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How to Get a California Real Estate License (Step-by-Step Guide)
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Homeownership comes with major perks. It allows you the freedom to create your own unique living environment and an increased level of financial stability. It also offers you the ability to build equity in your home.
This article will outline everything you should know about home equity, how to build it, and the best way to use it.
Homebuyers are driven by several factors, including a desire for independence, control, and self-expression, which can be summarized in an acronym known as U.P.T.E.E., which refers to a property owner’s bundle of rights.
These rights are as follows:
With these rights comes the possibility to build value, or home equity, in your home. That equity allows the homeowner’s right (and defined by the right to “encumber”) to borrow money against the property to secure a loan.
Equity is the difference between the amount of money that you owe the mortgage lender and the amount of money that your home is worth.
A more complete way to think about it is:
Equity = market value − what you owe on all liens secured by the property (for example, your mortgage plus any HELOC or home equity loan).
Over time, you will make mortgage payments on the house, reducing the loan’s principal balance, thus building equity by increasing the percentage of the home you actually own.
If you were to purchase a home worth $300,000, for example, using a $30,000 down payment, you would automatically have $30,000 of equity at closing.
As you make each payment toward your mortgage, your loan balance will decrease. This builds more equity as long as the value of your home remains the same or increases over time.
Once you pay 100% of your mortgage, you will have 100% equity.
Sometimes, home prices can drop sharply, and a homeowner may owe the lender more than what the home is actually worth.
Using our example, if the home’s value dropped to $200,000 and you still owed $240,000, the loan would be considered “underwater,” or you would have “negative equity.”
There are several different ways to build equity in your home, including:
You can tap into the equity of a home you have built as a convenient way to borrow money. Because the loan is secured by your home, home equity borrowing can sometimes be lower-cost than many unsecured loans—but rates and qualifications vary by lender, credit score, and market conditions.
Depending on a person’s credit score and financial history, a lender will generally want to see a combined loan-to-value (CLTV) ratio around 80%–85% or less. CLTV looks at what you owe on your first mortgage plus the new loan, divided by your home’s current value. That’s why most homeowners can’t borrow “the full value” of the home—lenders usually cap how much you can borrow based on your home’s value minus what you already owe.
Most home equity loan terms will range between five and 20 years, but borrowers can take 30 years to pay a home equity loan depending on the lender and product. On longer-term loans, a significant amount of a borrower’s monthly payment can go to interest in the beginning, which is why it’s important to compare the total cost of the loan—not just the monthly payment.
It can take years for a homeowner to reach a 20% equity threshold, but the timeline depends on the down payment, extra principal payments, loan type, and how home values change. Some homeowners reach it quickly, while others may take longer.
Many small business owners will tap into home equity and use the money to help grow their business. The move is particularly advantageous when avoiding higher interest rates associated with a small business loan.
Emergencies happen. Most financial advisors suggest having an emergency fund covering six months of your living expenses. But that’s hard for most people to do. A home equity loan may be your best choice when faced with an emergency and no way to get the finances you need.
Home equity loans can be great tools for consolidating high-interest debts at lower interest rates. You can use this method to help you pay off personal debts like credit cards and car loans.
If the lender approves, you can use your home equity for covering college expenses. Although student loans are usually your best bet for paying college expenses, home equity loans can sometimes offer better low-interest options.
Home equity loans are most commonly used for home improvement projects because, in addition to making your home more livable, comfortable, and desirable, the upgrades that you make can potentially raise the house’s value, thus building more equity. It can really be a win-win.
Home improvement is also the most common situation where home equity loan/HELOC interest may qualify for a tax deduction—when the funds are used to buy, build, or substantially improve the home that secures the loan.
There is no doubt that most Americans who can purchase a home do so to put a roof over their heads. Still, through equity, homeownership truly becomes an investment.
A home equity loan (or HELOC) can be a valuable tool, but rates vary and should be compared carefully. Also, tax benefits are not automatic—interest is generally deductible only when the borrowed funds are used to buy, build, or substantially improve the home that secures the loan (and other IRS limits/rules apply).
They just have to make sure they have a steady income that can repay the loan.
The best real estate brokerage for new agents in 2026 is the one that trades a slice of your commission for real training, because your first year is about learning deals, not maximizing splits. For most new agents, that means Keller Williams or eXp Realty. For agents who want benefits and salary-like stability, it means Redfin.
This guide compares the 10 biggest names, what they pay, what they charge, and who each one fits. It also covers the news that changed this list: Compass now owns four of the brands on it.
TL;DR: Big-name brokerages are usually the right first move because they offer structured training, mentorship, and brand trust while you learn the business. Keller Williams and eXp lead on training and capped splits. Realty ONE Group pays the most per deal but supports you the least. And as of January 2026, Coldwell Banker, Century 21, and Sotheby's all answer to Compass.
A real estate brokerage is the licensed company a new agent must work under to legally represent buyers and sellers. If you're still deciding whether brokerage life is for you, here's what it's like to work at a real estate brokerage.
The biggest shakeup in decades hit this list in January 2026: Compass completed its acquisition of Anywhere Real Estate on January 9, 2026, according to Compass' SEC filing. That puts Coldwell Banker, Century 21, Sotheby's International Realty, Corcoran, ERA, and Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate under one roof. Compass' Q1 2026 earnings release counts more than 300,000 professionals across the combined network.
Two more moves matter. Rocket Companies completed its acquisition of Redfin on July 1, 2025, per Rocket's SEC filing. And in April 2026, The Real Brokerage agreed to acquire RE/MAX Holdings, with the deal expected to close in the second half of 2026, according to RE/MAX's Q1 2026 report.
For you, the practical takeaway is this: the brand on the sign matters less than the office you join. Splits, fees, and mentorship are still set locally. Ask for everything in writing.
Yes. Keller Williams is the strongest pick for most new agents because the entire company is built around education and mentorship. KW is the largest real estate franchise in the U.S. by agent count, and its KW University coursework, productivity coaching, and mentor pairing are designed for people closing their first deals.
The money works like this: agents start on a 70/30 split. A commission cap is the maximum a brokerage collects from your commissions each year. Once you hit it, you keep 100% until your anniversary date. KW caps vary by market center, so ask your local office for the exact number. KW also runs a profit-sharing program that pays agents a slice of office profits.
The trade-off is size. Popular market centers are crowded, and you'll compete with teammates for the same neighborhoods.
eXp Realty is the best fit for new agents who want flexibility and don't need an office. It's a virtual-first brokerage with an 80/20 split and a $16,000 annual cap, after which you keep 100% for the rest of your anniversary year. New agents typically work through a mentorship program at a reduced split on their first few transactions.
eXp has been busy. According to eXp World Holdings' Q1 2026 earnings report, the company had 82,332 agents as of March 31, 2026, and closed 91,598 transactions in the quarter. In May 2026, it acquired the NextHome franchise network and changed its stock ticker to AGNT, signaling a push beyond the pure cloud-brokerage model.
The downside is the same as the upside: no offices. If you learn best face to face, eXp will feel lonely. Stock awards and revenue share are nice, but don't pick a brokerage for perks you'll only earn at high volume.
Redfin is the best choice for new agents who want a paycheck, benefits, and leads instead of pure commission. Redfin agents are W-2 employees with health insurance, 401(k) matching, and covered business expenses. Leads come from Redfin's site traffic, so you spend your time closing instead of prospecting.
Redfin has been part of Rocket Companies since July 1, 2025, per Rocket's SEC filing. Under the Redfin Next plan, agents earn higher splits on self-sourced deals and lower splits on company-generated leads.
The trade-off is autonomy. You build Redfin's brand, not yours. Entrepreneurial agents tend to outgrow it.
Compass is built for luxury markets and proven producers, which makes it a stretch for most first-year agents. Splits are negotiated individually, and negotiating power comes from a track record you don't have yet.
That said, Compass is now the biggest player in American real estate. Its Q1 2026 earnings release reports 84,187 agents in its owned brokerage, $97.3 billion in brokerage transaction volume for the quarter, and a combined network of more than 300,000 professionals after the Anywhere acquisition. Its tech platform is a real advantage, and it's rolling out to the acquired brands through 2026 and 2027.
If you're set on luxury and can land a seat on a productive Compass team, it can work. Otherwise, build your first 2 years somewhere with structured training.
Coldwell Banker is a solid choice for new agents who want a famous brand and an actual office to walk into. Training is a real strength. Coldwell Banker University offers structured onboarding and ongoing coursework, and the brand's century-plus reputation helps a rookie win listing appointments.
Two things to check before signing. First, most Coldwell Banker offices don't cap commissions, so you'll split with the house on every deal, forever. Second, Coldwell Banker is now a Compass brand following the January 2026 merger, and offices include both company-owned and franchised locations, so splits and fee stacks vary widely. Get the fee sheet in writing.
Century 21 works for new agents who value name recognition and structured mentorship over a fat split. Many offices start new agents near a 50/50 arrangement, plus a franchise royalty fee on each deal, with better splits unlocked as production grows. Each office is independently owned, so terms vary more than at almost any other brand on this list.
Like Coldwell Banker, Century 21 became a Compass brand in January 2026. Day to day, that changes little for now, but expect new tech tools as Compass integrates its platform across franchise brands in 2027.
Sotheby's is the luxury-prestige play, and it's better suited to your second brokerage than your first. Affiliates set their own splits and fees, the clientele expects polish, and business runs on referrals that new agents haven't earned yet. In 2024, the brand reported $157 billion in global sales volume, which tells you the deal sizes and the expectations.
Sotheby's also joined the Compass family in the January 2026 merger. If high-end is your long-term lane, start at a training-first brokerage, then move up. Here's how to change brokerages when you're ready.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices offers brand prestige with more new-agent support than Sotheby's, but conservative starting economics. New agents often start around a 60/40 split, and some offices add royalty and transaction fees on top. The REsource Center training and marketing tools are legitimately useful for a first-year agent.
One point of confusion worth clearing up: BHHS is owned by Berkshire Hathaway's HomeServices of America, not by Anywhere, so it was not part of the Compass deal. It remains one of the largest independent networks in the country.
RE/MAX pays experienced agents the most and supports new agents the least, and in 2026 it comes with a big asterisk. The classic model pairs a very high split with a monthly desk fee, which is great when you're closing monthly and painful when you're not. Newer programs like Aspire give rookies lower-fee on-ramps, so ask each office what they offer.
The asterisk: according to RE/MAX Holdings' Q1 2026 report, the company had 149,192 agents worldwide and 47,443 in the U.S., and it has agreed to be acquired by The Real Brokerage in a deal expected to close in the second half of 2026. If you join a RE/MAX office this year, you're also joining whatever comes next.
Realty ONE Group is the best-known 100% commission brokerage, which means you keep your full commission and pay flat monthly and per-transaction fees instead of a split. For a high producer, the math is unbeatable. For a brand-new agent, those fees come due whether you close or not.
The company does offer training through ONE University and transaction tech through zONE, but the model assumes you can generate your own business. If you can't yet, a split-based brokerage that invests in you is the cheaper option in year 1, even though it looks more expensive on paper.
Choose the brokerage that maximizes your learning in year 1, not your take-home per deal. A 100% commission on zero closings is still zero. Compare offices on these 6 factors, in this order:
One more 2026-specific note: since August 17, 2024, NAR's settlement rules require written buyer agreements before touring homes, according to the National Association of Realtors. Ask every brokerage you interview how they train new agents on buyer presentations. The offices with a sharp answer are the ones taking training seriously.
Virtual and low-fee brokerages fit part-time agents best because you're not paying for a desk you rarely use. eXp Realty is the standard answer: no desk fees, online training you can attend after your day job, and a cap structure that doesn't punish low volume. Some Century 21 and Coldwell Banker offices also welcome part-timers, but confirm that monthly fees won't eat your occasional commissions.
Your first brokerage is a 2-year decision, not a marriage. Pick the office that will teach you the most, learn everything, and renegotiate or move once you have a track record. Agents switch brokerages all the time, and the good ones switch from a position of strength.
Interview at least 3 offices before you sign anything, and bring the 6-factor checklist above.
Most new agents fail because nobody taught them how to actually run the business. That's what our Career Course covers: lead generation, buyer presentations, and your first listing, taught live. Start the US Realty Training Career Course and walk into any brokerage interview with a plan.
Whether you passed the state exam or you are still studying, you might have thought about the brokerage interview process.
It deserves a moment of recognition before you trudge onward in your path to become a real estate agent.
After passing the state exam, you’re given your real estate license but nowhere to hang it. That’s why you have to sign with a brokerage.
Signing with a brokerage is the final step to becoming a real estate agent.
Also known as “hanging your license,” signing with a brokerage contractually employs you. Every agent signs with a brokerage.
People will often become timid or nervous before their big interview.
Those feelings are natural, but you should know there’s nothing to fear. Real estate agents don’t need previous experience or a flourishing work portfolio to impress the hiring team.
When you interview at a real estate brokerage, there are 4 tips you should remember:
Now, let's explore what each one of these tips means in more detail.
From the moment you walk in the front door, look around the brokerage office. Feel the environment, meet the people, and look at the decor.
What kind of coffee do they have in stock? Is the office pet-friendly? Are people genuinely disgruntled to be there at the start of the week?
These are simple questions and observations to feel the office culture.
Little do most newbie agents know, but the office culture is among the most important parts of the interview process.
The brokerage should help you grow and become a professional, so being stuck in an environment that doesn’t fit your culture will stiffen your development.
Feel the brokerage culture. If you like what you see and hear, then the brokerage will be a good fit for you.
Don’t settle for the first brokerage you interview with. You have all the power to find the best place to hang your license.
When you interview with a brokerage, you will be meeting the team that dictates the business’s direction. During your interview, they will ask you questions to learn more about you.
What they are looking for is your passion behind your career.
Questions like “Why are you interested in us,” “Why real estate,” or “Where do you see yourself in 5-years” are common questions that come up in an interview because they help vent the applicants.
Brokerages seek people who have the drive to excel in their careers and help generate revenue.
You don’t need the experience to show them passion.
Becoming your authentic self by answering these questions honestly will help them understand who you are, which is the goal of the interview.
Don’t be afraid to show them your personality and who you are – so long as you remain professional.
Most interview applicants will forget to ask questions. Asking questions is the best way to show passion, drive, and enthusiasm.
Questions pertaining to the brokerage’s goals, success, and environment are helpful to ask.
But, the two important ones to bring up are:
Brokerages serve you, the real estate agent, just as much as you serve them.
They should provide you resources to develop professionally and grow as an agent.
If you feel like you won’t have access to these resources, then you should critically assess if you want to work with this brokerage.
Interviews are two-way streets. Use this opportunity to ask questions and figure out if the brokerage is the right fit for you.
This won’t seem interrogative from the broker’s perspective, because it will show off your passion.
Dressing well for the environment will always show the brokerage that you match the culture and you’re a professional.
Showing up in clothes that match the office culture will reduce the barriers you place between yourself and the interviewer.
Finding out the brokerage dress style can be done with a little research on their website.
They might have images posted that will give you clues on how the office dresses.
The worst-case scenario: dress professionally with a splash of color. You’re a professional, but more importantly, you have a personality.
Brokerages hire real estate agents who will represent their brand well.
They don’t want to hire someone who is unprofessional and will tarnish their reputation.
Showing up to the interview and with a warm, friendly personality will go further than you might think.
You don’t need the experience to become a real estate agent, so showing the brokerage that you’re able to abide by the brokerage style, culture, and values will help you pass the interview.
Brokerages take responsibility for the agent’s actions.
During the interview, the broker will be vetting you to make sure you will properly represent the business.
If you can show them that you will always be professional and have the best interest of the brokerage and your professional development, then you can do no wrong.
