For me, and for a lot of people, writing realism is harder than fantasy. So, here's some assorted tips!
Your plot isn't always the most important part. The pull of your story should be the characters, the relationships, the settings, ect. They need an interesting plot to tie them together, but a good plot can only exist with good details.
Don't be afraid to let your writing get fancy. Forget the rule of using "too much description", because that is what creates a realistic setting. Don't go overboard, but don't be afraid to build up a scene.
Treat your characters equally. Build your side characters up the same way as you do your main. Give them the same amount of personality and pull. Give the reader a reason to care about their lives, and not see them as nothing but an accessory to your main.
Treat your plots equally. Similarly, you have to make your reader care about your side plots, too. Your main plot should be most important, but don't let the side plots be bland and hard to read. They should be equally as compelling and interesting.
Think about people you know. Now, you shouldn't directly base a character off a real person. But, for dialogue, think- does this sound like something someone would actually say? Do I know anyone that speaks like this?
Everyone has their own lives. Your side characters do not exist solely to further the plot of your main characters. They should have their own lives. They have jobs, families, relationships, hobbies. Remind your readers that they are people too.
Fill your world with life. Mention people your character has brief encounters with. Mention their loud neighbours. Mention the person that serves them coffee. Mention their colleagues. Mention graffiti, crowds, pets- mention humanity.
Hone in on emotions. You want your readers to relate to at least some part of your story, and showing emotions well is exactly how to do it. Go further than just "he cried" or "she laughed", attach a little more feeling to it.
These won't always work for everyone, but they're my best tips. The one thing I can guarantee will help, though, is this:
Realistic writing should not rely on excitement. It should not rely on magic, or murder, or monsters. It relies on a love of life. And that is a whole other kind of magic.
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