To become a real estate agent, you complete your state’s required pre-licensing course, pass the state licensing exam, and activate your license under a sponsoring broker. Most states also require you to be at least 18 or 19 and to submit fingerprints. Getting licensed can take a few months; building a steady business usually takes much longer, because most agents are paid only by commission when a deal closes.
What the job is really like
Showing homes is a small part of the work. Most real estate agents run a small business that includes:
- Finding clients: calling, networking, social media, open houses and following up with people for months.
- Working with buyers: searching listings, scheduling showings, writing offers and negotiating.
- Working with sellers: pricing homes, preparing listings, coordinating photos and marketing.
- Managing transactions: inspections, appraisals, deadlines and paperwork until closing day.
Evenings and weekends are when clients are free. Income arrives in irregular chunks, and you pay your own expenses, such as license fees, association and listing service dues, and marketing.
Licensing step by step
Each state sets its own requirements, and they vary widely, so check your state’s real estate commission or licensing agency. The general sequence:
- Confirm eligibility: minimum age, a high school diploma or equivalent in many states, and a fingerprint review.
- Complete the state-approved pre-licensing course, available in person or online. Required hours differ by state.
- Pass the licensing exam, which usually has a national section on real estate principles and a state section on local law.
- Choose a sponsoring broker. New agents must work under a licensed broker, who provides supervision, contracts and often training.
- Activate your license and complete post-licensing or continuing education as your state requires.
A broker license is a later step that typically requires experience as an agent plus more coursework and another exam.
Do you need a degree?
No. A college degree is not required to become an agent, which makes real estate one of the more accessible careers without a degree. Classes in business, finance and marketing help, and some people study real estate in college to work in commercial real estate, development or property management.
A path from high school or college
- Get comfortable with sales and customer service in a part-time job.
- Learn basic personal finance and budgeting; you will need it with irregular income.
- Take the pre-licensing course once you meet your state’s age requirement.
- Build savings before going full time, so you can live while your first deals take shape. See budgeting for young adults.
- Interview several brokerages about training, fees and mentorship for new agents.
Try it before you pay for the course
- Work as an assistant to a busy agent or team, handling scheduling, listings and paperwork.
- Shadow an agent for a weekend of showings and an open house.
- Work as a leasing agent at an apartment community; licensing rules for leasing vary by state.
- Hold informational interviews with a new agent and a veteran about their first year.
Ask each one how long it took to close their first deal and how they paid their bills until then.
Who thrives, and why many leave
Agents who succeed are self-starters, steady with follow-up, comfortable with rejection and good at staying calm when negotiations get tense. They often have a local network and a financial cushion. Turnover among new agents is high, usually because income starts slowly or does not cover expenses. Others move into related work: property management, mortgage lending, appraisal, title and escrow or commercial leasing. For current earnings and outlook data, see the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Real estate as a second career
Many agents start after another career, bringing contacts, life experience and maturity that clients trust. Some start part time, though clients expect quick responses, which is hard alongside a demanding day job. If you are considering it, plan for months of slow income and treat it like starting a business. Read our guides on changing careers and side hustles for young adults.
Where a mentor helps
Real estate is largely self-directed, so the biggest risk is inconsistency. A mentor helps new agents set weekly prospecting goals, track follow-up, think through broker choices and manage money through the slow early months. Mentors are not licensing experts or brokers; your state commission and sponsoring broker give official guidance. See career and education mentoring, young adult mentoring or, if you are switching careers, mentoring for professionals.
Related
- How to save money in your 20s
- Mentoring for young entrepreneurs
- How to become an accountant
- All career path guides
Common questions
How long does it take to get a real estate license?
Often a few weeks to a few months, depending on your state’s course hours, exam scheduling and processing time. Building a steady income usually takes much longer.
Do real estate agents get a salary?
Most do not. Agents are typically paid a share of the commission when a sale closes, split with their brokerage, so income is irregular.
What is the difference between an agent and a broker?
An agent, sometimes called a salesperson, must work under a licensed broker. A broker has more experience, additional education and a separate license, and can run a brokerage.
Can I be a real estate agent part time?
Yes, many start that way, but clients expect fast responses. Part-time agents need a clear schedule and a plan for covering showings and calls.
Get started
Getting into real estate and want help building steady weekly habits? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.