We want to hear what’s on your mind before an upcoming interview.
A lot of people think the only way to make money with a real estate license is by helping buyers and sellers close deals.
That is definitely one way to do it. But it is not the only way.
A real estate license can also help you earn money through referrals, investing, representing yourself in deals, becoming a broker, building a team, creating educational content, and using your license to open other opportunities in the real estate industry.
That matters because not everyone wants to build a traditional full-time sales career. Some people want part-time income. Some want to invest. Some want to create long-term business growth. Others want to stay involved in real estate without depending only on buyer and seller transactions.
If that sounds like you, the good news is this: there are multiple ways to make money with a real estate license.
Yes.
You do not have to rely only on traditional home sales to make money with a real estate license.
That does not mean every path is easy or passive. But it does mean a license can create different kinds of earning opportunities depending on your goals, your skills, and how active you want to be.
Some options are faster and more direct, like referral income. Others are longer-term plays, like investing, becoming a broker, or building a team. Some paths use the license more as a credibility tool that helps you create other income opportunities in real estate.
The key is knowing which path fits you best.
One of the simplest ways to make money with a real estate license is by becoming a referral agent.
A referral agent connects a buyer or seller with another active real estate agent and earns a referral fee if the transaction closes. This can be appealing if you have strong relationships, a large network, or people who trust you, but you do not want to handle showings, negotiations, or the day-to-day work of running transactions yourself.
This path can be especially attractive for:
Referral income is not usually the fastest path to large earnings, but it can be one of the cleanest ways to turn relationships into income.
Best for:
Part-time flexibility and relationship-based income
Income style:
Per closed referral
A real estate license can also help you make money by strengthening your investing strategy.
That does not mean the license magically turns you into an investor. But it can help you better understand contracts, negotiations, property value, local market activity, and the buying and selling process. In some cases, it may also allow you to participate more directly in your own transactions, depending on your state rules, brokerage setup, and compliance obligations.
This path can be attractive if your bigger goal is long-term wealth rather than just transactional income. Instead of only earning from commissions, you can use your knowledge and access to spot deals, build relationships, and make more informed decisions as an investor.
Best for:
Long-term wealth building
Income style:
Investment gains, equity growth, possible commission savings depending on the deal structure
If you plan to buy, sell, or invest personally, a real estate license may help you make money by allowing you to represent yourself in your own deals.
This can create value in a few different ways:
This is not the main reason most people get licensed, but it can be a meaningful benefit if you expect to buy or sell property more than once over time.
Best for:
People planning to buy, sell, or invest themselves
Income style:
Savings, transaction value, and better deal control
One of the biggest long-term income paths is becoming a broker.
A broker can potentially create more control over the business, earn from their own production, and in some business models benefit from the production of other agents. This usually is not the first step for a brand-new license holder, but it is one of the clearest ways to expand your earning potential over time.
Your current page mentions broker salary and agent salary figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That kind of comparison can still be useful context as long as it supports the main question instead of dominating it. According to the current version of your page, median pay figures remain higher for brokers than for sales agents, which fits the broader point that brokerage is a longer-term income expansion path.
Best for:
Agents thinking long term and wanting more control
Income style:
Personal production, brokerage revenue, and larger business upside
Another way to make money with a real estate license is by growing beyond solo production.
Your current article uses the phrase “create a downline,” but that wording can feel vague. A cleaner way to explain the idea is this: some agents eventually grow a team, expand their influence, recruit other agents, or participate in brokerage models that reward growth and production across a larger network.
This is not usually where someone starts. But it is one of the paths that can turn a license into a bigger business rather than just a job.
Best for:
People who want scale and leadership over time
Income style:
Production plus business growth, depending on the model
You do not have to rely only on traditional home sales to make money with a real estate license.
In some cases, your license can help you earn income in related real estate work where industry knowledge matters. That can include transaction support, leasing, operations, investor support, client service, or other property-related roles.
The license may not always be the only reason you get paid, but it can make you more valuable. It shows that you understand the real estate process, industry terms, contracts, and how transactions work.
That added credibility can help you qualify for opportunities, stand out from other candidates, and create income in the real estate industry without depending entirely on closing your own buyer and seller deals.
If your goal is to stay connected to real estate while building income in a different way, this can be a practical path.
Best for:
People who want to use their license in a support, hybrid, or real-estate-adjacent role
Income style:
Salary, hourly pay, bonuses, or hybrid compensation depending on the role
The best way to make money with a real estate license depends on what you want out of it.
If you want the most direct path to income, helping buyers and sellers close deals is still the clearest route.
If you want more flexibility and do not want to manage every part of a transaction, referral fees may be a better fit.
If your goal is long-term wealth, investing in real estate or representing yourself in your own deals can create more value over time.
If you want to grow into something bigger, becoming a broker or building a team can open the door to more income and more control.
The good news is that you do not have to rely only on home sales to make your license worthwhile. There are multiple ways to use it, and the right path depends on your goals, your strengths, and how you want to build your career.
For many people, earning referral fees is one of the easiest ways because you do not have to manage the full transaction yourself.
It can be. Becoming a broker can create more long-term earning potential, especially if you want more independence, more control, or the ability to build a larger business.
Yes. Some people use their license part-time to earn referral income, support their own investing goals, or help a small number of clients each year.
A real estate license can help you make money in more ways than most people realize.
Yes, traditional home sales are one path. But they are not the only path.
You can earn through referral fees. You can use your license to support your own investing. You can represent yourself in deals. You can grow into a broker, build a team, or use your license in related real estate work.
That is what makes a real estate license so valuable. It does not lock you into one income model.
Instead, it gives you options.
The important thing is not just getting licensed. It is understanding how you want to use that license to create income in a way that fits your goals.
Finding the owner of a property is one of the most practical skills a real estate agent canhave. Whether you're chasing off-market deals, following up on expired listings, orworking through a pre-foreclosure list, knowing who owns a property — and how to reach them — is the difference between a lead and a dead end.
This guide is written for real estate professionals. Not for neighbors trying to figure out who owns the vacant lot next door. If you're prospecting at any kind of scale, thesemethods will save you hours and open doors that most agents never find.
How to Find a Property Owner: 7 Methods That Actually Work
Finding the owner of a property is one of the most practical skills a real estate agent can have. Whether you're chasing off-market deals, following up on expired listings, or working through a pre-foreclosure list, knowing who owns a property — and how to reach them — is the difference between a lead and a dead end.
This guide is written for real estate professionals. Not for neighbors trying to figure out who owns the vacant lot next door. If you're prospecting at any kind of scale, these methods will save you hours and open doors that most agents never find.
Knowing how to find a property owner is core to three of the most productive prospecting strategies agents use.
Off-market deals: Most sellers aren't on Zillow. They haven't called an agent. If you can identify a motivated owner before they list — someone going through a divorce, an estate, a tax delinquency, or just a property they've held too long — you can have a conversation that leads to a listing before any competition exists.
Expired listings: When a listing expires, the owner's name is typically still in the MLS. But their contact info may be outdated, or they've set up systems to avoid calls. Knowing how to track down a current mailing address or phone number through public records gives you a real shot at reconnecting.
Pre-foreclosure prospecting: Notice of Default filings are public records. They identify properties in financial distress weeks or months before foreclosure. Reaching those owners early — before they're overwhelmed with investor postcards — means you can actually help.
In all three cases, the search starts the same way: find the owner of record, verify it's current, and figure out the best way to make contact. Here are the 7 methods that work.
The county assessor's website is the starting point for almost every property owner search. It's free, it's public, and it's updated regularly because property taxes depend on it.
Every county in the US maintains a property tax database. Most of them have a searchable online portal. You enter an address, a parcel number, or sometimes an owner name, and the system returns the owner of record, the mailing address on file (which may be different from the property address), the parcel number, assessed value, and tax status.
To find your county assessor's site, search "[county name] county assessor" or "[county name] county property tax search" — most counties have a .gov site.
Limitations: The assessor's records show the legal owner of record, which may be an LLC, a trust, or an estate. If the property is owned under an entity name, you'll need to go further (see Method 5). Also, mailing addresses are only updated when the owner files a change — they can be stale.
Recorded deeds are the official legal documents that transfer property ownership — and they're public record. The county recorder (sometimes called the county clerk) maintains these records.
While the assessor focuses on taxes, the recorder maintains the chain of title — every deed, lien, mortgage, and encumbrance on a property. This is useful when you want to confirm recent ownership transfers, check for liens, or understand the full ownership history.
Most county recorder offices have online search portals. Search "[county name] county recorder" or "[county name] county clerk deed search." Larger counties (Los Angeles, Cook County, Harris County) have well-developed systems. Some rural counties still require in-person visits or written requests.
Pro tip: If the assessor shows an LLC as the owner, the deed in the recorder's database may still show the individual who transferred the property into the LLC — giving you a real name to work with.
When you need to search multiple properties at once, or when you want contact information beyond just the owner name, dedicated property data tools are worth knowing.
Free options: Zillow shows some owner data on listed properties, but it's limited and not designed for prospecting. County assessor sites (Method 1) are still the best free option for one-off lookups.
Paid professional tools:
If you're doing any kind of systematic prospecting — expired listings, off-market farming, pre-foreclosure outreach — a paid tool will pay for itself quickly.
A basic Google search won't usually return property ownership data directly — but it can surface ownership clues that accelerate your other searches.
Try searching the full property address in quotes. Sometimes you'll find property listing history, permit records, news coverage, or business filings that name the owner. For commercial properties, you might find the LLC name on a business website or Google Maps listing.
Public databases like Realtor.com and Redfin show listing history, and some include assessor data. Whitepages and similar people-search sites sometimes surface relevant information, though quality varies.
Limitation: This method works best for properties owned by individuals. If an LLC or trust owns the property, Google won't get you far. Move to Method 5.
A large share of investment properties are owned by LLCs, trusts, corporations, or other legal entities. When your assessor search returns "123 Main Street LLC" instead of a person's name, you need a different approach.
Every state maintains a Secretary of State business entity database, and most are searchable online for free. Search the entity name and you'll typically find the registered agent, the business address, and in many states the names of the members or managers.
To find your state's business entity database, search "[state] Secretary of State business entity search."
Tracing the entity: Some LLCs are deliberately structured to obscure ownership — the registered agent is an attorney, and the members are listed as another LLC. In these cases, you may need to trace through multiple layers. Wyoming and Delaware have especially opaque LLC laws. Nevada is similar.
Pro tip: Even if the state records don't list individual names, the business address on the registration is often the owner's home or office. That address may already be in the assessor's system for another property they own outright.
When other methods fail, or when you want to avoid the complexity of tracking down contact info, send a letter to the property address marked "Current Occupant" or "Property Owner."
This sounds old-fashioned. It works.
If the owner lives at the property, they'll receive it. If it's a rental, the tenant may forward it or the owner may receive it at the property's forwarding address. For vacant properties, the USPS will forward mail to the owner's address on file if they've set up forwarding.
Keep your letter short, professional, and non-threatening. Identify yourself as a licensed real estate agent, briefly explain your interest in the property, and give them an easy way to respond — phone, email, or a simple website form. Don't make it feel like a form letter.
Why this still works: Most agents and investors blast the same digital campaigns to the same lists. A handwritten or high-quality printed letter stands out. And for a seller who isn't ready to list publicly, a low-pressure personal letter is often more effective than a cold call.
For complex ownership situations — multiple owners, contested title, unclear chain of ownership, or high-value transactions — a title company is your most reliable resource.
Title companies maintain their own property records databases and can run a title search to identify all owners of record, all liens, and any encumbrances on a property. This is standard practice before any real estate closing, but you can request a preliminary title search before you're even in contract.
Many title companies will run an ownership and encumbrance search as a professional courtesy for agents they work with regularly. It's worth building these relationships — title reps are a genuine resource for data you can't get anywhere else.
This method is overkill for routine prospecting. But for a high-value off-market opportunity where you want to be certain about the ownership picture before investing serious time, it's the right call.
Finding the owner is step one. Making contact is step two. Here's how to do it right.
Direct mail: Personalized letters and postcards are the most compliant, least invasive form of outreach. They also have decent response rates when the message is relevant to the owner's situation. Services like BatchLeads integrate list-building with direct mail fulfillment.
Phone outreach: If you have a phone number, be aware of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). The TCPA restricts unsolicited calls and texts, especially to cell phones. Before running any phone outreach campaign, consult with a real estate attorney to ensure your practices are compliant. This is not optional — TCPA violations carry real penalties.
Door-knocking: For occupied properties, a respectful in-person visit can be highly effective. Keep it brief, be transparent about who you are and why you're there, and leave a card. Don't push — you're opening a door, not closing a deal.
Whichever method you use, the goal is to start a conversation, not a transaction. The best deals come from owners who trust you before they need you. Finding them and reaching out correctly is how you build that pipeline.
If you want more lead generating advice and tips, visit our career courses. You get certified to showcase your expertise and the knowledge of proven methods to building successful careers.
Congratulations, you have buyers!
They’re motivated and excited to go house hunting. Before you just pile everyone in a car and hit the ground running, take a moment.
You want to do this the right way.
What’s the biggest secret to success in real estate? Being prepared! So, how do you prepare for buyers to be shown properties?
There are a few things you need to consider to make the process more seamless and convenient.
We’re going to discuss the 9 tips to help you effectively show properties.
Since August 17 2024, every REALTOR® must have a written buyer-representation agreement in place before any in-person or live virtual showing. The form clarifies compensation, agency duties, and how you’ll work together, keeping you compliant and transparent from the very first tour.
Before you take your clients out to preview homes, do the research. Research the properties the day before taking your clients out to ensure that you have the latest listings.
If you research these properties too far in advance, these homes may have already been sold.
Especially if it’s in an area that is high in demand.
You don’t want to disappoint your clients by presenting any properties that are no longer available. Not being prepared will leave your buyer uncertain that you are a capable and professional real estate agent.
Make sure you know the route to the properties. How embarrassing would it be to get lost on your way there?
Do a test run.
It’s a good idea to drive the routes to all the listings the day before you show the property to your clients. If there is construction or an unforeseen road closure you can prepare to alter your route.
It makes it easier for when the time comes and proves that you are an area specialist.
Use the navigation on your phone or in your car to plan the order that you’ll be seeing the homes. It will maximize how many properties you can see in one day and be more time-efficient.
If you are not taking your client in your car, you can share the directions with them.
Prepare your buyer’s packet in advance—ideally share it through a digital portal such as your MLS Client Portal or HomeSnap so both of you can see live listing updates on any device. If your client prefers paper, you can still print a copy, but lead with the digital version for real-time accuracy.
The buyer packet is a list of all the properties that you will preview that day. It will list all the pertinent information about each property. This includes the price, how many bedrooms and bathrooms, and the square footage.
Your buyer can take notes directly on their packet. If they are viewing multiple homes on one day, this will make it easy for your buyer to remember what they may have liked or disliked about each of the properties.
It’s important to keep safety in mind for both you and your client. Make it a habit to announce yourself when entering a property. Don’t assume that no one is home, even if you ring the doorbell or knock and no one answers.
There may be instances where someone may still be on the property at the time of your arrival. Announcing your presence will make sure you don’t alarm anyone or take them by surprise.
This will also help you avoid any awkward encounters.
While not common, occasionally a transient or homeless person can be in the property. Especially if the home has been on the market for a while and is known to be vacant. The practice of announcing yourself will ensure your safety.
Most listings now use Bluetooth-enabled Supra® iBox BT LE or SentriKey® lockboxes that open with the eKEY® or SentriKey® mobile app, logging every entry automatically. Listing agents can also issue single-use codes to appraisers or contractors for secure, trackable access.
