How to Become a Real Estate Agent: A 10-Step Guide for Beginners

Starting a new career can feel overwhelming, but figuring out how to become a real estate agent is a straightforward process when broken down into manageable steps. This career path offers incredible flexibility, unlimited income potential, and the satisfaction of helping people make one of the biggest decisions of their lives. It's an entrepreneurial journey that puts you in control of your success.

This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap, covering everything from the initial legal requirements to the long-term strategies for building a thriving business. We'll walk through each phase of becoming a real estate agent, ensuring you have the clarity and confidence to get started. Whether you're looking for a career change or starting fresh, these are the essential real estate agent steps to follow.

What You'll Learn

• Core Requirements: Understand the basic age, education, and legal prerequisites you must meet in your state before you can even begin your real estate journey.
• The Licensing Process: Discover the step-by-step process of completing pre-licensing courses, passing the state exam, and officially earning your license.
• Launching Your Business: Learn how to choose the right brokerage, build a professional network, and create a marketing plan to attract your first clients.
• Long-Term Success Strategies: Find out what it takes to succeed beyond year one, including mastering your local market, upholding ethical standards, and pursuing advanced education.

What Does a Real Estate Agent Actually Do?

Before diving into the licensing process, it's crucial to understand the day-to-day reality of the job. Being a real estate agent is far more than just showing beautiful houses. It's a multifaceted role that requires a unique blend of sales, marketing, negotiation, and customer service skills. At its core, an agent is a licensed professional who guides clients through the complex process of buying, selling, or renting property.

On any given day, you might find yourself generating leads through phone calls or social media, analyzing market data to price a home correctly, or staging a property for an open house. You'll also spend significant time coordinating with other professionals like mortgage lenders, home inspectors, and attorneys. The work is dynamic and rarely confined to a 9-to-5 schedule; evenings and weekends are often the busiest times for showings and client meetings.

It's also important to distinguish between a real estate agent and a Realtor. While all Realtors are real estate agents, not all agents are Realtors. A Realtor is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and is bound by its strict Code of Ethics. This commitment to a higher ethical standard can build trust with clients and is a designation many professionals choose to pursue after getting their license.

Step 1: Meet Your State's Basic Requirements

Every journey starts with a first step, and for becoming a real estate agent, that means ensuring you meet the baseline requirements set by your state's real estate commission or licensing board. These rules are in place to protect the public and ensure that professionals in the industry have a foundational level of maturity and education. While requirements vary from state to state, they generally follow a similar pattern.

First, you must meet a minimum age requirement, which is typically 18 or 19 years old. Second, you must be a legal resident of the United States. Some states may also have specific residency requirements, mandating that you live in the state where you are applying for a license. Finally, most states require you to have a high school diploma or its equivalent (a GED).

Beyond these basics, you'll likely need to pass a criminal background check. Honesty and trustworthiness are paramount in real estate, so a history of certain felonies can disqualify an applicant. It's wise to check your state's specific rules on this if you have any concerns. To find the exact requirements for your location, a great resource is the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO), which maintains a directory of all regulatory agencies in North America.

Checking their site is the best way to get accurate, up-to-date information directly from the source.

Step 2: Complete Your Pre-Licensing Education

Once you've confirmed you meet the basic qualifications, the next major milestone is completing the required pre-licensing education. You can't just decide to take the real estate exam; you must first complete a state-approved curriculum designed to teach you the fundamentals of real estate law, principles, and practices. The number of required hours varies significantly by state—for example, California requires 135 hours, while Texas requires 180 hours, and Florida requires just 63.

These courses cover a wide range of topics essential for a successful and legal real estate practice. You'll learn about property law, contracts, financing, agency law (your duties to clients), and federal and state regulations like the Fair Housing Act. The goal is to provide you with the foundational knowledge needed to protect your clients and yourself in transactions.

You have several options for how to complete this education. Many people choose online courses for their flexibility, allowing them to study at their own pace around work or family commitments. Others prefer a traditional in-person classroom setting, which offers direct interaction with instructors and peers. As many discussions on platforms like Reddit's r/RealEstate show, choosing the right school is a common concern.

Look for schools with high pass rates, positive student reviews, and comprehensive study materials to ensure you're well-prepared for the exam.

Step 3: Ace Your Real Estate Licensing Exam

After completing your pre-licensing coursework, it's time to face the biggest hurdle: the real estate license exam. This comprehensive test is designed to ensure you have a firm grasp of the knowledge required to practice real estate competently and ethically. Passing this exam is a non-negotiable step in every state.

