Explore
Residential sales
Real Estate Agent
Straight commission, and your first year is the test.
Typical pay
$0-$150k+ — commission only
How you get in
60-180 hour course plus state exam
Outlook
Cyclical; tied to rates and inventory
Agents help people buy and sell property, earning only when a deal closes. Licensing is fast and cheap; building a client base is the actual job, and most new agents leave within two years.
A day in the life
- 8:00aProspecting calls and follow-ups
- 10:00aShowings with a buyer client
- 12:30pLunch, usually in the car
- 1:30pListing appointment — pitch for the business
- 3:30pNegotiate a counteroffer, chase the lender
- 7:00pOpen house prep and social content
How to get in
License and join a brokerage
Duration
2-6 months
Cost
$1,000-$3,000 including course, exam and dues
Credential
State real estate salesperson license
- Complete your state's required pre-licensing hours
- Pass the state and national portions of the exam
- Hang your license with a brokerage — required in every state
- Budget six to twelve months of living expenses before your first commission
Start as an agent's assistant
Duration
1-2 years
Cost
$1,000-$3,000 for the license
Credential
State license plus real deal experience
- Get licensed, then join a producing agent's team
- Handle showings, paperwork and follow-up for a salary or split
- Learn the transaction without betting your rent on it
- Break off with a database and real experience
Add a broker license later
Duration
2-3 years of experience, then coursework
Cost
$1,500-$4,000
Credential
Broker license
- Work as a salesperson for the years your state requires
- Complete the broker pre-licensing coursework
- Pass the broker exam
- Open your own brokerage or take a higher split
What people love
- · Licensed in a few months for very little money
- · No ceiling on income
- · You control your schedule
- · Every market has demand
What wears people down
- · Straight commission — no salary, no benefits
- · Most new agents wash out in under two years
- · Nights and weekends are the working hours
- · Fees, dues and marketing come out of your pocket