Typically, a real estate agent will sync their phone to a lockbox so they can put in their pin. Although this will depend on the type of lockbox being used. Sometimes the listing agent will require an additional code to gain access, so be prepared.
It is very unprofessional when you can’t open the lockbox to retrieve the house key. Make sure you are thoroughly reading the property showing instructions and get all the information ahead of time.
In general, be sure that everything you are using to conduct your real estate business is working. Whether it’s your lockbox, your cell phone, or your car be as prepared as you can for a trouble-free experience.
It’s important to shift your focus once you enter the property. You don’t need to be a salesman once you’re in the house. Let the house sell itself! Let your client form their own first impression on whether it will be a good fit for them.
Instead, give your client advice and your opinions on the home based on what you know they are looking for. Again, buying a home can be a very emotional experience. Many buyers may have trouble determining if a particular home will suit their family.
Be attentive to their comments and assist them with their decision. This can also help you identify other properties if you need to do another round of previewing homes. After all, that’s what you’re there for.
While it’s important to make sure that your buyer takes their time while previewing the home, sometimes they will tend to linger in one area of the house.
There is no need to rush them, but provide a gentle reminder to keep them moving from one room to another. You want to make sure they are leaving themselves enough time to see the rest of the house. Remember, you’re on a schedule and it is important to be, and stay, on time.
If you are seeing multiple homes in one day, it may be helpful to estimate how much time can be spent in each home. This way you can remind your buyers as well during each appointment.
Before you leave, make sure the property is left exactly how you found it when you arrived.
For example, a popular area for buyers is the kitchen. It is not uncommon for buyers to open and close items to check on their condition. Make sure all the cabinets and drawers are closed. If they opened the refrigerator, make sure that the door was closed properly.
Do a sweep of the entire house. Make sure if any items were picked up, that they were placed back in their original position. Check that if any windows, room doors, or fences were opened that they are now closed and secure.
After you’ve shown all the properties, take the time to sit with your clients. This is an opportunity to discuss the properties they have seen. Review the notes that your client took to understand what they liked and didn’t like.
You may find that your buyer has zeroed in on the perfect property and is ready to call it “home.” There is no need to hesitate if they are interested in making an offer. Always have a copy of the contract available with you to get the process started.
This is especially important if the property is in high demand and has other interested buyers.
Remind clients that while inventory has improved to 1.53 million homes—about a 4.7-month supply—in June 2025, it’s still shy of the six-month “balanced” level, so desirable listings move fast.
If they weren’t interested in any of the properties that were shown to them on that day, there is no need to worry. Purchasing a home is a huge decision and it may be necessary to take your clients out to preview homes more than once.
Be proactive and schedule a new time to preview more homes.
Buying a home is not only a big investment financially, but emotionally. So, it’s no surprise that previewing homes has the potential to turn into a stressful ordeal. Not only for both your buyer, but for you. You can avoid this with a little preparation.
A lot of a buyer’s worry and emotion tend to come from not knowing what to expect or not being in control of the situation. Address those concerns by informing your buyer about the process and arming them with information.
By following these 9 tips for showing property, you can be a more efficient and effective real estate agent. Your buyer will feel they are incapable and reassuring hands. This will lead to happy buyers becoming happy homeowners.
Having a career in real estate can be rewarding and exciting. In real estate, your earning potential is limitless, and being your own boss will give you a lot of financial freedom. Being a real estate agent starts with getting your real estate license.
But before you jump in, let's talk about some steps you can take beforehand to ensure you will become a successful real estate agent.
Knowing what to expect and having a plan is paramount to your success. Being prepared will help lay down a solid foundation for your future career and create a nice transition. Let’s go over the top 7 things to do BEFORE you get a real estate license.
Start by building your database. Out of all things we will be discussing, this is the most crucial of the top 7. Why? Because your database is where all of your potential business will be coming from. A database is built from everyone you know, that you’ve met or haven’t met, or that you know of or knows of you.
If there is one thing you should do before you get your real estate license, it's this.
The easiest way to build your database is by starting with the people you know. Also called your “sphere of influence” or SOI. This means adding people to your databases like friends, family, people at your place of worship, and parents and teachers from the PTA meeting.
Think about adding everyone you meet and know from networking and social interest groups as well. For instance, people from the bowling league and the softball team. Think about everyone you have contact with, like your hairdresser or dry cleaners.
Don’t forget to share with everyone that you’ll be getting into the real estate field! Let them know that soon you will be there to help them with all of their real estate needs or questions. Plant that seed that you will be their top real estate resource.
You may be asking yourself where you should be putting all these contacts. Don’t overthink it. You don’t have to invest in anything fancy right away. Your database can be a simple spreadsheet or the “contacts” area within your email system.
Keep in mind that growing your database will be an ongoing process. But starting this process early makes the difference in how soon you get your first client when you get your real estate license. The more people in your database means increasing your odds of capturing more potential business in the future.
When you your real estate license, you have the option of doing residential sales or commercial real estate. Although each sector will allow you to work with buyers and sellers, there are a few differences between the two, such as training and day-to-day practice.
For instance, residential real estate is a good choice if you enjoy connecting with people on a personal level. When practicing in this sector, the focus is more on knowing the demographics of an area and being more hands-on with your client.
The focus of commercial real estate is primarily for investment. This sector is great for people who enjoy analyzing properties for their profitability and dealing with data, such as statistics. Transactions in commercial real estate are usually more complex and time-consuming than in residential but yield higher commissions due to price points.
There are other factors to consider, so do a little research before getting a real estate license to see if you would prefer one over the other.
Let’s be clear, “to brand” yourself is not coming up with a great logo. That’s marketing, which is important too, but let’s focus on developing your brand. Simply put, your brand is how people will instinctively feel about you and the service you’re providing.
The best way to develop your brand is to start thinking about how you want to be perceived in real estate. Fun and personable? Straightforward and no-nonsense? Do you want to be known as an “expert” in a specific area? As you know, there are many people in the real estate field, and developing your brand will help you stand out from the competition.
This will be important because, when you get licensed, you don’t want to be a secret agent. Have a social media presence, and remember to share with everyone that you are in real estate.
Being financially prepared before you start practicing real estate is vital. Why? Because you don’t know how long it will take to get your first deal. Typically it can take upwards of 3-6 months before you receive your first commission check. Create a reserve of your living expenses during this time so you can focus on your new career and not your bills.
Other fixed expenses that you can plan for will be the costs associated with being a real estate agent. These include joining a Board of Realtors (inclusive of C.A.R. and N.A.R. dues) and a Multiple Listing Service where you can search for properties.
Yearly, you can expect to pay an average of about $1000 for all these expenses, depending on which Board or MLS you join. When you start practicing real estate, these fees are usually paid immediately, so be proactive and have the funds ready.
Start thinking now on whether you want to work solo or on a team. Both have pros and cons, but one is not better than the other. You simply have to evaluate the benefits to decide which works best for you.
If you are self-motivated and confident, working solo is the way to go. It will allow you to make your own schedule, answer to yourself, and when you earn a commission, it won't be shared with team members. If the idea of handling all aspects of your business on your own gets you excited, then working solo is a good choice for you.
As exciting as it may be to be starting your new career in real estate, perhaps you feel that you’ll need some support. Being part of a team will give you stability and structure. You may not get as much of the commission when you close a deal but being on a team means you will get handed leads, have accountability, and have someone there to keep you on track.
Where you decide to hang your real estate license can really make a difference. Training, agent support, and in-house services like marketing and escrow will vary from brokerage to brokerage. More importantly, so will the energy. Remember that a brokerage is still made up of people, and you want to make sure that you are comfortable with the vibe of the office.
When you are interviewing offices, take that into consideration. A brokerage that has great positive energy not only will inspire you but will keep you motivated. You will want to be at the office, which means you’re more likely to take advantage of all the services.
So, remember this when it comes down to choosing a brokerage: if all things are equal, base your decision on the office vibe and the people want to surround yourself with.
We’ve all heard the great saying, “You can learn a lot from your mistakes.” But, in this case, we want to flip it. Like we discussed earlier, there are many real estate agents in the field.
Watch the ones that are doing it right!
Take note of what successful real estate agents are doing so you can implement the same strategies and tactics. Watch what they are doing on social media regarding content and posts. If you have received print marketing or emails from a real estate agent that really made an impression, use that and make it your own.
Researching the competition before you are licensed will help you get a leg up in your success as a real estate agent. Keeping up with it after you're licensed, will help with your continued success.
There you have it! Having a plan and being prepared is the best way to succeed in real estate. Doing these 7 things before you get a real estate license is a great way to prepare for an exciting career. So, remember to be proactive, have a positive mindset, and start laying down the foundation for your future career in real estate.
What else would you do BEFORE getting licensed that would get you more prepared? Share it with us!
Most new agents quit within two years, and almost none of them quit because the licensing exam was too hard. They quit because nobody told them what the job actually looks like before they spent the money.
Here are the 10 things to know before becoming a real estate agent, the honest version, so you can decide with your eyes open.
Your first deals will come from people you already know, so start your contact list today. A CRM, or client relationship management system, is the database where agents track every contact, conversation, and follow-up.
Your hairdresser, your old coworkers, your kid's coach: every contact is a potential client or a referral source. Agents who start their CRM during their pre-licensing course walk into week one with a pipeline. Agents who don't spend months catching up.
A real estate license doesn't come with customers. There's a saying in this business: you're unemployed until you have a client, because nobody pays you to hold a license. You get paid to close transactions.
New agents find clients through their sphere, open houses, door knocking, and follow-up. Established agents get found through referrals. Your job in year one is to become an established agent as fast as possible.
A written business plan is the difference between working your business and waiting for it. Yours should name your target client, your lead sources, your monthly activity goals, and the numbers you'll track.
It doesn't need to be long. One page you actually follow beats 20 pages you never open.
As an agent, you're an independent contractor running your own business, which means freedom over your hours and full responsibility for everything else. Taxes, marketing, scheduling, expenses: they're all yours now.
If that excites you more than it scares you, that's a good sign.
Agents earn commission on closed transactions, not a salary, and since the 2024 NAR settlement, the amount is whatever you and your client negotiate in writing. More closings, more income. No closings, no income.
That cuts both ways: unlimited ceiling, unpredictable floor. The agents who thrive build habits that produce transactions on purpose instead of by accident.
Since August 17, 2024, buyer agents must have a signed written buyer-representation agreement before the first home tour, and commissions are fully negotiable. This came out of the National Association of Realtors' $418 million antitrust settlement, and it changed the job in four ways:
That last one matters most. Agents who can clearly state what they do for their fee win in this environment. If you're learning the business now, you're learning it the right way from day one.
Keep 4 to 6 months of living expenses saved before going full time. Commission income takes months to start flowing, and there are real costs to launch an agent career: licensing, association dues, MLS access, and marketing.
According to NAR's member profile data, agents with two years of experience or less have reported median gross income around $8,100 a year. (Verify the current figure before publishing.) That number isn't a reason to stay out. It's a reason to start with reserves or keep part-time income while you ramp up. Much of real estate happens on evenings and weekends anyway.
The fastest way to fail is to become a secret agent. If your own network doesn't know you sell real estate, you've cut off your cheapest and warmest source of business: word of mouth.
Put it in your social bios. Mention it in conversation. Wear the name tag. Referrals only happen when people know what you do.
Markets shift, laws change, and the agents who keep learning keep earning. Continuing education isn't a renewal chore, it's how you stay sharp enough to answer the questions clients are scared to ask.
Still deciding if the career fits? Our honest breakdown of the pros and cons of being a real estate agent is the companion read to this article.
Your clients are making the biggest purchase of their lives, and they pay a premium for an agent who acts like it. Slow responses plant one thought in a client's head: is my agent in this for me or for the check?
Flexible schedule doesn't mean optional availability. If you can't put clients first during a transaction, the referrals that build careers won't come.
Becoming an agent is worth it if you want income tied to effort instead of a salary cap, and you can survive the slow start. Over 3 million people hold active real estate licenses in the U.S., (verify against ARELLO data) but the ones who build real careers share the habits above: a database, a plan, reserves, and relentless follow-up.
Hard work doesn't guarantee success in real estate. But the absence of it guarantees failure.
Know the 10 realities, then decide. If you read this list and feel more ready than rattled, that's your answer.
Your first step is the licensing course. Find your state's pre-licensing course and start building that database while you study.
To become a real estate agent in California, you must obtain a real estate license.
In this article, I will tell you the 5-steps you must take to get your RE license. Also, I've included frequently asked questions that students have asked me. Let's jump in.
To become a real estate agent in California, complete 135 hours of DRE-approved pre-licensing courses, pass the state licensing exam, and activate your license under a sponsoring broker. The whole process usually takes about five to six months.
In California, you can get your license in 5 steps:
That’s it! Once you complete all 5 steps, you’re an active agent ready to launch your real estate career. Now, let's examine each step deeper so you understand exactly what to do next.
To get a California salesperson license, ensure you meet the following requirements:
The Department of Real Estate (DRE) created these requirements to maintain the real estate industry's integrity.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still become a real estate agent in California. Once you meet these basic requirements, it's time to move onto step 2.
You must enroll in a DRE accredited school. This is to complete the required pre-licensing education.
Every accredited RE school provides the same real estate courses. Although, they teach them differently. The Department of Real Estate (DRE) approves these salesperson pre-licensing courses. All students must complete 3 courses:
The DRE now requires every Real Estate Practice course to include a dedicated fair-housing component that explains federal and state anti-discrimination laws and an interactive role-play in which you alternate between the consumer and the agent.
The goal is to help future licensees recognise implicit bias and provide equal service to every client. Be sure your school’s certificate clearly states that you completed the “Fair Housing/Implicit Bias” standard—otherwise the DRE will not accept it with your exam application.
The elective courses include:
For over 10 years, US Realty Training has helped thousands of students complete their DRE-approved courses and move through the licensing process with less stress. Our goal is simple: make it easier to finish your coursework, stay on track, and feel ready for the next step.
When you complete a course, you will receive a certificate of completion. This certificate is proof that you have passed your course from an accredited institution.
Students must complete all 3-courses within 1-year of their enrollment date to be eligible for the state exam.
Once you collect all 3-course certificates, you can apply for the exam.
To apply for the California real estate exam, you must submit an application including:
You can apply for the exam online through the DRE's eLicensing portal. Create an account and submit the documentation from the list above – all online.
Below is a video on how to submit your application. I recommend that you watch it (or save it for when you get to this step in the future!)
Part of the application process is a live scan background check. This background check reviews your background for any criminal history.
If you have a criminal history, the best thing you can do is discuss it with the DRE. They will decide whether or not your history disqualifies you from becoming a real estate agent. If you have a felony, you risk facing a ban on becoming an agent.
This doesn't mean all felonies immediately disqualify you.
Most delays don’t happen because you did something “wrong.” They happen because the application is missing something small — and the DRE can’t move forward until it’s fixed.
After you submit your application, the DRE reviews it for approval. Once you’re cleared, you’ll log back into eLicensing to pick your exam date.
Once your application is approved, you’ll schedule your exam through DRE eLicensing. Here’s how scheduling works (so you know what to expect).
Once you submit your Salesperson Exam Application, the DRE has to process and approve it before you can pick a test date. This is the part that trips people up—your exam isn’t scheduled the moment you apply.
Here’s the typical flow:
Quick tip: If your first choice isn’t available, don’t assume you’re stuck. New appointments open up when other test-takers reschedule, so it’s worth checking back regularly—especially if you’re trying to test sooner.
The state exam is rigorous. It's 3 hours long and consists of 150 multiple choice questions. You must pass with a 70% or higher.
Studying for the exam can get overwhelming. Reviewing notes, watching YouTube videos, taking freebie practice exams will only get you so far. Not to mention, it's hard to organize your resources.