The exam is typically divided into two sections: a national portion and a state-specific portion. The national section covers general real estate principles and federal laws that apply everywhere in the U.S. The state-specific section tests your knowledge of local real estate laws, statutes, and regulations that are unique to the state where you'll be practicing. Both sections are usually multiple-choice, and you'll need to achieve a minimum passing score on each part, often around 70-75%.

Don't underestimate the difficulty of this exam. Many aspiring agents find they need to study extensively beyond their coursework. The best strategy is to take as many practice exams as possible. This helps you get comfortable with the format of the questions and identify areas where your knowledge is weak.

Many real estate schools offer exam prep packages with practice tests, flashcards, and study guides. Schedule your exam soon after finishing your courses so the information is still fresh, and go into test day well-rested and confident.

Step 4: Find a Sponsoring Brokerage

Passing your exam is a huge accomplishment, but you're not quite ready to start selling houses. As a new real estate agent (often called a salesperson or associate), you must work under the supervision of a licensed real estate broker. This broker sponsors your license and is legally responsible for your actions. Therefore, your next critical step is to find a brokerage to join.

Choosing the right brokerage is one of the most important decisions you'll make in your early career. The brokerage you join will heavily influence your training, income, and overall success. Brokerages come in all shapes and sizes, from large national franchises like Keller Williams or RE/MAX to small, independent boutique firms. Each offers a different culture, commission structure, and level of support.

When interviewing with potential brokerages, don't just focus on the commission split—the percentage of your earnings you keep versus what the brokerage takes. As a new agent, the training and mentorship programs a brokerage offers are far more valuable. Look for a brokerage with a structured training program for new agents, a supportive culture where experienced agents are willing to help, and access to tools and technology that will help you get your business off the ground. A good brokerage invests in your success because it directly contributes to their own.

Pro Tip: Ask potential brokerages about their lead generation support. Some brokerages provide new agents with leads to help them build their client base, while others expect you to generate all of your own business. Understanding this upfront can help you set realistic expectations for your first year.

Step 5: Build Your Professional Network from Day One

Real estate is a relationship business. Your success won't be determined by what you know, but by who you know and, more importantly, who knows, likes, and trusts you. Building a strong professional network is not just a side task; it's a core business activity that you should start on your very first day.

Your network should extend far beyond potential buyers and sellers. It needs to include other professionals involved in real estate transactions. Start building relationships with mortgage lenders, title company officers, home inspectors, real estate attorneys, and contractors. These individuals will become your trusted partners, and you'll be able to refer clients to them and vice versa.

A strong team of professionals ensures a smoother transaction process for your clients, which reflects well on you.

Don't forget to network with other real estate agents, both within your brokerage and at other firms. Experienced agents can be a source of invaluable advice and mentorship. Building a good reputation among your peers can also lead to referral opportunities down the line. Attend local industry events, join real estate associations, and be an active, positive presence in your professional community.

Step 6: Develop Your Personal Brand and Marketing Plan

As a real estate agent, you are your own brand. In a competitive market, you need to give people a reason to choose you over the hundreds of other agents in your area. Developing a personal brand and a strategic marketing plan is essential for attracting clients and establishing yourself as a go-to expert. Your brand is the story you tell about yourself—your values, your expertise, and what makes you unique.

Start by defining your target audience or niche. Do you want to work with first-time homebuyers, luxury properties, or investment properties. Focusing on a specific niche allows you to tailor your marketing messages and become a recognized authority in that space. Once you have your niche, build a professional online presence.

This includes a clean, modern website with your listings, testimonials, and helpful blog content, as well as active social media profiles on platforms where your target audience spends their time.

This is where technology becomes your best friend. A robust Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is non-negotiable for managing your leads and client relationships. Tools like Follow Up Boss or Wise Agent help you track conversations, automate follow-ups, and ensure no opportunity falls through the cracks. For managing the complex paperwork of each deal, a transaction management platform like Dotloop can streamline the process, keeping your documents organized and accessible from anywhere.

Step 7: Master Your Local Real Estate Market

Clients hire a real estate agent for their expertise. To provide real value, you must become a true expert on your local market. This goes far beyond knowing the average home price. It means understanding the nuances of different neighborhoods, school districts, zoning laws, and future development plans.

Your goal is to be the person who has the answers before the clients even know what to ask.

Dedicate time every single day to studying the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Track new listings, see what properties are going under contract, and analyze final sale prices. Pay attention to how long homes are sitting on the market in different areas and at different price points. This data will empower you to price homes accurately for your sellers and advise your buyers on making competitive offers.

Beyond the data, get out and experience your market firsthand. Drive through neighborhoods you're less familiar with. Tour new construction developments. Visit local businesses and attend community events.

The more you immerse yourself in the community, the more you'll understand its unique character and appeal. This deep, hyperlocal knowledge is a powerful differentiator that builds immense trust with clients.

