The real estate industry continues to be one of the most dynamic and rewarding fields for individuals looking to build a lucrative and flexible career. Whether you’re just starting out in your professional journey or considering a midlife career change, real estate offers exciting possibilities. But before you dive in, it’s crucial to understand the necessary steps, qualifications, and expectations that come with becoming a licensed real estate agent.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to become a real estate agent, the skills you’ll need, potential earnings, and how to stand out in a competitive market.
What Does a Real Estate Agent Do?
A real estate agent helps clients buy, sell, and rent properties. Their responsibilities include:
- Listing homes and other properties for sale.
- Assisting buyers in finding suitable properties.
- Guiding clients through negotiations and contracts.
- Coordinating property showings and open houses.
- Keeping up with real estate laws, market trends, and pricing.
Agents often specialize in either residential or commercial real estate, though some handle both.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Become a Real Estate Agent
1. Understand Your State’s Licensing Requirements
Each U.S. state has its own set of requirements for becoming a real estate agent. Typically, this includes:
- Minimum age (usually 18 or 19)
- Legal U.S. residency
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Completion of state-approved pre-licensing education
- Passing a state real estate exam
- Background check and fingerprinting
Before taking action, check with your state’s real estate commission or regulatory agency for specific guidelines.
2. Complete Pre-Licensing Education
One of the first formal steps is enrolling in a state-approved real estate education program. This coursework can range from 40 to 180 hours, depending on your state. Topics generally covered include:
- Real estate principles and practices
- Legal aspects of real estate
- Contracts and agency
- Ethics and professional conduct
- Property management and real estate finance
You can take these courses online, in person, or through community colleges and real estate schools.
3. Pass the Real Estate Licensing Exam
Once you’ve completed the required coursework, you’ll need to pass your state’s licensing exam. The exam is typically divided into two sections:
- National Portion: Covers general real estate principles.
- State-Specific Portion: Focuses on state laws and regulations.
Exams usually consist of 100–150 multiple-choice questions. Many prep courses and practice exams are available to help you prepare.
4. Activate Your Real Estate License
After passing the exam, you’ll need to submit an application to your state’s real estate regulatory authority to activate your license. This process typically includes:
- Paying a licensing fee
- Submitting proof of exam completion
- Undergoing a background check
Once approved, you’ll receive your real estate license and can legally represent buyers and sellers in property transactions.
5. Join a Real Estate Brokerage
In most states, new real estate agents must work under the supervision of a licensed broker. A broker is responsible for overseeing transactions and ensuring that all activities comply with state laws.
When selecting a brokerage, consider:
- Training and mentorship opportunities
- Commission structure (split vs. salary)
- Office culture and team dynamics
- Marketing and technology support
Joining the right brokerage can accelerate your growth and help you build a strong foundation.
How to Become a Real Estate Agent:
Once you’ve obtained your license and joined a brokerage, the real work begins—establishing yourself in the market. Here’s how to gain traction:
1. Develop a Personal Brand
In a crowded field, branding is everything. Consider:
- Creating a professional website
- Investing in headshots and business cards
- Building a presence on social media platforms
- Choosing a niche (e.g., luxury homes, first-time buyers, relocations)
A recognizable and consistent brand helps you build trust and attract leads.
2. Network Relentlessly
Referrals and word-of-mouth remain top sources of business for agents. Start by tapping into your existing network:
- Family and friends
- Former coworkers
- Community and church groups
- Local events and volunteer opportunities
Make it known that you’re in real estate and ready to help.
3. Embrace Technology and Marketing Tools
Modern real estate agents use a suite of digital tools to stay competitive, including:
- MLS listings and CRM software
- Email marketing platforms like Mailchimp
- Real estate lead-generation services (Zillow, Realtor.com)
- Online advertising (Google Ads, Facebook ads)
Technology not only helps you reach more people but also improves efficiency in managing leads and transactions.
4. Stay Educated and Certified
Even after getting licensed, learning never stops. Continuing education (CE) is often required to maintain your license. You might also consider additional certifications to boost credibility:
- Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®)
- Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
- Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®)
- Green Designation (for sustainable homes)
These certifications allow you to serve niche markets more effectively.
Income Expectations for Real Estate Agents
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income for real estate agents is around $50,000, but top earners make well over six figures. Your income depends on factors like:
- Location and market conditions
- Commission rates (typically 5–6% split between buyer’s and seller’s agents)
- Experience and client base
- Marketing and negotiation skills
In hot markets like El Paso, TX, agents who understand local trends and build strong networks often earn significantly more.
Challenges to Consider
Like any career, real estate has its downsides. It’s important to know what to expect:
- Income can be inconsistent, especially at first.
- You’re essentially running your own business—no paycheck unless you close a deal.
- Weekend and evening work is common.
- Managing difficult clients and high-pressure negotiations is part of the job.
However, if you’re self-motivated, organized, and good with people, the benefits often outweigh the challenges.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to become a real estate agent opens the door to a flexible, high-potential career path. It offers freedom, the chance to meet diverse people, and the satisfaction of helping others make life-changing decisions.
But success doesn’t happen overnight. It requires ongoing education, a strong work ethic, networking savvy, and a willingness to weather the ups and downs of the market. If you’re committed to putting in the work, the rewards—both financial and personal—can be substantial.
And if you’re already in real estate or just getting started and looking for leads, it helps to specialize in solving urgent problems. For example, if a homeowner is looking to sell house fast El Paso, positioning yourself as the go-to expert for quick sales in that area can help you generate trust and conversions quickly. With the right strategy and focus, your real estate career can take off faster than you might think.
Call us anytime at 713-561-5162 or connect with us on our website and we’ll lay out all of your options for your specific situation.