We've create an in-depth guide on the best way to study for the real estate exam. Use it to make studying easy and pass the first try!
If you fail, you can always retake the exam. But, retaking the exam can become expensive. I always recommend that people join our exam prep and crash course program.
This is the best way to make studying easy and effective. We've already helped thousands of students pass the salesperson exam in our program.
The final step to becoming a real estate agent in California is to sign with a brokerage. After passing the state exam, the DRE will email you a copy of your real estate license. Once you sign with a brokerage, you're an official real estate agent!
This is just like finding a job. You will have to apply, interview, and sign the paperwork. It might sound hard, but it's easier than it sounds. Agents are always in demand at larger brokerages.
Getting an interview with a real estate brokerage is simple. All you have to do is contact the front desk, let them know you're licensed, and you want to join a brokerage.
If you need help getting an interview, contact our student advisors. They'll put you in contact with our brokerage partners.
The following are the most common questions I receive about getting a real estate license in California.
A real estate license, also known as a salesperson license, is a state government certification that grants the holder the legal authority to represent clients in the home buying or selling process. This license is obtained by following the steps above.
The fastest you can get your license is in 135 hours. In other words, about 8 weeks.
Compared to other careers, this is a low barrier of entry. Someone can go from knowing nothing about the industry to representing high-end clients in about 6-months.
That’s impressive!
After you complete your schooling and apply for the real estate exam, you must wait for the DRE to schedule your test date. This takes about 3-months. During this time, we recommend studying as much as possible.
A real estate license in California costs between $550 to $800. This list itemizes the fees and costs associated with your real estate license:
If you get your license, there are tons of schools you can pick. Each one has its own program price.
Of course, we recommend enrolling in our program. We offer competitive prices and provide the most trusted, comprehensive program in the entire state.
You’ll also need to submit proof of completing the required pre-licensing education (DRE notes you must provide official transcripts or copies of official transcripts when applying).
You can submit your application online through DRE eLicensing or by mail:
Most people should apply for exam + license together using RE 435—it’s the simplest option and helps you avoid an extra application step after you pass.
Choose exam-only if you want to take the exam first and apply for the license later.
In California, licenses must be renewed every 4 years. The renewal process includes:
If you don't renew a salesperson license by the deadline, it becomes inactive. If that happens, you will have to reapply for a new license.
California salespersons should regularly check the DRE's website for updated information on license renewal requirements.
In California, a felon may be able to obtain a real estate license. Depending on the severity of their criminal record, authorities may bar them from practicing real estate.
The (DRE) considers each application on a case-by-case basis. They may deny a license if the applicant's criminal history includes fraud, embezzlement, or theft.
If you think your criminal history may impact your eligibility, consult with the DRE before starting the licensing process.
Getting your real estate license in California can feel overwhelming. The hardest part is passing the exam. But, with proper preparation, it's possible.
This requires you to understand common practices in the industry. With that said, the real estate licensing exam has around 53% passing rate.
Yes, your license can become suspended or revoked. This happens when you break the code of ethics. When someone suspends or revokes a license, that person can still reinstate it.
You may need to wait for the suspension period to end. You might also have to take some steps to request the revocation. You may have to undergo investigation and pay a fee.
You can many options in California. Of course, I'm biased when I say that you should pick our school. Many students agree we're the best option for pre-licensing education and exam prep.
US Realty Training has more reviews than any other real estate school in California. We offer better education, resources, and support for our students. Simply put, we're the most trusted program in California.
Real estate license reciprocity allows agents to transfer their license from one state to another. This means a licensed agent in one state can work as a licensed agent in another state without obtaining a new license.
California recognises no reciprocal licensing agreements. If you are a licensed agent in another state, you must go through the California's licensing process and pass the state exam.
After you get your license, make sure you do the following: First, find a brokerage where you can hang your license. All agents must join a brokerage before they can practice real estate.
Next join your local boards and get access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). This gives you the credentials as Realtor® and access all the local listings in your area.
Find your support team. Join a team, go solo, and find a mentor. Your brokerage is a great place to find the needed support.
You just need to start scheduling coffee dates with your sphere of influence. This is a great way to get quality, face-to-face time with your leads.
Picking your preferred real estate brokerage comes down to personal taste more than anything. Ensure the "vibe" of the brokerage fits your personality and your ambitions.
Also, consider the commission split. Some brokerages will offer a lower commission split because you are a new agent. Understand it may be worth it for some brokerages but don't discount your services too much.
Consider one important thing: training and mentorship. Find a brokerage that offers training and mentorship programs that helps their agents succeed. As a new agent, learning as much as you can is paramount.
A long, successful career consists of two things: education and training.
The best way to look up a license number is to use the free tool on the DRE website. You can enter the person's first name, last name, or number. This is a great way to find out if an agent has their up-to-date certification.
No! There are tons of ways you can make money with an RE license. Many students get their license and become property managers, teachers, or referral agents. They may even do it to as professional development or as an interesting project.
A real estate license helps you enter different fields and new careers. You can use it whenever the opportunity calls for it.
A license comes with a lot of benefits. We all know that real estate agents make a lot of money. They also get workplace freedom. They can choose to work from anywhere in the world – from the brokerage office, sofa, even at the beach.
Finally, this is a people-focused business. Meeting new and interesting people every day is exciting. You get to help them accomplish their dreams. Growing your network is a must – this job incentivizes you to be social.
Nothing feels better than helping a family move into their dream home. You have the ability to leave a massive imprint on the lives of the people you help.
If this sounds like something you would enjoy, then check out one of our free intro sessions. The intro session will show you what it’s like to work as a real estate agent and gives you a sneak peek of how our program works.
Some people find it advantageous to get their license to buy or sell their home. Here's why: you don't have to hire a real estate agent, you can do the work yourself, and you get a small commission check.
You can use the commission check to go toward the home payment or home sale. You can use it to pay for home improvements, like updating the exterior paint.
You can become a referral agent. Referral agents recommend clients to another agent and collect a small portion of the commission. This means you can help a friend or family member when they want to buy or sell a home. But at that point, you might as well represent them yourself.
How much agents make depends on three factors: frequency of home sales, the value of the homes sold, and the commission rate. In reality, there is no limit to how much money real estate agents make.
The average home value in California is around $700,000, which means you could earn $14,700 after selling it (given average 3% commission split and 70% brokerage split.)
$14,700 is a lot of money in one check. At that value, you only need 7 deals in one year to make $100,000. That's great!
Keep in mind that real estate agents and real estate brokers do not receive a salary or hourly wage. There area few brokerages that provide that, but make sure you read the fine print. You could cap your earning potential.
A career in real estate is best for those who enjoy working on their own terms. Simply deciding to become a real estate agent is easy. But, you need gusto to create a successful career.
A real estate career requires hard work and self-investment. The results are life-changing. By following these steps, you can enter a life-changing career.
If you're not careful, you can become a statistic—an agent who quits real estate within the first year. The last thing you want is to earn a real estate license just to leave the industry a few months into your career.
If you're unaware of the challenges that come with being new to real estate, it can happen to you.
The best way to prevent this is by understanding what to expect and learning some effective strategies to stay on track.
Here are 10 reasons why most new real estate agents fail in their first year and how you can avoid the same fate.
Real Estate lead generation is the lifeblood of your real estate business. If you're not diligently working to generate leads, you won't have any business. When you're new to real estate, you need to create opportunities from scratch.
How to Avoid It: Create a game plan. Decide who you'll contact—focus on niches like first-time homebuyers or renters, or network with investors. Determine how you'll generate leads, whether it's through cold calling, door knocking, or social media marketing. Consistent lead generation is key to building a thriving business. Also prepare a short script for your written buyer representation agreement—required before tours since Aug 17, 2024—and explain your value clearly when discussing compensation.
Most new agents begin by growing their business through people they already know, known as the "sphere of influence." While this is a great starting point, it's important to reach beyond this group if you want your career to progress.
How to Avoid It: Step out of your comfort zone. Make a habit of talking to new people wherever you are. Expanding your network and growing your database will help you build a steady flow of clients.
Real estate offers freedom—no boss, no set schedule. However, this freedom can easily lead to poor productivity if you lack discipline.
How to Avoid It: Practice good self-management by creating and following a schedule. Incorporate activities like lead generation, network building, and database growth into your daily routine. Time blocking and effective time management can help you achieve more in less time.
Some people enter real estate thinking it's all glamour, inspired by TV shows featuring agents selling multi-million dollar homes. However, if your motivation is simply to "make a lot of money" without a strong work ethic, real estate may not be the right career for you.
How to Avoid It: Know your "why." Understand why you wanted to start a career in real estate. If you genuinely want to help people and are willing to put in the work, you'll be more likely to succeed.
Many new agents run out of money in their first year because they fail to manage their finances properly. Budgeting is critical to staying in the game.
How to Avoid It: Lead with revenue. Avoid spending money on unnecessary items like paid leads. Set aside funds from your first deals to cover living expenses for the months ahead. Plan for variable compensation structures post-settlement. Commissions are negotiated off-MLS; some buyers may pay all or part of your fee. Budget for longer cycles and set aside funds from early closings.
One of the most common mistakes new agents make is not letting people know they're in real estate. Real estate is a numbers game—the more people who know what you do, the more opportunities you'll have.
How to Avoid It: Spread the word! Talk about your career with everyone you meet, use social media to promote yourself, and let your excitement show. Don’t be a "secret agent."
Goal setting gives you direction and helps you focus on the actions that lead you to success. Without clear goals, new agents often waste time and energy.
How to Avoid It: Set SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, instead of setting a vague goal like "make calls every day," set a SMART goal: "Make 25 cold calls a day to secure 1 appointment a week." This gives structure and clarity to your actions.
Fear of failure is common, but it can stop you from moving forward. Many new agents quit in their first year because the fear of rejection becomes overwhelming.
How to Avoid It: Understand that rejection is not personal. People aren't rejecting you—they're simply not ready to buy or sell at that moment. Separate yourself from the rejection, and keep pushing forward. True failure comes from inaction, not rejection.
Attitude is everything. A negative attitude can lead to giving up when challenges arise, while a positive attitude helps you stay motivated and engaged.
How to Avoid It: Embrace the entire process of becoming a successful real estate agent. Be "all in" when it comes to learning, training, and generating leads. A growth mindset will keep you focused and committed.
Self-doubt is another killer of real estate careers. When things get tough, new agents often start questioning their abilities.
How to Avoid It: Remember that tough times are part of the journey. Be confident in your training, skills, and knowledge—the very things that helped you get your real estate license in the first place. Combat self-doubt by focusing on the progress you make each day.
If you're not yet licensed, choosing the right real estate school can make all the difference. A strong foundation will help you launch your real estate career successfully.
How to Avoid It: Choose a real estate school that provides not only licensing courses but also ongoing support and training. For instance, US Realty Training offers experienced trainers who share real-world examples and act as unofficial mentors, helping you apply concepts effectively. Resources like US Realty Training's YouTube channel provide on-demand learning and valuable insights.
According to NAR’s 2025 Member Profile, the typical member closed 10 sides in 2024 with median gross income about $58,100—so pacing, pipeline, and budgeting matter.
Avoiding these common pitfalls can prevent you from becoming a statistic and set you up for an amazing first year in real estate. Knowing what challenges to expect is part of the battle; having the right tools to overcome them is what will set you apart.
Once a home buyer and seller have agreed on an offer, the real estate transaction enters the escrow period.
During this period, there are a few contingencies to clear before the parties close the sale.
On closing day the parties meet to sign formal documents to legally transfer the property.
The escrow agent expects the buyer to finance two fees at escrow. One fee is the closing cost and the other fee is the down payment.
Closing costs and down payments are conflated in a real estate transaction. In reality, they are different costs in the mortgage lending process.
In other words, the down payment and the closing cost are not the same.
Prospective buyers are expected to have the funds for both when they close on a home. The buyer’s agent educates their client on what to expect in the home buying process.
Therefore, that includes what they can expect to pay for the closing cost and down payment on a home.
Let’s take a look at which fees are associated with closing costs and down payments.
The closing costs for a sale are typically due once the seller accepts the buyer’s offer.
The buyer goes to the lender to complete the process or close the loan. At this point, the seller is required to pay closing costs. The closing costs of a home are various fees associated with the loan.
The closing costs usually amount to 2 – 5% of the purchase price. Setting aside 3% of the purchase price is a good amount to finance closing costs.
So, what are the closing costs when buying a home? Closing costs are the fees a party accrues throughout the transaction and must be paid on closing. Buyers can expect many of the following fees:
Most lenders will charge an origination fee, which covers the cost to open a loan.
Other associated loan fees include the document review and processing fees to cover the cost of assembling the documents for the mortgage application.
Lenders also charge underwriting fees to pay the underwriter for evaluating the mortgage loan application.
While companies charge different amounts for these fees, homebuyers can expect to pay around 1% of the home’s purchase price in loan fees.
The transfer of title is an important legal aspect of purchasing real estate.
Many lenders will require a title examination, or search of public records for any documents, liens, or judgments, to ensure that there are no impediments to the title transfer process.
Also, lenders will require that borrowers purchase a title insurance policy to protect the lender’s investment.
It is wise for homebuyers to obtain their own title insurance policy as well. During closing, the parties are expected to pay fees to the agent coordinating the closing process.
Mortgage lenders also expect buyers to pay some bills a couple of months ahead of the first payment.
On average, buyers are expected to pay the entire annual homeowner’s insurance premium at closing.
The average annual cost of homeowner’s insurance is $1000. But, buyers will also pay the interest that accrues between the loan closing and the first monthly mortgage payment.
This is why many closing days are scheduled for the end of the month – to cut down on the prepaid interest due at closing.
Real estate sales are subject to local and state taxes.
Many municipalities charge a real estate transfer tax when a property is transferred from one owner to another. Therefore, this tax is usually a percentage of the purchase price.
Similarly, recording fees are charged by the county clerk’s office to record the sale in the public record. But, property taxes are collected at closing as well.
The party who pays the closings cost is typically the buyer. However, buyers can request the seller to finance the closing costs. By doing this, the seller will give the buyer an incentive to buy the house. This doesn't always happen, but it is possible.
Whoever pays the closing on a home is outlined in the initial purchase agreement so, when the time comes, it's clear who pays what.
Mortgage companies expect buyers to put their own money down toward the loan at closing.
The down payment is separate from closing costs, but this payment is also due on closing day.
The amount of the down payment depends on the type of loan that the buyer and lender decided to use. Many people believe that they must have 20% of the home price as a down payment for a home loan.
This is a good general rule of thumb. But, the average down payment for first-time homebuyers is 6% of the purchase price. Also, there are common down payment home loans that require smaller payments.
Finding a down payment home loan is typical when buying a home. But, there are few types of home loan options that are available for home buyers.
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) began backing home loans for U.S. citizens in 1934 as a response to the Great Depression.
The goal was to increase access to homeownership and create construction jobs.
Today, FHA loans are a perfect option for buyers who have smaller down payments or average to below average credit scores.
The minimum down payment required for people with credit scores above 580 is 3.5% and 10% for those with lower credit scores.
VA (Veterans Affairs) loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA loans were designed to assist veterans to transition to civilian life after World War II.
The government guarantees loan repayment for part of the amount if the borrower cannot make mortgage payments.
With this insurance for lenders, VA loans allow borrowers to secure home loans with no money down.
Today, veterans, active duty service members, and qualifying surviving spouses are eligible for these loans.
USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) loans are another common loan option for homebuyers.
The aim of this loan program is to encourage rural development through home loans that support low and middle-income homebuyers in underdeveloped areas.
Down payments are not required with USDA home loans.
