Learning how to become a real estate agent opens the door to a flexible, rewarding career. Real estate agents help buyers find homes, assist sellers in closing deals, and earn commissions on every transaction. The profession offers independence, uncapped income potential, and the satisfaction of guiding people through major life decisions.
But getting started requires more than enthusiasm. Aspiring agents must complete specific education, pass licensing exams, and choose the right brokerage. This guide breaks down each step clearly. Whether someone is switching careers or entering the workforce for the first time, they’ll find practical advice here to launch a successful real estate career.
Key Takeaways
- Becoming a real estate agent requires completing pre-licensing education (40–180 hours), passing a state exam, and affiliating with a licensed brokerage.
- Real estate agents earn commission-based income, with median earnings of $54,300 annually and top performers reaching six figures.
- Choosing the right brokerage is critical—evaluate commission structures, training programs, culture, and technology tools before signing.
- Essential skills for real estate agent success include strong communication, negotiation, time management, and local market knowledge.
- New agents should expect an inconsistent first year and prepare by building savings and treating their work as a full-time business from day one.
- Continuing education and professional designations help real estate agents stay competitive and expand their career opportunities.
Understanding The Role Of A Real Estate Agent
A real estate agent acts as a middleman between property buyers and sellers. They market homes, schedule showings, negotiate offers, and handle paperwork. Agents work on commission, typically earning 2.5% to 3% of the sale price on each transaction.
Real estate agents wear many hats. On any given day, they might photograph a new listing, host an open house, or walk a first-time buyer through their dream home. The job demands flexibility since clients often need evenings and weekends.
There’s an important distinction between agents and brokers. Real estate agents work under a licensed broker who supervises their transactions. Brokers have additional education and can operate independently or manage other agents. New agents always start under a broker’s guidance.
The income potential attracts many people to this field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, real estate agents earned a median annual wage of $54,300 in 2023. Top performers make well into six figures. But, income varies significantly based on location, market conditions, and individual effort.
This career suits self-starters who enjoy working with people. Real estate agents control their schedules but must hustle to find clients and close deals. Those who thrive tend to be persistent, personable, and comfortable with rejection.
Educational Requirements And Licensing
Every state requires real estate agents to hold a valid license. The process involves pre-licensing education, an exam, and a background check. Requirements vary by state, so aspiring agents should check their local real estate commission’s guidelines.
Pre-licensing courses cover topics like property law, contracts, ethics, and fair housing regulations. Most states require between 40 and 180 hours of coursework. Students can complete these courses online or in person through accredited schools.
After finishing the required education, candidates take the state licensing exam. The test has two parts: a national portion covering general real estate principles and a state-specific section on local laws. Most exams contain 100 to 150 multiple-choice questions. Passing scores typically fall between 70% and 75%.
Preparation matters. Many candidates purchase exam prep courses or practice tests. These resources highlight common question formats and reinforce key concepts. First-time pass rates hover around 50% to 60%, so studying seriously improves the odds.
Once someone passes the exam, they submit a license application to their state’s real estate commission. This step usually includes a background check and fingerprinting. Processing times range from a few days to several weeks depending on the state.
New real estate agents must also complete continuing education to maintain their licenses. States typically require 12 to 24 hours of coursework every one to two years. These classes keep agents current on legal changes and industry best practices.
Choosing A Brokerage And Getting Started
A real estate license alone doesn’t allow someone to practice independently. New agents must affiliate with a licensed brokerage. This partnership provides legal oversight, training, and often marketing support.
Choosing the right brokerage shapes an agent’s early career. Large national franchises like Keller Williams, RE/MAX, and Coldwell Banker offer brand recognition and structured training programs. Smaller boutique firms may provide more personalized mentorship and higher commission splits.
Key factors to evaluate include:
- Commission structure: Some brokerages take a percentage of each sale while others charge flat fees or desk fees.
- Training programs: New real estate agents benefit from brokerages that invest in onboarding and ongoing education.
- Culture and support: Ask current agents about the office environment and how management supports new team members.
- Technology and tools: Good brokerages provide CRM systems, lead generation tools, and marketing resources.
Interviewing multiple brokerages before signing helps new agents find the best fit. Questions to ask include: What does the training program look like? How are leads distributed? What fees will be deducted from commissions?
Once affiliated, real estate agents build their business through prospecting, referrals, and marketing. Many start by reaching out to their personal network, friends, family, and former colleagues. Social media, open houses, and community involvement also generate leads.
The first year challenges most new agents. Building a client base takes time, and income may be inconsistent. Smart agents set aside savings before starting and treat their work like a full-time business from day one.
Essential Skills For Success In Real Estate
Technical knowledge gets someone licensed. Soft skills determine long-term success as a real estate agent.
Communication ranks highest. Agents explain contracts, manage expectations, and deliver difficult news. Clear, timely communication builds trust with clients. The best real estate agents respond quickly and keep all parties informed throughout transactions.
Negotiation directly impacts income. Skilled negotiators secure better prices for their clients while keeping deals from falling apart. This skill improves with practice and intentional study.
Time management separates productive agents from struggling ones. Successful real estate agents block time for prospecting, client meetings, and administrative tasks. They prioritize activities that generate revenue rather than getting lost in busywork.
Market knowledge gives agents credibility. Buyers and sellers want agents who understand local pricing trends, neighborhood features, and inventory levels. Staying informed requires reading market reports and physically touring properties.
Marketing ability helps agents stand out. Today’s real estate agents need skills in social media, photography, video, and email campaigns. Those who present properties effectively attract more listings and buyers.
Resilience sustains careers through slow periods. Real estate involves rejection, lost listings, failed negotiations, deals that collapse at closing. Agents who bounce back quickly outlast those who take setbacks personally.
Continuous learning also matters. Top performers attend conferences, read industry publications, and pursue designations like the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) credential. These investments pay off through expanded skills and professional networks.
