Are you interested in entering the real estate industry but worried about not having any experience? With the proper steps you can become a real estate agent with no experience.
When I started in real estate in 2017, I had Zero sales experience. I knew how to talk to people, but to sell wasn’t me. At that point, I had no choice as our family lost a 6 figure income overnight.
I saw the career night sign, enrolled in the course, and passed the licensure test. Sink or swim; I was jumping into a new career in real estate.
Like many real estate agents, I have worked in real estate part-time since 2017. I have replaced my spouse’s income and have launched other businesses in the real estate world, including a flipping business and a Blog about Real Estate.
I feel blessed to have found this opportunity and met many fascinating people. I have truly grown as a person and a professional.
If you are considering getting your license and working in the real estate industry, this article is for you. It will guide you through obtaining your license to building a successful career.
Here is a video to pump you up!
Table of Contents
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What is a Real Estate Agent?
The Role of a Real Estate Agent
A real estate agent is a professional who helps clients rent, buy or sell properties. They act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers, guiding them through the entire real estate transaction process. It is possible to become a real estate agent with no experience.
Real estate agents know the market, pricing trends, property valuations, and legal requirements.
A real estate agent is so much more than representing someone that wants to sell their property or helping someone buy a house. Real estate agents are responsible for assisting others with likely the biggest asset they own or will own.
Benefits of Real Estate
Becoming an agent offers numerous benefits:
- The flexible schedule/hours, work location, and set hours when you are available to clients.
- Being your own boss and being an independent contractor.
- Real estate agents can work as full-time or part-time professionals.
- The real estate sector has excellent income potential, as agents earn commissions based on transactions they facilitate.
The more transactions, the more money.
The Part-Time Real Estate Agent
Types of Real Estate Agents
Real estate has different types of agents based on their licensing and level of expertise.
A salesperson is an entry-level agent who has obtained a real estate license but is working under the supervision of a licensed broker.
A real estate broker is a higher level of licensure and can work independently or employ other salespersons under their brokerage. To become a real estate broker, additional education and experience are usually required, and, depending on your state, could require a few years of experience to qualify.
Several agents may work under one broker.
Steps to Become a Real Estate Agent with no Experience
1. Research your State’s License Requirements
The first step to getting a real estate license is to research your state’s license laws, which vary by state. Each U.S. state has its own real estate regulatory office or organization that oversees the licensing process. You can learn more by visiting the state’s Association of real estate website.
Typically the state real estate commission will have the information for education and the real estate laws the state must follow. As far as my research shows, a high school diploma or equivalency degree is needed, but a few states differ. It is best to check the requirements for your state.
You must familiarize yourself with your state’s requirements and take a pre-licensing course with an accredited real estate education provider. This coursework typically covers the following:
- real estate principles
- Property ownership and land use controls
- Laws of Agency and fiduciary duties
- Property valuation and financial analysis
- Transfer of property
- The practice of real estate and disclosures
- Contracts
- Real estate calculations
2. Enroll in a Real Estate Education Course
Enrolling in an accredited education course is crucial to fulfilling the state-required education requirements to get a license for real estate. The course should be designed to help you fulfill the licensing requirements and pass the exam. The hours required range from 40-180 based on your state requirements.
The typical course will cost a few hundred dollars. I have seen it as low as $200. It is a small price in comparison to the earning potential of a real estate career.
Are you in the Military? Grab the Military Discount!
3. Interview other Real Estate Agents
I chatted with several real estate agents while studying for the license exam. I wanted to get different perspectives from those in different places in their careers and different areas of my state.
I ensured each of these people was also with different real estate agencies so I could understand the nuances of different companies.
I even spoke with other professionals in the real estate field to get information on the real estate process as a whole.
I found these real estate persons listed above by posting on social media for others to tag a real estate agent or professional so I could connect with as many as would talk to me. The conversations were very beneficial, and one of the agents eventually became my mentor.
Another tip is to watch for open houses and call the listing agent to ask to shadow them for the event.
4. Choose a Brokerage
Real estate agents must choose a brokerage or work as a real estate salesperson under a person with a broker license.
A brokerage is a firm or organization that provides support, resources, and mentorship to real estate agents. Some real estate firms will have experience requirements to work for their company.
It could benefit you to interview several real estate companies or brokerages to determine the best fit for you.
Consider the following:
- reputation
- training opportunities
- commission splits
- company culture
- real estate positions open
Choosing the right brokerage is essential for your success as a new agent, especially if you have yet to gain experience. Your brokerage will be the rock to rely on in the first few months or years when you start your career in real estate.
You only need to choose a broker once you get your license.
5. Taking the Official Real Estate Exam
Once you have finished the required coursework and have your required documents as proof, you can apply to your state to sit for the real estate exam.
Many states require every person to apply for this process to ensure the person has met the requirements to take the exam. PSI or Pearson VUE primarily issues the exam.
The hardest part is almost done. It is time to pass an exam.
The exam will have 75-200 questions with a passing score between 70%-75%, depending on your state, as seen below.
6. Apply for your real estate license
The last step in obtaining your real estate license is to submit an application for a license with your state’s regulatory office. The paperwork will include your test scores and the required paperwork from the brokerage firm you choose.
Preparing for the Real Estate Exam
Understanding the Real Estate License Exam
The real estate license exam is crucial in becoming a licensed real estate agent. It tests your understanding of real estate principles, laws, and regulations. Study the specific topics in your state’s exam content outline to prepare.
Familiarize yourself with relevant real estate terminology, practice sample questions, and consider enrolling in an exam prep course. Each state will have a national section and a section specific to their state’s real estate license law, which will vary from state to state.