Many first-time homebuyers may not have a clear sense of what is involved in the mortgage loan process. As a buyer’s agent, you’ll excel if you understand the process and can expertly navigate your clients through it.
Remember that both the closing costs and the down payment are expected when the buyer is ready to close the loan.
The amount expected for the closing costs is approximately 3% and the percentage of the down payment depends on the type of loan the buyer chooses.
As an agent, when would you discuss closing costs and down payments with your buyers?
You want to become a real estate agent, but you don't like the financial risk involved.
When you go "all-in" on becoming a real estate agent, you put yourself at losing a lot of money. Whether it's investing in the start-up costs to get a license, investing in marketing material, or just paying rent, there's a ton of expenses in the industry and your paychecks could be few a far between.
Some people have all the luck. They have a nice little nest egg and are able to transition full time into being a real estate agent. Those people are able to sustain themselves for the coming months – no problem.
But you on the other hand, not so much. You might have a small saving (or none at all!) and you will might not be able to afford the financial risk involved. I get it!
Lucky for you, there's a solution that thousands of people rely on to become a real estate agent. This guarantees a steady flow of income while pursuing your career as an agent.
It's called: becoming a part time real estate agent. Yes, it's possible to do real estate part time! This article will show you how to become a part time real estate agent and give you insights on how you can earn like a full time agent.
But, first, let's talk about whether or not becoming a part time agent is right for you.
Becoming a part time real estate agent isn't right for everyone. There's a few things that all part time agents must commit to. Such as:
Often times, working 20-hours a week isn't the hard part for part time agents. The hard part is being available and prioritizing your client above all else. They are making their biggest investment and want someone who will make them #1.
How you would feel if you were buying a house and your agent kept telling you they can't make it the home tour because they're working their other job? Exactly.
That's why it's important to know that hours invested is easy. It's hours available that's hard. This is why most people end up becoming a referral agent.
A simple alternative to the active life of an agent, referral agents work on referrals only. They refer a client to another agent and collect a small percentage of the commission in return.
Referral agents can let the leads come to them. If they have a friend, family member, or an acquaintance looking to buy or sell a home, the referral agent can recommend them to their business partner. Their business partner will do all the heavy lifting and give you a small percentage of the paycheck. Easy!
There's also a secret perk that nobody ever tells you about referral agents.
Referral agents still pay the normal four‑year DRE renewal fee and complete 45 hours of continuing education, but they save thousands by skipping local REALTOR® association and MLS dues.
California law requires your license to remain active and to be “hung” with a supervising broker in order to receive a referral commission — an inactive or expired license cannot legally be paid. Referral payments must be made broker‑to‑broker and only to licensed individuals.
You can work your full‑time job and, when a lead comes your way, it's an easy paycheck. Just make sure you partner with someone who you can trust.
To become a part time real estate agent, you have to fulfill the Department of Real Estate’s requirements.
This goes for people who want a side income, to get referral fees, or to collect commission from representing themselves.
In other words, you have to get a license and sign with a brokerage.
To become an agent or referral agent, you need a real estate license.
You become a legitimate, legal agent when you receive your license. This shows everyone that you have the training to represent them in a transaction.
So, if you work part time, want a new side hustle, or want to get a referral fee, you need a real estate license.
Here’s how you get your real estate license:
That’s it!
The Department of Real Estate mails your real estate license to your home address after you pass the exam.
That last thing you need to do is sign with a real estate brokerage.
The real estate brokerage is your workplace hub. This is where you get training, legal resources, and even your morning joe.
Brokerages give you resources because they invest in you.
So, telling them your intention is vital during the brokerage interview. This is where you tell them why you want to become a real estate agent.
Becoming a part time agent looks different for everyone. That’s why you should tell them that you want to be one of the following:
A good brokerage accepts you. So, if at first you don’t find one, don’t give up hope!
Now comes the hard part. How do you sell real estate part time?
Selling real estate in a part time worker’s hours is a challenge. You balance and track many moving pieces during your job. 20-hours will go by faster than you realize.
With a structure change and priority realignment, you can balance the job. Here’s how you can sell real estate part time:
When you work part time, you should aim to make the most of what you have. Let’s see how this is possible.
The bulk of your work lies in lead generation. This is the core of your job as a part time real estate agent.
Without generating new leads for your business, people won’t know about your service and you will have no new clients.
So, when you focus on lead generation, you spend more time creating business for yourself. Ultimately, that leads to more commission checks.
You should spend the majority of your hours finding new clients. When you start earning more clients, you should still find time to lead generate.
But, be aware of your other responsibilities.
That’s how we get into…
Time management is an art.
Knowing where to focus your time and for how long is a skill that even long term agents have a hard time mastering.
During your week, be realistic with your goals and how you manage your time.
The best way to manage your time is with calendars and to-do lists. This helps you identify what needs completing and when.
When you work with clients, you do paperwork, follow-up calls, commuting, home prepping and so much more. So, creating time for each task during the week is important.
For you, time is a limitation. 20-hours isn’t much to work with. That’s why you have to be intentional with your time investment.
For most real estate agents, focusing on quantity is a great strategy. That’s the case for part time agents too–especially for lead generating.
But, when you work, prioritize quality hours as opposed to quantity hours.
In other words, don’t dilly-dally.
How you spend your time is vital to your success. Focus on the quality leads, the quality clients, and the quality real estate.
Therein lies the key to your success.
When you have limited hours, you need to use it wisely.
As a part time real estate agent, you will need to figure out how to create a day-to-day schedule that lets you be flexible. The reason why is because you will want to work when your client is available.
As mentioned earlier, if you're working your first job or you're traveling when your client wants to tour a house, they will feel disrespected and second rate.
This is why you need to hone in on your schedule. Full time agents have flexibility to drop everything and help their client. Part time agents need to be able to do the same.
People who become a part time agent will do it for their family, friends, or for themselves. This way, they have more flexibility with their client and their own time. Don't forget to prioritize your client, it could cost you the sale!
Now, you might be wondering if working as a part time real estate agent is worth it.
If you’re going to work hard in a short period of time, is your time investment worth the compensation?
That’s a great question.
How much you make depends on how much you sell.
Real estate agents get paid a percentage of the final sale price. In California, that percentage now averages about 2.5 %–3 % per side (2.57 % buyer‑side statewide in 2025).
The brokerage splits this commission with the agent — 60/40 is still common for new or part‑time agents, though splits can range 50/50 to 70/30 depending on the firm.
So, to keep it simple, let’s say a part‑time real estate agent closed a deal on a $1,000,000 house. Using a 2.57 % buyer‑side fee and a 60/40 split, the brokerage would cut that agent a commission check for roughly $15,420 (2.57 % × $1,000,000 = $25,700 gross; agent keeps 60 %).
That’s pretty good money for a part‑time job. It’s even better if being a real estate agent is your side‑income job.
A real estate license is your opportunity to get a big check when the opportunity arises.
In other words, you can choose to be an agent when you want. If you want to represent when you have a friend or family member searching for a new home, you can.
You can work a full‑time job and only represent people in your immediate network.
Some part‑time agents only refer clients to other real estate agents.
They spend their time lead‑generating and passing the nitty‑gritty to someone else. In return, they get a small percentage of the other agent’s commission check.
That percentage is usually negotiated around 25 % of the gross commission, with 20–25 % common in California.
Let’s look at our previous example’s commission. If a referral agent recommended that agent to their client, the referral agent would make about $3,084–$3,855 (20–25 % of the $15,420 net commission in our example).
That’s pretty good for finding one client. Some part‑time real estate agents want to only prospect. Remember, your license must stay active and the fee is paid broker‑to‑broker—California law bars compensation to inactive licensees.
By doing so, they can still make a great commission check.
Becoming a part time real estate agent isn’t easy.
Being a real estate agent is like running your own business. So, when you work part time, you run a business part time.
Let’s look at how hard it is to make a part time job in real estate work.
As a part time real estate agent, your job consists of lead generating. That’s how you draw in business.
A prime method of generating new clients is through your sphere of influence.
This is where most part time agents start. They either know someone or know someone who knows someone who is buying or selling property.
When the connection happens, you are one warm meeting from your new client.
Some part time agents will only work within their sphere of influence. So, they could work a full time job while they keep their real estate license in their back pocket. Then, when they hear a friend or family member wants to buy or sell, they can lend a hand.
This passive method of lead generating works for you.
Cracking the code on working part time as a real estate agent is tricky. It requires flexibility and prioritizing your client. But, if you're able to figure out a schedule and routine that works for you, you'll be able to work less and earn more than most other agents.
Remember to focus your time on what works and what will lead you to the next paycheck. There's a lot of unimportant tasks that can make us feel productive, but contribute little to our overall business.
If all else fails, shorten the sphere of people you work with to friends, family, and yourself. At the end of the day, you can always fall back on becoming a referral agent.
A real estate agent helps people buy, sell, and rent property, and guides them through the whole transaction. They represent a buyer or a seller, market listings, coordinate inspections and appraisals, negotiate offers, and manage the paperwork through closing. Most work on commission under a licensed broker.
That's the short version. The real job is wider than showing houses. Here's exactly what a real estate agent does, day to day, for buyers and for sellers, plus how the role compares to a REALTOR and a broker.
A real estate agent's job changes depending on which side of the deal they represent. A buyer's agent helps someone find and buy a home. A listing agent helps someone price, market, and sell one. The table below shows the split.
What they doFor a buyerFor a sellerGet startedLearn the buyer's goals, budget, and must-havesRun a comparative market analysis and set the list priceFind the dealSearch the MLS and tour homesStage, photograph, and market the listingThe offerWrite offers and run comparable salesReview offers and prepare countersNegotiationNegotiate price and repairsNegotiate terms and concessionsInspections and appraisalCoordinate them and explain the resultsRespond to repair requestsClosingTrack disclosures and deadlinesManage the closing paperwork
A few terms come up a lot. The MLS, or Multiple Listing Service, is the shared database agents use to list and find properties. A comparative market analysis (CMA) is an agent's estimate of a home's value based on recent nearby sales.
No two days look alike, but most of an agent's time falls into six buckets. The work behind one closing can stretch across weeks.
The constant across all of it is communication. You're the point person keeping buyers, sellers, and every third party moving in the same direction.
A real estate agent, a REALTOR, and a broker are not the same thing, though people use the words interchangeably. A REALTOR is a licensed agent who belongs to the National Association of Realtors and agrees to follow its Code of Ethics. A broker has extra training and can supervise agents or run a firm.
RoleWhat it takesMain jobReal estate agentA state licenseRepresents buyers and sellers, markets listings, manages contractsREALTORA state license plus NAR membershipThe same work as an agent, plus the NAR Code of EthicsBrokerExtra education plus a broker examCan supervise agents and run a brokerage
Real estate agents work from almost anywhere, splitting time between a home office, their brokerage, and the field. One morning you're at a kitchen table writing an offer, that afternoon you're hosting a showing across town.
Agents work under a licensed broker, but most run their schedules like their own business. That freedom is a big draw of the job, and it comes with the responsibility of managing your own time and pipeline.
The job rewards strong people skills paired with a working grasp of real estate law and contracts. You don't need to be a lawyer, but you do need to know enough to protect your client and spot a problem early.
The core knowledge every agent needs covers real estate law, contracts and disclosures, the loan process, and negotiation. You also carry a fiduciary duty, the legal obligation to act in your client's best interest ahead of your own. Sharp local market knowledge ties it together, since clients lean on you to price and compare homes with confidence.
You become a real estate agent in four steps, and you don't need a college degree to do it. Every state sets its own rules, but the path is the same nationwide: meet your state's basic requirements, finish the pre-licensing courses, pass the licensing exam, and join a brokerage.
For the details, see our guides on how to get your real estate license and why you don't need a college degree to start. If you're still weighing it, read the honest pros and cons of being a real estate agent.
A real estate agent is part marketer, part negotiator, part project manager, and full-time advocate for the client. The work is varied, people-driven, and built on trust, and you can start without a degree or years of school.
Curious whether the job fits you? The best way to find out is to see the work behind the license. Start a free trial of US Realty Training's pre-licensing course and get a feel for the career before you commit a dime.
2026 Industry Snapshot: Real estate communication has officially entered the era of "Intelligence over Automation." While 94% of REALTORS® still rely on text messaging as their primary channel, 97% of top-producing agents now use AI-driven insights to personalize their outreach and predict client needs before the first call is even made.
Furthermore, video has become the industry's premier "trust builder," with video-integrated listings and agent introductions attracting 403% more inquiries than text-only profiles. In this fast-paced 2026 market, your ability to blend cutting-edge tech with a genuine human touch is what secures the listing.
People like to think that they are talking to the real you, and not a persona you are putting on for show or sales. Make sure you keep your interactions real and personable, and don’t overpower people in the conversation.
It’s also very important to be grateful - people like to think they are helping you. Showing your gratitude, even taking a moment in a phone conversation to express it, can lead to more positive results when interacting with people.
Nobody likes to be “ambushed” with a call or a slew of emails if you haven’t cleared it with them first. Try to keep your first few interactions low-pressure and friendly, and ask if you can get in touch with someone more.
Also, at the end of each interaction, ask your lead when the next best time is to get in touch with them. If they are a forgetful person, they might want to be contacted later that week - if they are a slow decision-maker, they may need a few weeks or a month. Let them dictate the schedule.
Many people tend to “listen” without really hearing what the other person is actually saying. They might be focused on who else is in the room, what other things they have to do, and more. It is important to make sure you listen actively when a client is speaking to you, and occasionally paraphrase their words back to them to ensure you are both on the same page.
Everyone likes to feel that they are being heard, so taking this step can really benefit your client interactions. Also, this tactic avoids any confusion mid-conversation if you are repeating their words and understanding them on your own. Good communication skills is key!
Before you dive into listings, ask each client how they want to hear from you—then stick to that channel. Some buyers feel most at ease texting quick questions during work hours, while downsizing retirees may prefer a scheduled voice call or detailed email recap.
“What’s the easiest way for me to keep you in the loop—quick texts, phone, or email?”
Record the answer in your CRM and tailor both frequency and tone:
Why it matters
Pro tip: revisit preferences at key milestones (offer, inspection, closing) to confirm nothing has changed; life events and stress levels can shift a client’s communication comfort zone.
Humans are not perfect creatures, yet salespeople often like to put up a veneer of perfection to show that everything is great. That’s a good tactic, but can sometimes come across as insincere. Make sure to communicate to your client that you are on their level, and that you are also an imperfect human that might not know everything.
For example, if you make a small mistake on the MLS listing when you first post the property, correct it, then take responsibility to it immediately and apologize. However, don’t berate yourself or allow your client to be mad at you - you are human and they should understand that you may make small mistakes sometimes.
If you know of an issue with a cracked slab or termite damage, definitely be honest to help out the buyers or sellers. Even though you may not want to be the bearer of bad news, honesty is always the best policy. Also, if sellers have a truly ugly home that would make it hard to sell, a little honesty can go a long way towards raising the selling price!
People will remember your honesty and help the next time they are doing a transaction, and trust capital goes a long way toward Earning Repeat Business. Always try to be honest during all your transactions for the best future results.
Ending every conversation on a positive note, no matter how short the interaction, is a great way for your sphere to associate you with positivity and happiness - an addictive combination (think emotional contagion)! When you end each conversation on a positive note, it also gives you a chance to talk to the person about following up with them.
Following up is crucial in the real estate industry, so never forget to follow each positive conversation with another one in an appropriate amount of time. Whether that’s an hour, a day, or even a year, make sure you follow up with a genuine, positive contact that reaffirms your upbeat attitude.