Step 8: Uphold Legal and Ethical Standards

In real estate, your reputation is your most valuable asset. A single ethical misstep can do irreparable damage to your career. It's absolutely critical to have a deep understanding of and unwavering commitment to the legal and ethical standards that govern the industry. These rules are not just suggestions; they are legal requirements designed to protect consumers.

One of the most important concepts to master is fiduciary duty. When a client hires you, you have a legal obligation to act in their best interests. This includes duties of loyalty, confidentiality, disclosure, obedience, reasonable care, and accounting. You must always put your client's interests ahead of your own, even if it means losing a commission.

Furthermore, you must be an expert on fair housing laws. The federal Fair Housing Act, along with state and local laws, prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, or disability. Any violation, even an unintentional one, can result in severe penalties, including the loss of your license. If you choose to become a Realtor, you'll also be bound by the NAR's Code of Ethics, which often sets an even higher standard for professional conduct.

Pro Tip: Document everything. Keep detailed written records of conversations, recommendations, and disclosures with clients. This practice not only keeps you organized but also provides a crucial record to protect you in the event of a dispute or misunderstanding.

Step 9: Commit to Lifelong Learning

The real estate industry is constantly changing. Market trends shift, new technologies emerge, and laws are updated. The final step in becoming a successful real estate agent isn't a step at all—it's an ongoing commitment to education and professional development. The learning doesn't stop once you get your license.

All states require agents to complete a certain number of continuing education (CE) hours to renew their license, typically every two to four years. These courses cover important topics like legal updates, ethics, and fair housing. However, you should view CE as the bare minimum. To truly excel, you should proactively seek out opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills.

Consider pursuing advanced professional designations. Certifications like the Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), or Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) demonstrate a higher level of expertise and commitment to your craft. These designations not only increase your knowledge but also enhance your credibility with clients and can open doors to new networking and referral opportunities. The most successful agents are the ones who are always learning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it hard making money as a real estate agent?

Yes, it can be challenging, especially in the first one to two years. Real estate is typically a 100% commission-based career, meaning you don't get a regular paycheck. Your income is directly tied to the deals you close. It often takes several months to get your first commission check, so it's essential to have at least six months of living expenses saved before you start.

The potential for high income is significant, but it requires immense self-discipline, lead generation efforts, and resilience. Many new agents leave the industry within the first few years because they underestimate the difficulty of building a consistent pipeline of clients. Success is very possible, but it is not guaranteed and requires hard work.

How long does it take to become a real estate agent?

The timeline varies greatly by state due to different pre-licensing education requirements. On average, you can expect the entire process to take anywhere from three to six months. This includes completing your coursework, studying for the exam, passing the exam, and finding a brokerage. Some people who can dedicate themselves to studying full-time may be able to complete the process in as little as two months.

Can you be a part-time realtor?

While it is technically possible to be a part-time agent, it is very difficult to succeed. Real estate demands a high level of availability for your clients, who often need to see homes or discuss offers in the evenings and on weekends. Juggling another job can make it challenging to provide the level of service clients expect and compete with full-time agents.

Most successful part-time agents either have a very flexible primary job or are transitioning into real estate full-time. If you plan to start part-time, it's crucial to be upfront with your clients about your availability and have a strong support system at your brokerage.

What does a real estate agent do daily?

A typical day is rarely the same, but most agents' schedules revolve around three core activities: prospecting for new clients (lead generation), servicing current clients, and managing administrative tasks. A day might start with responding to emails and making follow-up calls to potential leads. The afternoon could be spent showing properties to buyers, preparing for a listing presentation for a seller, or negotiating a contract. Administrative work, like updating the MLS, preparing documents, and coordinating with lenders, is also a significant part of the job.

How do beginner realtors make money?

Beginner realtors make money by closing transactions, just like experienced agents. The key challenge is finding those first clients. Most new agents start by reaching out to their personal network—friends, family, and former colleagues—to let them know they are in the business. This is often called working your "sphere of influence."

Many also find success by holding open houses for more experienced agents in their office, which is a great way to meet active buyers. Other methods include online lead generation, social media marketing, and networking in the local community. The first year is all about planting seeds and building relationships that will lead to future business.

Final Thoughts

Embarking on the path of becoming a real estate agent is a commitment to building your own business from the ground up. It's a career that rewards hard work, dedication, and a genuine passion for helping people. By following these steps—from meeting the initial requirements and passing your exam to choosing the right brokerage and mastering your market—you can build a strong foundation for a long and successful career.

Remember that getting your license is just the beginning. The real work starts when you begin building your brand, nurturing your network, and providing exceptional service to your clients. It won't always be easy, but for those with an entrepreneurial spirit and a drive to succeed, the rewards can be immense.