Is Real Estate a Good Career for You?
Choosing a career path is one of the biggest decisions you'll make in your life. If you're considering starting a career in real estate, you're likely drawn to its reputation for flexibility, independence, and potential for high earnings. But is real estate truly the right fit for you?
In this blog, we'll help you answer some key questions: How do you know if real estate is the right career for you? What are the benefits of pursuing a career in real estate? By answering these questions, we hope to guide you in making an informed decision about your future in real estate.
Is Real Estate a Good Career Path?
Let’s begin with the basics: Is real estate a good career path? Here are some significant benefits of switching or starting a career in real estate:
Straightforward Prerequisites for Real Estate Jobs
Unlike other jobs, you don't need a college degree to get your real estate license. You won't need a high school diploma in some states like Texas. If you are considering a career change or want to start a new career, real estate is a great field to get into because of the undemanding prerequisites.
While each state has specific requirements, in general, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen (or permanent resident) and state resident
- Have completed your state's pre-license education
- Have passed the State Licensing Examination
Despite meeting the prerequisites, if you are a young professional, you might find it challenging to compete against senior agents who dominate the real estate market with their experience and spheres of influence. However, many sellers and buyers appreciate the enthusiasm and drive young agents display.
Rewarding Job
Real estate is an excellent place if you are a self-starter and love helping people. Moving is a stressful activity for many people, and many real estate agents love being able to help ease the stress. At their job, agents must deal with lenders, title closers, buyers, and sellers.
Agents then must find a way to address each person's demands. Many people like the challenges of problem-solving and working with different personalities without being deterred. Beyond real estate, agents use skills from finance, marketing, sales, and customer service to help their clients, which is why agents view their job as a creative outlet.
However, like every business, your job comes with the liabilities, risks of disclosure, and uncertainties of securing a deal. The creative freedom and responsibilities can be overwhelming.
Finding the best way to solve different problems while addressing the original claim can also be frustrating. But, like every business, you will get rewarded for what you put into your work.
Flexible Hours and Days
As a real estate agent, you are not confined to a 9 to 5 job five days a week. You are free to set your hours to accommodate your needs. This is particularly helpful if you want to work part-time in real estate.
Many successful real estate agents join the market with another job. These agents can set time to do some tasks like online marketing, contacting clients, and making signs at home without compromising on other responsibilities. Since real estate jobs are commission-based, having a growing client base is crucial. But it isn't easy to secure even one client as a new agent.
Therefore, before diving in full-time with your resources and time, you can experience the flexibility of being a part-time real estate agent. However, your work hours are not always up to you. Since your sellers will most likely follow a 9 to 5 schedule, you might be asked to meet clients at night or on weekends.
How Do I Know Real Estate Is Right for Me?
Embarking on a career in real estate requires a thoughtful self-assessment to determine if it aligns with your skills, attributes, and professional aspirations. If the following qualities resonate with you, and you're prepared to embrace both the rewards and challenges of the profession, real estate might be a fitting career choice.
Here’s what to consider when evaluating your suitability:
Are You Self-Motivated?
Success in real estate often requires a proactive approach, as agents typically operate independently. You'll need to take initiative, manage your time effectively, and stay driven to achieve your goals without constant supervision. A strong work ethic and commitment are essential to keep your business thriving.
Do You Have Strong Communication Skills?
Effective interaction with clients, understanding their needs, and negotiating deals are crucial components of the job. Excellent communication involves active listening, clear articulation of ideas, and the ability to empathize with clients' concerns. These skills help build trust and facilitate successful transactions.
Can You Adapt to a Flexible Schedule?
Real estate doesn't adhere to the traditional 9-to-5 workday; evening and weekend availability is often necessary to accommodate clients. This flexibility can be advantageous, offering autonomy over your schedule, but it also demands adaptability to meet clients' needs at various times.
Are You Comfortable with Commission-Based Income?
Earnings in real estate are usually commission-based, meaning income can fluctuate based on market conditions and personal performance. Comfort with financial variability and the ability to budget accordingly are important. The potential for high earnings exists, but it requires dedication and effective business strategies.
Are You Confident With Your Negotiation Skills?
Negotiation is a significant aspect of real estate transactions. You'll need to advocate for your clients, strive for favorable terms, and resolve conflicts that may arise during the buying or selling process. Strong negotiation skills contribute to successful deals and more satisfied real estate clients.
Are You Willing to Continuously Learn?
The real estate industry is dynamic, with an evolving housing market, legal regulations, and technological advancements. A commitment to continuing education and staying informed about industry developments is crucial for long-term success.
Do You Understand Architecture and Property Details?
An appreciation for architecture and attention to property details can enhance your ability to market listings effectively and provide valuable insights to clients. This knowledge helps highlight a property's features and potential.