Being aware means staying up-to-date. There’s nothing wrong with doing a little online research on your client’s recent activities before picking up the phone - in fact, nowadays it’s almost expected! Check Facebook and other venues to see if someone’s children recently graduated, if they recently got a new car, or other large life events that you can use as a jumping-off point for your conversation.
This quality will also contribute in part to being genuine, as your interactions will be much more authentic when speaking about someone’s passions (their children, their hobbies, etc). As you gain more and more skill doing this, it won’t be long before you can redirect the conversation to real estate and push your value while still catching up with them!
Speed matters: 59 % of home-sellers hire the first agent they contact, and 71 % of buyers interview only one agent before choosing who to work with.
One of the best ways to impress your clients is to be attentive to when your clients reach out. This is less about how you talk to clients but when you talk to clients.
When real estate agents respond quickly to their clients emails, messages, texts, phone calls, it leaves an unforgettable impression. That's because doing so shows that you care and you have everything under control.
At the end of the day, clients just want to feel like they are being taken care of.
Being direct and straight to the point does not leave any room for interpretation. In other words, there is less confusion on what is going on with the transaction or what you can provide for your clients.
Being direct with your clients shows that you know yourself and you have a plan.
You want to avoid beating around the bush or taking the long way to inform or explain something to your clients. If you do that, it could annoy or just flat out confuse people – not a good look for you.
So, always be direct, to the point, and most of all honest!
At the end of the day, you want to make sure that you're taking care of your clients. The best way to show them that you care and you have their best interest is by being clear, concise, direct, and honest with them. It also helps to give your clients up to date news and insights on what's happening the transaction.
When you do all of this, your clients will have a great experience with you. And, in turn, will result in repeated business. At the end of the day, that's how you build long term success in real estate.
You just got your license, and you're staring down a market full of agents with 20 years on you. So how do you market yourself as a real estate agent when you have zero closings to your name? You compete on the things experience can't buy.
Here's what you'll get out of this: a clear, honest playbook for standing out as a new agent. No fluff about "putting yourself out there." Specific moves you can make this week to win your first clients and build a name that sticks.
To market yourself as a new real estate agent, lead with what makes you different instead of trying to out-experience the veterans. You can't fake two decades in the business. You can out-hustle, out-care, and out-market the agent who's been coasting on the same five strategies since 2005.
Start with your unique selling proposition, the single, specific reason a client should choose you over every other agent in your area. Maybe you know one neighborhood block by block. Maybe you came from marketing and you build better listing campaigns. Maybe you answer your phone when it rings. Pick the thing that's true about you, say it out loud, and build your pitch around it.
A client should pick you because you bring focus, energy, and modern skills that busy veteran agents often don't. If you don't believe that, no client will either.
Confidence isn't arrogance. It's knowing your value and being able to say it in one sentence. Practice it until it sounds natural: who you are, who you help, and how. Something like, "I help first-time buyers in the East Valley find their first home without feeling rushed or talked down to." That beats "I'm a hard worker" every time.
Clients expect their agent to be the local expert, and that's knowledge you can build fast, no experience required. Years in the business don't automatically mean market knowledge. Studying your area does.
Pick your target neighborhoods and learn them cold. Know which school districts pull a premium, how fast homes are selling, what a remodel adds to value, and where the next development is going in. Walk the streets. Read the listings every morning. When you can answer a buyer's question before they finish asking it, your license age stops mattering.
Most new agents come from another career, which means you're already bringing skills that translate directly into real estate. Transferable skills are the abilities you built in past jobs that apply just as well to serving clients.
Came from hospitality? You already know how to make people feel taken care of through a stressful process. Came from sales? You can negotiate and follow up without flinching. Managed a team, a classroom, or a restaurant? You can juggle timelines, expectations, and a dozen moving parts at once. Name the skill, then show the client how it helps them. That's marketing.
Your first clients almost always come from your sphere of influence, not strangers. Your sphere of influence is everyone who already knows you, including family, friends, former coworkers, and neighbors.
According to the National Association of Realtors, most buyers find their agent through a referral from a friend, neighbor, or relative, or by working with an agent they've used before. That's good news when you're new, because trust is something you already have with the people closest to you. Tell everyone you know that you're in business. Post it. Text it. Say it at the barbecue. Then make it easy to refer you by being clear about exactly who you help.
A strong personal brand makes you the agent people think of first, and it's built on a story, not a logo. A personal brand is the consistent impression people get of who you are and what you stand for as an agent.
Clients can smell a sales pitch. What they remember is a real person with a real story. So tell yours. Why real estate? Who do you love working with? What do you refuse to do to a client? Write it down, tighten it into a short pitch, and let it run through everything, including your bio, your social posts, and the first 30 seconds of every listing appointment. Authentic beats polished.
You are not selling alone, and that's a marketing advantage you should say out loud. Behind you sits a brokerage, mentors, lenders, inspectors, stagers, and title reps, which is a full team working for your client.
The right brokerage backs you with training, leads, and a name clients already trust, so choosing where to hang your license is one of your first big marketing decisions. When you sit down with a buyer or seller, make it clear they're not getting a rookie working in a vacuum. They're getting you plus a vetted network of pros who close deals every week.
Being new is an advantage online, because you're not stuck in the "old ways" of marketing that many established agents cling to. While some veterans still rely on bus benches and postcards, you can build a following with short video, neighborhood reels, virtual tours, and a clean, searchable online presence.
According to the National Association of Realtors, the overwhelming majority of buyers shop for homes online before they ever call an agent. Meet them there. You don't need a studio. You need a phone, a consistent posting habit, and content that helps people, such as market updates, buyer tips, and honest takes on your area. Do that for a year and you'll out-market agents who've been licensed since you were in high school.
Yes, a certification is one of the fastest ways for a new agent to signal real expertise. When you're new, a specialty designation gives clients a concrete reason to trust you in a specific lane, whether that's first-time buyers, investors, or commercial deals.
A certification tells a client you went out of your way to master something. It also gives you a niche, and a niche makes your marketing sharp instead of generic. "I work with real estate investors and I'm a Certified Investor Agent Specialist" lands harder than "I help anyone buy or sell anything." Pick a lane that fits the clients you want, then get the training that proves it.
You don't beat experienced agents by pretending to have experience. You beat them by being specific, being everywhere your clients are, and being genuinely useful before you ever ask for the sale. Know your market, use your background, lean on your team, and market like it's 2026, because it is.
Your next step: pick one niche this week and go deep.
Ready to turn "new agent" into "the agent everyone refers"? Our career courses give you the specialized training, scripts, and certifications that make your marketing impossible to ignore. Explore the career courses and choose the lane that fits you.
Is it worth becoming a real estate agent in 2024? If you follow the real estate industry, you might know about the factors that make it unstable.
This is concerning for people in the industry and who want to join it. But, these concerns could be sensationalized hype used to by clickbait headlines.
In this article, I explore the current state of the industry and whether or not it's a good time to be an agent. Let's get into it!
In 2024, we see a transitionary market. There are buyer's markets, seller's markets, and balanced markets. The prior two are referred to "unbalanced markets." When the market is balanced, we see roughly equal demand to buy and sell real estate. You might have already guessed that seller's markets mean more leverage for sellers (fewer supply of homes.) Buyer's markets are the opposite: more leverage for buyers (more inventory of homes.)
Today, we are transitioning into slower market. For the past few years, we saw ourselves in a seller's market because there was more demand for homes. This was because of lower interest rates. In the last year or so, interest rates have increased, which has made owning a home less desirable. Thus, a transition into a buyer's market because there is less demand to buy.
But, home prices are still high. As we see the inventory increase, the price of homes could come down. But, right now, we're seeing high prices and low demand.
Keep in mind, this not the case everywhere. Every state, every city, and every town has their own local economy that dictates demand. This is just broad overall observation. Take it as you will.
Let's now explore how this current state of the real estate market affects real estate agents.
A real estate agent's job never changes. An agent's job is to represent buyers and sellers through the transaction process. No matter what, there is demand to either buy or sell property.
As I mentioned in the previous section, there are times when sellers sell homes and times when buyers buy home. Then there's times when they want to do both! Those are good times.
No matter what the state of the market is, there are people who need real estate agents. A good agent will know this and adapt their business to the market. Instead of representing sellers, you represent buyers, vice versa.
I've been doing real estate since the 90's. Whenever there is a shift in the market, people always do the same thing: freakout and dropout! Don't let a changing tide get to you, just ride the wave. That is the job of the agent.
That's why now is always the best time to become a real estate agent. Not yesterday, not in another year. Now! The industry will always change. That's part of the job.
Recently, the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) resolved in court that their practices around commission sharing and competition in the real estate market was unfair.
This legal case resulted in a modification to the practice of how agents earn their commission checks. Now, buyers are required to disclose how they are compensated and sellers are no longer obligated to provide commission to the buyer.
How does this affect real estate agents?
In reality, very little has changed. The buyer is now informed on how their agent is compensated and can make a decision based on this information. The major argument against modification is buyers will have to finance their agent and therefore will stop them from buying a home.
However, this case doesn't prohibit buyer's agents from accepting a portion of the listing agent's commission. It stipulates that the buyer's agent must inform the buyer of this. The buyer is free to make their own decision based on this information.
People may be misinformed and not understand the full effect. As we mentioned earlier, there will always be demand to buy or sell real estate. There will always be this demand no matter how agents are compensated.
The reaction for some is to freakout and dropout. For others, it's to stay in the industry and run a successful business helping clients. As the months go on, we may see less real estate agents in the industry because they left it or they chose not to become an agent.
This is great news for those who stay in it, because they get more market share.
So, is now a good time to be a real estate agent? There is a lot of uncertainty as the industry involves. It's hard to predict where it will land but I can assure you that it's just part of the job.
It is always a good time to get into real estate. People will always buy and sell real estate. The change to the market and the change to commissions just means our business follows a new system, and that is just part of the job of the agent.
Quick Answer: With a real estate license, you can work as a real estate agent, broker, property manager, leasing agent, transaction coordinator, commercial specialist, investor, or in real estate support roles—not just sales.
The right path depends on whether you want people-focused work, behind-the-scenes work, or long-term investment opportunities.
Real estate has more career options than most people realize—some you may not even know exist. Below is a simple breakdown of common real estate jobs and what each one actually does, from real estate agent to broker and beyond.
Before we dive in, here’s a quick side-by-side table of the most common career paths and what they typically require.
These are the most common “front-end” real estate careers—client-facing roles where you’re helping people buy, sell, or tour properties. They’re great if you like people, negotiation, and flexibility. Most of these roles either require a license or become easier with one.
The residential real estate salesperson facilitates the home buying process between sellers and buyers. Having a mediator is a valuable part of the transaction, because, without one, the transaction will have a higher chance of dissolving.
The success of a residential real estate salesperson is dependent on how well they meet their client's needs. Along with this, agents conduct their own methods of finding clients. This is why having great customer service skills are essential to the agent’s success.
Since the agent’s income is commission-based, they will earn more when they find more leads. That’s why growing your network as a salesperson and putting your client first are the most important parts of the job.
Showing assistants work almost entirely in the home showing process. They are responsible for presenting the house to the home buyer and providing them with information about the property.
They’re the perfect resource for home buyers.
However, without a real estate license, they are limited in how they can interact with the client. For example, a showing assistant cannot discuss pricing or conduct a sale. They would need a salesperson license in order to do so.
The showing assistant doesn’t just work with prospective home buyers.
They work hand in hand with the lead agent to update them on the status of listings and client development. They also help promote the larger team or brokerage.
A large portion of this job includes scheduling showing dates and times with the buyer. Therefore, you should have the ability to consistently keep people up to date.
You’ll be working as the middle man between the agent and the buyer, so having great communication skills and knowledge in real estate is recommended.
If you want more independence, leadership, and long-term upside, broker-level paths are the next step. This is typically where you supervise agents, run a brokerage, or operate at a higher level of responsibility. It usually comes with additional requirements beyond a standard salesperson license.
A real estate broker and agent are very similar in their job. The only difference is who they work for. Real estate agents sign with a brokerage. Therefore, agents work for the head broker, also known as the broker of record.
Brokers, on the other hand, have the option to work independently or start their own brokerage. So, if you have an entrepreneurial drive, consider a career as a broker.
For those interested in becoming a broker, you will need a real estate broker license. According to the Labor of Statistics, the average real estate broker salary in 2024 was $72,280.
Property management is a strong path if you like operations, problem-solving, and working with both tenants and owners. It’s less about showings and more about keeping properties performing smoothly. Licensing rules vary by state and by what services you provide.
The goal of the property manager is to ensure the financial and physical well-being of the property. They also have to ensure the tenants of the property are satisfied.
Similar to the real estate broker, property managers often need a real estate license and must work under a licensed broker when they manage rentals for others (requirements can vary by state and by the services provided).
Along with this, they should have great customer service skills, managerial skills, and have the ability to problem-solve while on the go. The manager works with the property owner to ensure everything is functioning smoothly.
For some people, managing a property is daunting. However, others will jump at the opportunity to ensure the security of the property, work with tenants, and collaborate with an owner.
If you’re interested in a property management position, you’ll need a fair understanding of finances, marketing, facility operations, and documenting important information. When you’re not managing the property, you’ll be managing your own time.
A leasing agent is responsible for finding the perfect tenant to lease a property. They work directly with the property owner. They also have the choice in choosing the sector of real estate they want to work in.
When working on the commercial side, they work with businesses as opposed to individual tenants.
For those who want to work in the field with clients and potential tenants, becoming a leasing agent is a perfect career choice. Because of this, you’ll need great interpersonal communication skills.
There’s plenty of face-to-face time with the client and tenant, so you’ll need to know how to navigate negotiations and conversations.
Real estate listings play an important part in the leasing agent’s career. These listings help drive leads and promote the property.
This is why having a fair understanding of marketing and promotion will help excel you in a career as a leasing agent.
Commercial real estate is a different world—more numbers, longer timelines, and bigger deals. It’s a good fit if you enjoy analysis, relationships, and working with business clients. Many people start residential first, then move into commercial.
The commercial real estate salesperson is similar to the residential real estate salesperson, but they are focused on the commercial sector of the industry.
Instead of houses, townhomes, and condos, a commercial real estate agent will sell the property to businesses.
Working in the commercial sector means you’ll need to have analytical knowledge in business and finance. This is because you will be working with gross rent multipliers, capitalization rates, and internal rates of return.
Regarding their salary, a commercial real estate agent has commission-based earnings.
However, according to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) Member Profile, the median gross income for residential agents is $$55,800 in 2023, while commercial agents earn $118,600.
If your goal is wealth-building and deal-making, these roles lean toward strategy and long-term growth. Some people start here after getting licensed, while others use their license to learn the market faster and access more opportunities. Expect a learning curve—but also a lot of upside.
A real estate investor or entrepreneur is someone who invests in land and property. They try to maximize profits by buying then selling land. However, there’s more to the position than just transactions.
Understanding where and when to purchase land is important. Over time, land appreciates, but its appreciation rate depends on several factors.
One of them is whether they purchased a dud piece of land. That’s why investors and entrepreneurs are dealing with high financial risk in their jobs. A person who is interested in becoming a real estate investor or entrepreneur can make serious money.
However, they have to be comfortable with the risk involved with the career.
They may also want to force equity by improving the land they purchased. But, doing so will cost more money.
This requires them to have extensive knowledge of real estate.
Buying land that people will want to use is the best way to earn a living as an investor or entrepreneur. However, if you blindly purchase land, you run the risk of losing out on cash.
Becoming a real estate investor or entrepreneur has a high barrier of access. Not just anyone can walk into this position. Someone who wants to purchase and own land will need the property funding to do so. In this market, that can be a lot of money.
It helps to have the funds before trying to make a career out of it.
