Here is an insider’s guide to all your questions so that you can know whether you should become a real estate agent in 2025.
In this guide, we will discuss the in-depth job description for a successful real estate professional. We will also discuss the benefits and challenges of the profession; from income potential to real estate closings. You will learn the steps and key skills to succeed as an agent.
With this guide, you will be fully equipped to decide whether becoming a real estate agent is right for you.
Do you love residential architecture, new construction homes, home renovations, and interior design? And you’re thinking: How can I explore these interests and make a lucrative career for myself? Well, you’re likely asking yourself: “Should I become a Real Estate Agent in 2025?
What Does a Real Estate Agent Do?
To make a decision, you need to understand what real estate agent does on a daily basis.
Real estate agent is a state licensed professional hired by individual buyers or sellers to professionally manage real estate transactions and provide representation for their legal and financial interests within that process.
Much like a sports agent or a defense attorney, a real estate agent is a liaison between parties in the transaction, and all other vendors needed within the process. The real estate agent is knowledgeable, well-trained and licensed in real estate market conditions, the regulations around property in the state they are licensed, and the standard legal contract requirements to help buyers and sellers negotiate and close real estate dealings.
Each real estate agent independently markets their services and creates lasting business relationships through their client experiences and successes.
Most real estate agents are entrepreneurs, but some will begin their careers by joining a robust sales team so that they can be coached and grow a preliminary pool of clients (called their sphere of influence).
From there, real estate agents become independent contractors that grow their sphere of influence developing a strong book of business on their own. Often successful agents will build their own teams of real estate salespeople or independent brokerage (or even franchises) over time.
How to Become a Real Estate Agent in 2025?
Most states only require a real estate salesperson to be a High School graduate, 18 years of age, with a clean criminal background. The professional licensing process requires a pre-licensing course, which can be taken online or in-person.
Once you pass the pre-licensing course, you may Register for the State Licensing exam. The State Licensing Exam includes proficiencies in property laws, financing programs and regulations, to business ethics. And that’s how you get real estate license!
Once you complete the Pre-licensing course and pass the qualifying State exam, you will apply for your Real Estate license with your State Real Estate Commission. As a salesperson, you will be required to register your license under a Brokerage at the State level to legally conduct business in your state.
Next you will apply for jobs as a new agent in your market. Once you have a job at a local real estate brokerage as a new agent, and your new broker has placed your license with the company – you may be required to join a local real estate board.
Real estate agents that carry local Board membership are elevated to the professional title of Realtor.
Realtors uphold ethical business standards to the consumer beyond technical contract proficiency that all real estate agents are equipped with when licensed.
Realtors provide a level of excellence and distinction that consumers can rely on when they are researching which salesperson to work with for their transaction. However, for some companies, board membership is completely optional.
Now that you’re a licensed real estate professional with an affiliated Brokerage, you will be able to guide others in the process of buying and selling real estate in your state.
Pros and Cons of Becoming a Real Estate Agent
Now that you know how to become a real estate agent, let’s discuss the pros and cons of this profession.
Many feel that the entrepreneurial lifestyle is the way to build wealth.
But it may not be right for everyone. Real estate professionals benefit from the flexibility of creating their own schedules, the limitless earning potential, the ability to travel and enjoy new settings daily. Real estate is an attractive career because many successful agents make it seem so glamorous – especially in cities like South Beach, Houston, Atlanta, and Manhattan.
Despite the big checks and luxurious lifestyles, real estate can be challenging.
Competitive markets, balancing continual marketing costs, continuing education and professional expenses, self-employment taxes, and steep commission splits make real estate a risky career choice. But when you find confidence, consistency and coaching that keeps developing your skill mastery, becoming a real estate agent can be the best decision you ever make as an entrepreneur.
Residential real estate sales are just the beginning of the possible ventures you can be a part of when you’re in this industry.
You can work with Fix and Flip investors, sell multi-family properties, and sell or rent commercial properties. You can specialize in waterfront properties, second homes, or luxury properties. Also, working with builders and developers is impactful in creating new inventory in your city.
The highs and lows of becoming a real estate agent do include irregular income and a steep experiential learning curve. Your income can depend on so many variables – from property taxes to property defects, to natural disasters.
Nothing like experience will ever teach you how to handle scenarios like divorce decrees, probate issues, and homeowner insurance claims from property damage. When these unforeseen hiccups arise, you must be prepared to problem-solve for your clients even if you inevitably must postpone, and even cancel, some closings altogether.
Even when you face transactions that don’t close, the ones that do close offer the fulfillment of helping others achieve their financial goals. Real estate agents get to influence community revitalization and change by presenting new residential inventory, offering equity and opportunity for first time home buyers, and helping business owners thrive.
Is Real Estate a Good Career in 2025?
The real estate industry has many excellent career options. You can create a long lasting and lucrative book of business in residential sales by serving your core sphere of influence and growing your business every year with referrals and repeat business.
Many real estate agents enjoy the service and relationships that this business model fosters and continue to provide services directly to customers for years.
With the average home price in America at around $420,000, each transaction can be pivotal in building the life you desire.
Compensation in real estate is totally negotiable, but with consistent sales, the real estate business is easily a six-figure career with sales alone.
The key to success in any local market is to find your niche whether that is first time home buyers, sports and entertainment clients, or relocation clients. Then, get in tune with the needs of your local market and refine your messaging for your niche.
Beyond residential sales, there are several ways to enhance your base income in the real estate industry. Often busy agents build a team of support staff and junior agents or they become real estate investors themselves, creating new inventory and addressing the needs of their niche market.
Residential real estate experience can also become the foundation for many advanced career paths in business and government. So in addition to being a Residential salesperson, you can explore roles such as:
- Real Estate Marketing Positions
- Real Estate Coaching
- Transaction Management
- Real Estate Lending
- Real Estate Title and Escrow Services
- Brokers and Team leaders
- Property Management
- Multi-family Investor/ Landlord
- Property Developer or Builder
- Commercial Real Estate Developer
- Corporate Real Estate Department
- Real Estate Law and Litigation
- Governmental careers in City Planning and much more.
Is Becoming a Real Estate Agent Right for You?
Real estate professionals are independent contractors and entrepreneurs that guide and influence change and community development.
Real estate is right for you if you enjoy Home Renovations, Touring New and Improved Properties – but you are committed to serving buyers and sellers through problem solving and compliance through the entire process.
Becoming a real estate agent does not require an advanced degree for those seeking a career change. If you possess clear professional communication skills, understand marketing, are confident with research and negotiations, you would be an excellent real estate agent.
Because real estate is an independent contractor position, you must organize your daily tasks as if you were totally self-employed and still follow management regarding your professional compliance and contract management.
If you exemplify the discipline required, time management skills, and are attentive to details and systems, you will excel when you become a real estate agent.
Real estate is right for you if you understand that you are only compensated after you complete the entire transaction that can take a month or more and are willing to ride the challenges of the transaction alongside your clients ensuring that their interests are protected.
Real estate is right for you if you understand business management principles, because discipline, time management, and marketing strategy are the most important skill sets necessary to create consistency in your business and design the life you dream of.
Next Steps If You Want to Become a Real Estate Agent
- Complete a State-Required Pre-licensing course
- Take your Licensing Exams and Pay License Fees
- Affiliate your License with a Brokerage and/or Join a Team
- Join a Realtors Association (optional, but recommended)
- Find a Mentor and Continue Coaching/ Training