Are You Resilient and Able to Handle Rejection?
The real estate profession involves facing rejection and overcoming obstacles. Resilience and a positive attitude are essential to navigate challenges and maintain motivation throughout your career.
How Likely Are You to Succeed as a Real Estate Agent?
Success as a real estate agent is influenced by various factors, including job satisfaction, salaries, and market conditions. Let's delve deeper into these aspects and explore strategies to enhance your prospects in this dynamic field.
Job Satisfaction
A career in real estate can be highly rewarding. Americans seeking career satisfaction may find real estate to be among the most fulfilling professions. A recent analysis by Career.io, which reviewed over 755,000 job ratings, revealed that real estate agents topped the list for job satisfaction, with an average rating of 4.24 out of 5.
Salaries
Additionally, the earning potential in real estate is substantial, with agents' incomes varying based on experience, location, and effort. According to ZipRecruiter, as of January 2025, real estate agents earn a median annual wage of $85,793 annually or $41 per hour.
However, annual real estate agent salaries can go as high as $149,500 and as low as $28,500. The majority of Real Estate Agent salaries currently range between $60,000 (25th percentile) to $100,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $128,500 annually across the United States.
It's important to note that real estate agents typically work on a commission basis, meaning their income is directly tied to the number and value of transactions they complete. This structure offers the potential for higher earnings but also introduces variability based on factors such as market conditions, individual effort, and local demand.
Market Outlook
Real estate market trends are influenced by economic conditions, interest rates, and consumer demand, which can impact an agent's success.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for real estate brokers and sales agents is expected to increase by 2% from 2023 to 2033. Although overall growth is limited, an average of 46,000 job openings for real estate brokers and sales agents are anticipated annually over the decade.
These openings will primarily stem from the need to replace workers who transition to other careers or leave the workforce, including those retiring.
Furthermore, according to Real Estate News, 64% of agents surveyed are optimistic about the real estate market over the next 12 months, while nationally, 39% of agents surveyed expect a good market over the next six months. Additionally, the number of agents reporting weaker-than-normal sales in their market has fallen dramatically in the last year.
Staying informed on these real estate trends is crucial for adapting strategies and meeting client needs effectively.
Steps to Become a Real Estate Agent
So, after analyzing the pros and cons of real estate, have you decided that real estate is the right career for you? If so, it’s time to follow specific steps to become an agent.
Step 1: Take Your State’s Pre-licensing Course
Each state has different licensing requirements, but a pre-licensing course from a reputable school will help you fulfill your requirements and prepare you for the exam.
Step 2: Enroll and Pass Your State’s Licensing Exam
Ensure you register and pay for your state's licensing exam in time, so you can take it right after completing your pre-licensing course. Passing the exam takes additional preparation with practice exams and sample questions. Make sure you have ample time to study.
Step 3: Find a Brokerage to Work Under
After you pass your state's licensing exam, you are licensed to work under a real estate broker. It is essential to choose a brokerage that fits your needs. Consider if you want to work for a big firm that gives you great exposure or a small firm that gives you more responsibility.
Begin Your Real Estate Career With Agent Campus by 360training
Real estate is a great market to enter if you want a career change. As an agent, your job can be emotionally and financially rewarding in a growing market. But where do you start?
If you're ready to embark on your journey in real estate, start with the right training: Agent Campus by 360training. For aspiring agents, enroll in our Pre-License Real Estate course. For licensed agents looking to maintain their credentials and stay up-to-date, explore our Continuing Education (CE) course options.
These courses provide the foundational knowledge and ongoing training you need to succeed in the competitive world of real estate. Ready to give it a try? Head to our website today to get started!
Steps to Become a Real Estate Agent
Now that you have a better idea if real estate is the right career for you, you must take a few steps to become an agent.
Step 1: Take your state's Pre-licensing Course
Each state has different licensing requirements, but a pre-licensing course from a reputed school will help you fulfill your requirements and prepare you for the exam.
Step 2: Enroll and pass your state's licensing exam
Ensure you register and pay for your state's licensing exam in time, so you can take it right after completing your pre-licensing course. Passing the exam takes additional preparation with practice exams and sample questions. Make sure you have ample time to study.
Step 3: Find a brokerage to work under
After you pass your state's licensing exam, you are licensed to work under a real estate broker. It is essential to choose a brokerage that fits your needs. Consider if you want to work for a big firm that gives you great exposure or a small firm that gives you more responsibility.
Ready to Get Licensed?
Real estate is a great market to enter if you want a career change. As an agent, your job can be emotionally and financially rewarding in a growing market. Taking the pre-licensing course is the first step to having a successful real estate career.