Real estate financial analysts and consultants research current market trends and statistics to predict the future of the industry. Analysts and consultants will not commonly work in the commercial sector. These predictions help decide investments, sales, and lendings.
The financial analyst and consultant work behind the scenes.
They’re most comfortable in an office environment, where they can conduct research. When they work with others, they are providing valuable information regarding important investment decisions.
They’re an asset to any real estate company that needs financial recommendations. This is especially true with investors.
Real estate developers create the buildings on any given property. This includes everything from office buildings to a 4-bedroom house for a family. Their mission is to coordinate the construction of these buildings on raw land.
The real estate developer also works with existing constructions on properties. They can re-lease buildings and the sale of already developed land.
They’re heavily involved with everything development-related.
This means that real estate developers also have the opportunity to work with architects, engineers, and construction teams. They also work alongside the contractors, leasing agents, and lawyers surrounding the legal aspects of the property.
Overall, the real estate developer is always involved in the planning and building process.
Having skills in multitasking, interpersonal communications, and project management is a necessity to excel in this career.
Not every real estate career requires open houses and client tours. These roles are often more structured, detail-heavy, and can be office-based (and sometimes remote). They’re a great fit if you prefer systems, organization, and consistent workflows.
The real estate transaction coordinator is responsible for assisting the real estate agent and broker through filing a transaction.
In which case, the coordinator will have to oversee and track the valuable documents. Purchase agreements, titles, escrows, and broker documents are a few of the assets the coordinators will manage.
Having great organization, scheduling skills, and attention to detail is a necessity for this job.
Transaction coordinators will also keep track of client information, and help grow relationships between the client and brokerages. This can be done by scheduling 30, 90, and 120-day customer service follow-ups.
You don’t need a real estate license to be an assistant. However, having one will help you perform in your job. That’s because real estate assistants are the administrative support to agents and brokers.
Most of the time, an assistant will be filing documents, answering phone calls, and posting property listings. On paper, the job doesn’t sound the most glamorous. However, they’re an important part to any real estate operation.
Having an understanding of how real estate works will help you perform your responsibilities quickly and efficiently.
Agents and brokers both agree that assistants are irreplaceable. They’re a necessity if an agent or broker wants to grow their business. By tackling administrative projects, agents and brokers can focus on finding clients, marketing their services, and other aspects of their business.
Real estate marketing specialists are the professionals who execute marketing duties. Their goal is to get a brand seen by the public. Without them, agents and brokerages will experience a dramatically less amount clientele.
The marketing specialist will often manage social media, create digital content, develop printed materials, write campaign emails, and manage the overall brand.
In other words, they touch up the presence of the agent or broker’s business. The reason why this is necessary to so many agencies and brokerages is that, without marketing specialists, the business will have a hard time generating leads and clients.
This includes marketing the property to prospective clients.
The marketing specialist works behind the scenes. They don’t usually have the opportunity to interact with buyers or sellers. They will also need to have detailed knowledge of the industry they work in. Without that, the marketing specialists will have a hard time marketing to their target audience.
This is why having a real estate license will help a real estate marketing specialist.
These careers are closely tied to real estate transactions, but they usually require a different license, certification, or professional track. Even when a real estate license isn’t required, understanding real estate basics can still give you an advantage. If you want to stay in the industry without being an agent, this is where to look.
The value of a commercial or residential real estate property is determined by the appraiser. They are most often used before the property is sold, taxed, or developed.
An appraiser will decide the value of a property based on its characteristics and where it’s located.
They’re also able to determine the value by comparing it to other, similar, properties.
You’re not required to have a real estate salesperson license, but you are expected to own an appraiser's license. This is done by completing 150 hours of basic appraiser education and passing an exam by the state.
You will also work in finance and economics, so having an educational background in these areas is helpful.
According to the national average, a real estate appraiser's salary in 2024 was $63,670.
They also have the option to work independently or with a larger business. No matter where they work, they will be collaborating with agents, buyers, and sellers.
Escrow officers serve the closing transaction in real estate by acting as the third, neutral party. A real estate escrow officer is familiar with the overwhelming headaches of closing a real estate transaction - and how to manage it. These professionals work closely with agents, lenders, and other service professionals.
The experience needed to become a real estate escrow officer is rigid.
You must become a licensed professional, have training in escrow, and have served as an apprentice in the field. To get your license, you will also need to enroll in a specific school.
You will need to be familiar with handling money on a large scale. Having good attention to detail will help you keep track of fees, commissions, and payoffs. It also doesn’t hurt if you are familiar with the law surrounding escrows and funds management.
A real estate inspector examines a property for any defects or issues that will cause problems for the purchaser, seller, and agent. Inspections are a critical part of the transaction.
This is because inspectors help point out faults and blemishes that might go unseen.
In the state of California, you do not need to be licensed to become a real estate inspector. However, the requirements to be an inspector changes depending on your state. Therefore, you need to always check the requirements.
Despite not needing a license in California, you should still have the proper training in real estate to meet your client’s expectations.
Real estate inspectors need to know every aspect of a house. This means they have to be familiar with roofing, wall structure, plumbing, and electricity - just to name a few. That’s why most home inspectors seek out trusted training before they jump into the career.
The real estate or loan officer helps clients with obtaining a loan to purchase a home. They strictly collaborate with the buyer to finance their dream home while working with their budget.
Real estate loan officers must be registered with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System.
In order to become registered, you must meet the qualifications. In addition to becoming registered, you must also have knowledge of finance.
As a loan officer, you will need to help the client navigate the financial waters of their real estate purchase. You’re their guide through the stress that follows money problems. Along with having knowledge in real estate, loans, and finance you’ll need to have excellent customer service.
Real estate title officers conduct searches on the title of a property. They look for problems associated with the house or land, that would deter a buyer’s purchase. After doing a background check on the title, they report their findings to the property buyer.
They also provide information and resources on title insurance to protect the buyer.
To become a real estate title officer, you would have to earn a title agent license or a notary license. The requirements of becoming licensed depend on your state, but you should always expect a state exam.
Title officers are detailed oriented. Having attention to detail in writing, research, and communication is expected if you want to be a successful title officer.
You will also have to be familiar with insurance and closing practices.
Real estate attorneys are professionals who apply their skills to the legalities behind property disputes. When there’s speculation or issues with the title, documentation, transfers, or other legal problems, the attorney’s job is to step in and settle the tension.
Attorneys are the most helpful when they’re providing their client's guidance during the transaction process.
They want to ensure the sale of the home is legal. Then, if any legal issues pop up, the attorney is there to help serve the best interest of their client.
To become a real estate attorney, you will have to undergo the extensive educational experience. You need to have graduated with a bachelor's degrees, pass the LSAT, earn a Juris Doctor degree, and then pass the bar exam. In total, this process could take upwards of 6-8 years to complete. This is before you spend another 2 years accumulating experience as a lawyer.
A real estate paralegal is similar to a real estate attorney. You can expect to find the paralegal working closely with the attorney and the real estate agent in the transaction process. They're responsible for preparing the proper documentation and drafting agreements, letters, and insurance.
The real estate paralegal must have an understanding of taxes, title insurance, and the transaction process.
This is because the majority of their work will center around the closing deal. Paralegals are a cost-effective alternative to hiring an attorney.
To become a real estate paralegal, you will have to go through a certified paralegal training program. People interested in becoming a paralegal will have to take paralegal studies at an accredited school, college, or university.
Overall, having a wholesome understanding of law, finances, and real estate is necessary to become a successful real estate paralegal.
Ready to get started in a real estate career? It's easier than you might think. Click the "Enroll Now" button below to see just how easy it is.
From time to time, Real Estate Agents may meet a cash buyer that is interested in purchasing real estate property, but the majority of the time, buyers take out home loans to purchase their homes. Since home loans are very common, home buyers typically look to their real estate agent for a lender recommendation. Therefore, the lender-agent relationship is extremely crucial for all parties involved to succeed with the home purchase at hand.
To put it simply, a real estate agent representing a buyer will have a successful transaction and earn their commission if their client is ready, willing, and able to purchase a home, whether it be an all-cash purchase or a home loan. Typically, most clients need the assistance of a home loan. This is where the Lender (or loan officer) provides the financial help! A Lender’s job is to get their homebuyers approved for a mortgage loan, thus purchasing their home becomes a reality. The lender is compensated for their services by charging the buyer points, or fees. This three way relationship helps the process of home buying run smooth and efficiently.
Communication is key. Always keep the client in the loop of your conversation with the lender.
Real estate agents can refer their homebuyers to the lender, and vice versa. In this way, by both parties promoting each other, they help each other with leads and thus help each other build their careers. Teamwork!
Quick pro tip and warning- be careful not to use any transactional benefits (kickbacks), between real estate agents and mortgage lenders since The Real Estate Settlement Act (RESPA) does not allow this. It is against RESPA regulations for any lender to provide real estate agents with any kickback, as the lender should be selected purely for their abilities, not for the gifts provided to real estate agents. The focus should strictly be on the borrower, and provide them with quality, lending service.
To avoid wasting the buyer’s time and the agent’s time, it is best to have the buyers prepared for home financing. A pre-approval letter from the lender will ensure you that the buyer can afford to purchase a property with a maximum loan amount, thus providing you with a price range when house hunting. A pre-approval letter also demonstrates that the buyers are serious about purchasing a home. In general, finding the right lender is important! One that remains in constant communication with the real estate agent and informs them about the status of the loan throughout the process. This will make the purchasing experience pleasant.
There are several lenders available to real estate agents in the real estate world. But how can an agent locate an effective and efficient lender? One of the best ways to find a great lender is to communicate with your colleagues within your brokerage and ask for a recommendation. Word-of-mouth is extremely helpful.
Mortgage brokers are the middlemen between banks/mortgage lenders and borrowers. This is a good option for borrowers who have trouble qualifying for loans or if they are simply searching for the best possible interest rate. Mortgage brokers communicate with numerous banks and lenders on a daily basis to help get their clients a mortgage loan.
Your buyers have no obligation to use your preferred lender. Many buyers have existing relationships with certain lenders through past transactions and prefer to utilize their services. However, a first time buyer typically does not have a previous relationship with a mortgage lender and depends on the real estate agent for a recommendation. Either way, once a lender is chosen and a pre-approval letter is presented to the buyer, the real estate agent can begin their search for a home for their client.
As an intending home buyer, the first thing you need to know is that financing is the most vital aspect of acquiring a property. It might interest you to know that in the US, about 42% of homes are financed by mortgages. This figure serves as a source of hope to many buyers who do not have the financial means to purchase a property.
If you are looking to get a home soon, this article will help you understand the most common types of home loans and give you some insight into which might be best suited for your needs.
A mortgage loan is a sum of money that a homebuyer will borrow from a lender (such as a bank or credit union) to finance the money needed to buy a house.
The mortgage market is divided into two basic categories: the primary and the secondary mortgage market. The primary mortgage market allows homebuyers to borrow mortgage loans directly from primary lenders such as banks, mortgage brokers, mortgage bankers, and credit unions.
The secondary mortgage market, on the other hand, is a large market with several participants where mortgage loans and servicing rights are bought and sold by various entities. Some of the participants involved include investors, mortgage originators, mortgage aggregators, and securities brokers.
One factor that markedly influences your chances of obtaining a mortgage loan is your credit score.
Many lenders use credit scores to measure the risk involved in lending people money. Typically, a high credit score implies low risk, while a low credit score implies high risk.
This implies that the higher your credit score is, the more likely you are to get easy approvals, lower down payments, and favorable interest rates, and vice versa.
Credit scores below 580 are generally considered to be low, while credit scores of 700 and above are considered high.
Take, for example, a buyer with a high credit score of 760 who gets a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage for $200,000. With this credit score, he or she might get a low interest rate of 3.612%.
At this rate, the monthly payment would be $910.64, and the buyer ends up paying $127,830 in interest over 30 years.
However, with a lower credit score of 635, the interest rate will likely be high at perhaps 5.201%, which might seem negligible until the numbers are added up.
The buyer’s monthly payment is $1,098.35, which is an extra $187.71 monthly and the total interest for the loan is $195,406, of which an additional $67,576 has been added.
The conventional home loan is the most common mortgage type available to buyers. This type of home loan is not financed by any government agency but is made available through private lenders such as banks and mortgage companies.
It is important to note that the conventional mortgage has strict rules that guide its lending system hence, not everyone qualifies to obtain it. To be a well-qualified buyer, one must have a solid financial foundation evidenced by:
Once an investor has met the listed criteria, he or she is required to fill out an official mortgage application, pay the necessary fees and then supply the lender with the necessary documents to conduct a thorough check on their background, credit history, and current credit score.
Here are the great benefits of a conventional home loan for home buyers:
An FHA home loan is a government-backed home loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration and issued by an approved lender such as a bank.
This type of mortgage is popular amongst first-time buyers and low-to-moderate-income earners because it is specially developed to help applicants with low financial standing.
FHA loans require a lower minimum down payment than several conventional loans and applicants may have lower credit scores than are typically required.
However, borrowers are required to pay FHA mortgage insurance, which is put in place to protect the lender from a loss in case the borrower defaults. This insurance premium is approximately 1.75% of the total loan amount.
To qualify for an FHA home loan, home buyers must meet the lending requirements guiding an FHA mortgage. These requirements include:
Here are the great benefits of an FHA home loan for home buyers:
A VA loan is a mortgage option available through a program established by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It enables veterans, service members, and their surviving spouses to purchase homes with little to no down payment, no private mortgage insurance, and get competitive interest rates.
While the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs sets the qualifying standards, decides the terms of the mortgages offered and backs the loan, they do not offer the financing. Instead, approved private lenders, such as banks and mortgage companies, provide the loans.
To qualify for a VA home loan, here are the criteria that must be met by home buyers:
Here are the great benefits of a VA home loan for home buyers:
According to most lenders, a FICO credit score of 580 or less is considered poor or bad credit and the buyer has a minimal chance of getting a mortgage. However, this does not automatically mean you can not qualify for mortgage loans as there are several loan options and mortgage lenders who cater to buyers with poor credit scores.
Some of these options include:
A secured personal loan is a loan that is backed by collateral. This means that the borrower must pledge an asset or collateral to obtain the loan. There are several kinds of secured loans for bad credit, including mortgages, auto loans, and home equity loans.
An unsecured personal loan is a loan that does not require the borrower to pledge any asset or collateral to obtain a loan. This is the most common type of loan option available for bad credit. Lenders who offer unsecured personal loans include banks, credit unions, and some online lenders. The repayment terms of unsecured loans typically range from two to seven years.
While funding is an essential part of acquiring a home, it is also an aspect that confuses a lot of buyers. As an intending buyer, you should carry out thorough research on each home loan option available to you before making a choice. It might also help to consult with a professional, such as a real estate agent.
In this insightful interview, Richard Shulman, a highly successful real estate agent who was once ranked the #2 agent in the U.S., shares valuable advice for new agents on how to succeed in the real estate industry.
Shulman emphasizes the importance of prospecting, mindset, mentorship, and continuous training to build a sustainable and thriving career.
He also discusses the new course he developed in collaboration with U.S. Realty Training to provide agents with a practical roadmap to success.
A recurring theme throughout the interview is the need for relentless prospecting, especially in the first few years of a real estate career.
Shulman explains that agents must make consistent outbound calls to build a solid pipeline, even if results don’t come immediately.
He shares an example of advising a new agent to make 5,000 calls over two months, underscoring that this daily effort, though difficult, is essential for long-term success.
Shulman warns that without this commitment, many agents quit prematurely.
Shulman also highlights how effective prospecting requires learning and iteration.
It’s not just about volume but quality—agents need to refine their scripts, practice objection handling, and experiment with different techniques to find what works best for them.
