, we’ve seen countless members step up, pursue a property, run the numbers, meet the seller, and… walk away. At first, it feels like a loss. You put in the time, got excited, and maybe even brought it to the group. Then the financing wasn’t right. Or the comps didn’t support the asking price. Or the seller wasn’t motivated.

Here’s the truth: that “almost deal” might have been the single most valuable step you could have taken in your journey toward an Almost Deal.


Why Almost Deals Matter

  • Skill Building in Real Time
    Running the numbers on a live property, making the calls, and presenting to others forces you out of theory and into practice. No course or training replaces that, making every Almost Deal a practical experience.
  • Networking Without Pressure
    Walking away from a deal often opens doors. Sellers, agents, or partners you met during the process now know you’re serious, and they remember you when the next opportunity comes around, even if it was an Almost Deal.
  • Confidence Boost
    Closing a deal is exciting. But the confidence you gain from knowing when not to close is even more powerful. It means you’re not desperate. You’re disciplined, and that makes every Almost Deal a success in its own right.
  • Pattern Recognition
    Every deal teaches you what “normal” looks like in your market. The ones you pass on sharpen your instincts so the right deal practically glows when you find it, and you understand the pattern behind an Almost Deal.

Turning Almost Deals Into Progress

Inside REALDEAL Network, we encourage members to share their “almost deals” just as much as the wins. In Deal or No Deal sessions, the walk-aways are often the biggest teaching moments. You’ll hear how someone structured their offer, what red flags they spotted, and how they avoided a costly mistake. These shared experiences turn each Almost Deal into insightful progress.

By logging these deals in your own journal, you create a personal database of lessons. Imagine flipping back through your notes six months later and realizing you’ve seen this exact scenario before. That kind of experience accelerates your journey to your first (and second, and tenth) successful close, all rooted in prior Almost Deals.


Final Thought

Don’t be discouraged if your first few deals don’t close. The truth is, those “almost deals” are the foundation of your success. In REALDEAL Network, we celebrate every step that gets you closer to the right property. Because when you recognize the value in the deals you walk away from, you’ll be ready for the ones worth running toward. Check out our site today.

Nanci Rowe is a passionate entrepreneur, real estate investor, and a founding member of the Real Deal Network—a thriving community helping people build wealth through education and connection. With nearly two decades of experience, she’s dedicated to making real estate investing approachable and creating spaces where people feel supported and empowered.

When she’s not closing deals or coaching entrepreneurs, you’ll find her planning unforgettable adventures, geeking out on personal growth, or spending time with her family—always with purpose, passion, and a touch of sparkle.