Mindset plays a critical role in real estate success. Shulman stresses that flexibility in the job can sometimes lead to complacency.
He advises agents to treat real estate as a full-time profession, setting clear goals and routines, such as making 50 to 100 calls daily and scheduling at least two appointments.
Drawing from his own experience, he shares how shifting to a structured 40-hour workweek was a pivotal moment in his early career.
Shulman notes that many new agents struggle with mental challenges, such as self-doubt, especially when the first deal takes time.
It took him nine months to close his first transaction, and he emphasizes that perseverance is essential during this initial phase.
He encourages agents to stay motivated and develop a passion for the process, rather than focusing solely on the financial rewards.
Shulman recommends that new agents consider joining a team or working under a mentor, particularly for guidance through their first few transactions.
Teams provide valuable support, ensuring agents don’t make critical mistakes that could harm their clients or reputations.
He emphasizes that while brokerages offer limited hands-on training, teams are better equipped to help agents develop practical skills.
He acknowledges that success is possible without a team but requires exceptional discipline and self-motivation.
We've partnered with Richard to create From Rookie to Rockstar. This is a real estate training program that helps you become a high earning agent in your market.
Richard teaches the fundamentals of building a real estate career. This 6-hour video program covers how to find more clients, provide top-tier service, close more deals, and earn bigger checks.
Check out From Rookie to Rockstar to learn more.
Real Estate Agent, REALTOR®, Broker, Broker Associate. There’s enough titles in real estate to make your head spin!
When you’re not familiar with the world of real estate, the titles and designations get confusing.
Real Estate Agent, REALTOR®, Broker, Broker Associate: they all sound like the same job. People who are unfamiliar with the industry really don’t know the difference or why it matters.
But, there’s a big difference between these titles. Especially when it comes to what they actually do while practicing real estate. So, let’s begin by defining these titles and talking more in detail about how they differ.
A real estate agent is anyone who has completed the three required pre-licensing courses and passed the state exam. That means that they are licensed in real estate. Real estate agents are also known as a real estate salesperson.
But it doesn’t mean that they can legally negotiate a deal and write contracts.
In order to properly represent a buyer or seller, an agent must first join a local board of realtors. The board of realtors is how an agent gains access to the contracts. The contracts are what legally brokers the purchase or sale of a property.
So, let’s back up and talk about what a real estate agent can do if they’re not a member of a local board of realtors.
This is a great way to make money as a real estate agent. When you get a lead, the buyer or seller is given to another REALTOR®. Then the real estate agent gets a “referral fee” for sending the client. Referral fees are typically 20-25% of the sales price but can be negotiated higher.
This is possible because the real estate agent is not writing contracts or negotiating terms.
Some people earn their license and decide to work with a REALTOR® or a real estate team as their assistant.
As a licensed assistant, you can do virtually everything related to the real estate deal short of negotiating terms and writing contracts. Licensed real estate assistants are also eligible to receive referrals.
You do not need a license to be a real estate assistant. But, without one, you are limited in what you can help the REALTOR® with. That’s why getting a license as a real estate assistant is recommended.
While each brokerage is different, generally commercial real estate doesn’t require agents to become a member of a local board. The contracts used for commercial deals are different so most commercial agents are considered real estate agents.
With the exception of working in the commercial sector, the main factor about being a real estate agent is not having the ability to write contracts and negotiate terms.
So, what’s the difference between a real estate agent vs REALTOR®?
All real estate agents are not REALTOR®. But, all REALTORS® are real estate agents.
Both an agent and a REALTOR® have a real estate license. Agents who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® (N.A.R.) are REALTORS®.
Usually, when an agent joins their local board, fees will include membership to both the California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.) and the National Association of Realtors (N.A.R.).
N.A.R. is a trade association that represents agents across the country. The term REALTOR® is a designation given to agents who have membership. That designation informs the public that they practice real estate with ethics.
Members follow a strict Code of Ethics and pledge to abide by them. There are 17 articles within that Code of Ethics that they follow at all times. They speak to how they treat their client, the general public, and colleagues.
Also, members get access to perks and resources that supplement their career.
Most agents realize the benefit of having the designation of REALTOR® and will become a member of N.A.R.
So, if you hold the title of REALTOR®, you are able to fully represent a buyer or seller in a transaction. You will also be seen as upholding the ultimate standard of ethics.
Let’s talk about what a brokerage is first. A real estate brokerage is a firm that has the capability of legally brokering a real estate transaction.
So what is the difference between a real estate broker vs REALTOR®?
A real estate broker is an independent agent who has the capability of brokering a real estate deal independently. Unlike a real estate agent or REALTOR®, who are required to hang their license at a brokerage firm.
To become a broker you must start as a real estate agent or REALTOR®. The Department of Real Estate then requires a certain amount of experience:
After gaining the required experience you will also need to satisfy the education requirement. This is usually the 5 remaining elective courses.
The last step is to take the brokers exam. Once you pass the exam, you are considered a real estate broker and can run your business independently from a brokerage.
There are many advantages to being a real estate broker. The title itself lets others know that you have more education under your belt.
As a broker, the biggest benefit is earning commission on all your deals and not splitting them with an office. That means more money in your pocket.
Another advantage of becoming a broker is the capability of having other real estate agents under your license. Why would brokers want to do this? Because as the broker, they are entitled to a portion of their agents’ commission.
Being a real estate broker is a great way to work independently or have a team under their licence to create passive income.
A real estate broker associate has the same license as a broker, but works for another broker as a salesperson. While being a broker does have its advantages, it also means having all of the liability as well.
When you are operating on your own as a broker, you are solely responsible. That means handling all the costs associated with lawsuits, compliance, and insurance.
This is why some brokers choose to join a traditional brokerage. When a broker decides to hang their license with an office, the broker is then known by the term broker associate.
While being a broker associate may not have the same freedoms as a broker, there are benefits to joining a brokerage. When a broker associate runs into an issue with a transaction, they have the resources provided by the brokerage firm to help resolve it.
A traditional brokerage will have a broker of record to answer any contract questions. They also employ a risk management company that agents have access to for legal questions. A compliance officer reviews their transaction files to ensure they are in order in case of an audit.
Due to their experience, broker associates may also enjoy a higher commission split.
So, one of the main advantages of a broker joining a brokerage firm is to limit their liability.
As with many industries, there are titles that help differentiate a person’s skill level or education. They also speak to their responsibilities within that role.
In the food industry, there’s a difference between a short order cook, a cook, and a chef.
While each may have a different title, what do they all have in common? They all prepare and cook your food.
Understanding the difference between a Real Estate Agent, REALTOR®, Broker, Broker Associate helps you know what you want in your career. These positions each have different responsibilities or limitations within their title.
The most important takeaway? Whatever the title, each is able to help with buying and selling real estate.
I got started in real estate about 20 years ago, and I got right into real estate after I finished business school. I realized I had a passion for helping people and I originally was looking to get into commercial real estate but decided I can help more people by getting into the residential side first.
In business school, I realized I had a good act for business and I thought that this industry needed people in a higher level and it was a great opportunity for me to come in and make a change. I saw this as an opportunity to really grow, develop and make good money while I could also help people.
I had great mentors. First thing I would say for a new person is that they should get a great mentor. Mentorship is critical. I got the best training and really focused on generating leads. We’re in the real estate business but it’s really about lead generation. Lead follow ups get you the business. You can do all the real estate in the world, but if you don’t have a client, you’re not gonna make money. That’s my motto.
When I first got approached to being the first agent in Los Angeles for Keller Williams, I saw it as an opportunity to have a business model that really supports my real estate sales career. And then I saw the bigger opportunity, which is why I went to business school and own my brokerage. I always had that vision and this became the right platform for me to exercise that vision and I now own 20 Keller Williams offices in California and Hawaii.
It’s not simple, but I am very determined. The way I ran my real estate business is the same way I run my real estate companies. It’s all about how I help the agent, consumers and how I provide the best level of support so that my agents thrive and be successful as well.
They have to have passion and drive. You can’t motivate people, they have to love the business. The skills can be learned, but you have to have passion. Passion can’t be learned.
I learned early on that it’s all about who you’re in business with that matters. Whether that’s a client, people that support you or who you help support. I’ve learned how to develop people. I believe in investing in people and those people invest back in me and because of that we’ve grown an incredible business. There’s no way I can run these many businesses without the help and support of others.
Yes of course, there’s Gary Keller who built Keller Williams- one of the people I look up to for inspiration. He’s an incredible leader and not just in real estate, he’s written all these books, and he really looked at this business in a different way, and because of that I respect what he’s done.
And there are a lot of people, like John Maxwell, Tony Robbins and others that influenced me as well. I learned to create habits when I want to get better at certain things, whether it’s personal or business.
I put sticky notes on my mirror. And I do it for 30-40 days. It’s the first thing I see in the morning and the last thing I see at night. It’s a constant reminder. I don’t put more than three things at once and I succeed at more than 90% of it. I believe a habit is developed over 26-27 days. Creating those habits becomes a pattern.
If you want to make money in the real estate business you need to be disciplined in the most important areas. That’s lead generation, lead follow up and really being focused in certain areas.
Constant balance is important. I work really hard and I make sure I’m playing really hard too. I work at the extremes, but my family is important and at certain times my phone gets turned off and everything else has to wait. You got to be present at work and you got to be present at home.
If you’re really effective the first four hours of the business day you can accomplish a lot and become one of the top agents in the entire city. It’s about laser-focus for at least part of the day.
I define success by less monetary and more about when people recommend me to others. It makes me feel like I’m accomplishing something. I’m making a difference in people’s lives, I’m making a difference in my own life, and the money is the bi-product.
We’re due for more interest rate hikes because the economy is actually doing well and I feel like we’re going to have a pretty good period right now, but I think that’s a short window because we’re due for a downturn in the market. We will stay strong because of the lack of inventory right now, but that’s the only thing really that’s propelling us through what should’ve been and already is a downturn market.
I believe we saw part of it last Fall and even into January. I think we’re having a robust Spring because the fundamentals in the difference of government is causing part of that, and the fact that we have a 4.8% unemployment rate really helps so people can buy. The problem is when interest rates start going up, the affordability changes and causes a problem.
There is another big issue too, which is the affordability in the new construction development to meet the demands of first time home buyers. There’s so much demand and not enough supply and mainly because the cost of land, the cost of development and entitlement is so expensive that why build a lower income project when you can build much more expensive homes.
If you look at the cap rate of apartment buildings, it’s unprecedented numbers. It’s probably because of the lack of supply. Until they allow for more building to go on or create some sort of government sponsored thing in order to create more supply necessary for our economy to support that growth, we’re gonna have a really tight and difficult market.
Be in it for the passion or don’t be in it (at all).
As a mother, Veronica wanted that freedom to be able to work from home. She also gravitated towards the great financial aspect tied into being a Real Estate Agent.
Veronica’s career began at CA Realty Training. She went to in-class training sessions at the Westwood location. She goes on to say that this decision was the best decision she has made for herself. She explains that the support, the courses, and the schedule that CA Realty Training provided all worked out very well for her.
Veronica explains how she felt an abundance of emotions- from excitement to doubtfulness. Now that she got her license, she quickly wondered what her next step was and knew she had to get to business!
The reason for doubtfulness was due to the fact that she did not truly believe that she could do it. However, the support from CA Realty Training has helped her get perspective and gave her the confidence to get out there and begin her career. Her new-made connections and co-workers provided her support and influenced her to get started.
The first people that Veronica approached before getting any clients were her sphere of influence. She goes on to say that her last client was actually from her part-time job at the retail store she worked at prior to getting her Real Estate Agent Salesperson License. Alvarez tells Robert that she told people in her sphere of influence that she had her license, and two months later she got clients!
Veronica advises people that want to get started in this career that they should strive to get past insecurities and doubts (because fear is what ultimately limits people from becoming successful). Alvarez also advises people to pick the right brokerage for them- which will encourage them to stay focused and determined.
Veronica has zero regrets about her decision and career change. She is happy with all of her decisions and with the path she chose for herself. Next time this year, she hopes to have more listings and sales, and will work hard to ensure her goals are achieved.
One of the most critical choices you will make at the start of your career as a newly licensed or potential real estate agent is whether to work solo or alongside a team.
This decision is crucial because it shapes the entire future of your practice and determines how much financial and professional success you can gain.
Let us take a quick look at the advantages and disadvantages of joining a real estate team:
Pros of Joining a Real Estate Team
Cons of Joining a Real Estate Team
As a new agent, you are bound to be faced with a lot of challenges, including:
Let’s face it, handling all of this could get overwhelming. You just might need to join a team to ease the burden. Let's explore whether this is a good idea:
A real estate team consists of a group of real estate agents working together under a brokerage. These agents do everything together, including managing listings and collecting commissions.
While it might seem like a wrong idea to team up with your competition, you should know that joining a real estate team might be a good idea – especially if you are a new agent.
Working in a team allows you to be closer to other agents, some of which will be more experienced than you are.
You get to see how they handle their leads and clients and learn things from them, thus helping you to become a better realtor.
Additionally, the leads given out by the team leader are pooled together. With a combination of effort from every team member, it is easier to find and land a client.
As a new agent, it could get overwhelming trying to keep afloat. But, if you work with a team, you get professional support from other agents and your team leader. You can also enjoy proper training and education that benefits your career.
Like any business, being a real estate agent comes with its expenses. These include licensing fees, brokerage fees, operation costs, continuing education, marketing materials, office supplies, self-employment income taxes, MLS fees, and lots more.
However, in a real estate team, all these expenses are shared amongst everyone, thus helping each teammate to save some extra money.
Some expenses you get to share with your teammates include MLS fees, office supplies, marketing material, operation costs, and others.
In the real estate industry, the competition is usually agent against agent, and in the case of a team against team.
This simply means that rather than working against your teammates, you are working with them, thus giving you fewer people to compete against.
This way, you get to pool together resources and marketing power to land clients. And suppose one teammate is unwilling to work with a particular client. In that case, the client can quickly be passed on to you rather than have them go to the competition.
While working alone allows you more control of your time, it also gives you the chance to become lazy by dilly-dallying and procrastinating.
However, suppose you are working in a team. In that case, you are automatically accountable to your team leader and teammates. You will thus be pushed to work harder and be more productive.
When working as a team, your sphere of influence is no longer limited to the people you know.
Instead, it spreads to include everyone your teammates know, which increases your chances of landing a client.
While joining a real estate team might be the best for new agents, the same cannot be said for experienced agents.
This is because they might be looking for more independence and freedom that a team cannot give them since they have more experience.
While sharing expenses with your teammates will help you cut costs, it will also mean you get a smaller commission cut. Unfortunately, this will limit your earning potential.
Real estate teams always have team leaders who are in charge of running the entire team.
When working in a team, you don’t get to be your own boss and call the shots; you have to answer to the team leader and other teammates.
This loss of independence and decision-making makes you less of the entrepreneur you would be if you were working solo.
When you work in a real estate team, you put all your efforts into building another person’s brand rather than yours.
Unfortunately, this means you might not get the chance to pursue your interest because you are pursuing that of the brand and team leader.
It also means that if you ever decide to go independent, it might seem like starting from scratch.
Personality is so important in a team that some teams won’t accept agents based on their personality. Different people have different personalities, and when working as a team, you have to deal with all these personalities, good or bad.
While some teammates might have personality types that agree with yours, others might be more difficult to work with. This affects how well you can get along with your team and produce results.
Joining a real estate team is not a prerequisite to success in the real estate industry. But, it has many benefits that could help you kickstart your career as a real estate agent.
If you are a newly licensed agent, joining a team is advisable. But, in the end, whatever decision you make, just make sure you consider both your short-term needs and long-term goals and ensure you are getting the most out of it.
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