Tips for Passing the License Exam
To increase your chances of passing the license exam, here are some helpful tips:
- Create a study schedule and stick to it
- Take practice exams to gauge your knowledge and identify areas of weakness
- Review and understand key concepts, laws, and regulations
- Seek guidance from experienced real estate professionals or instructors
- Stay focused and maintain a positive mindset during the exam
- When in doubt, Google or YouTube it
Using Exam Prep Resources
Utilize exam prep resources such as online study guides, flashcards, and textbooks specifically designed for real estate exams. These resources provide comprehensive materials that cover important exam topics in a structured manner. Additionally, consider attending exam prep classes or workshops real estate schools or professional organizations offer.
While studying for the test, I sought out online practice test resources offered for free at the local public library; I checked out books at the local library and scoured the internet for information, especially on topics that seemed a little gray or confusing.
Honestly, I was overprepared for the national part of the test but less for the state part. The state part felt more like common sense, and the way the information was presented was very different. I underestimated the state part and remember passing by only one question.
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Building Your Real Estate Career
Real Estate Agent vs. Realtor
Let’s get something straight; only some real estate agents earn the right to be called Realtors. A person with a real estate license can represent another person in a real estate transaction.
A Realtor goes a step further and is a real estate agent who is an active member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). From the National Association of Realtors website,
The term REALTOR® has come to connote competency, fairness, and high integrity resulting from adherence to a lofty ideal of moral conduct in business relations.
Source: National Association of Realtors
Joining the National Association of Realtors
Joining the National Association of Realtors (NAR) is a valuable step in building your real estate career. The National Association of Realtors is the largest professional organization for real estate agents. It provides access to various resources, networking opportunities, continuing education courses, and industry updates.
Being a National Association of Realtors member demonstrates your commitment to professionalism and ethical conduct in the real estate industry. NAR members have a Code of Ethics to follow, which can be reviewed to learn more.
Following the Code of Ethics
Real estate professionals are expected to adhere to a strict code of ethics. The NAR has established a Code of Ethics that outlines professional standards and guidelines for conduct in real estate transactions. Always prioritize honesty, integrity, and transparency in your interactions with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders in the industry.
Real Estate Stats according to the National Association of Realtors
The Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO) estimates over three million active real estate licensees in the United States. National Association of Realtors membership is 1,600,886 as of October 2022. So only about half of real estate agents can be called Realtors.
Check out more Stats on the Real Estate Industry
Exploring Entry-Level Positions
As a new real estate agent, gaining experience by exploring entry-level positions within a brokerage is beneficial. This could involve assisting experienced agents with transactions, attending open houses, or coordinating marketing activities.
These opportunities allow you to learn the real estate business specifics while building your network and reputation.
The fascinating part of a job in the real estate industry or salesperson career path is the number of people involved in each real estate transaction.
Getting Hired as a Real Estate Agent
Creating a Professional Resume
A professional and well-crafted resume is essential when applying for real estate jobs. Highlight your education, relevant coursework, real estate license information, and related work experience.
Emphasize your skills in negotiation, customer service, communication, and problem-solving. Include any certifications or additional training you have completed, such as specialized real estate courses or designations.
Network, Network, Network
If you have yet to learn, networking is vital in most career paths. Networking with other real estate professionals, attending industry events, and joining local real estate associations can uncover hidden job opportunities and provide valuable connections.
Check out the rental section for your area and network with the property managers to determine what opportunities they may have as well.
The Importance of Experience and Referrals
While starting with no experience can be challenging, focus on gaining relevant work experience and building a solid network of contacts.
This can be achieved by working on smaller transactions, volunteering or interning at local real estate offices, and seeking mentorship from established agents.
As you gain experience and build a solid reputation, referrals from satisfied clients and colleagues will become a valuable source of new business.
The answers to some of your questions
How many hours do most realtors work?
The number of hours realtors work can vary greatly depending on their experience level, client load, and specific job responsibilities. However, most realtors generally work more than the standard 40-hour workweek.
Many realtors work evenings and weekends to accommodate their clients’ schedules and are often on-call to respond to inquiries or handle urgent matters. On average, realtors may work anywhere from 40 to 60 hours or more per week.
Is it hard to succeed in real estate?
Succeeding in real estate can be challenging, but it ultimately depends on market conditions, individual skills and experience, economic factors, and personal determination. It requires industry knowledge, persistence, networking skills, effective marketing strategies, and adapting to a changing real estate market.
Success in real estate often comes with time, effort, and building a solid reputation. While it can be a competitive field, many people have achieved great success in real estate through hard work and dedication.
Can You Get A Real Estate Job Without A License?
In most jurisdictions, obtaining a real estate license is only possible when working as a real estate agent or broker. However, some administrative or support roles in the real estate industry may not require a license, such as property management, marketing, or administrative positions.
How do I get my real estate license without experience?
- Research the requirements set by your state’s real estate regulatory office
- Enroll in a pre-licensing course offered by a state-approved real estate school
- Study and complete the course
- Pass the real estate license exam
- Apply for your real estate license through the state’s real estate authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be a real estate agent if I’m shy?
Being shy isn’t a roadblock in real estate. Success varies by personality. You may need to step out of your comfort zone, but essential skills like networking can be learned. With focus, you can thrive in the field.
Where do real estate agents make the least money?
Real estate agents typically make the least money in rural areas or regions with a low demand for real estate.
How do I start a real estate business from scratch?
Start networking and talking to people. Lean on those you already know to leverage your relationship. Start telling people who you are!
Can I become a real estate agent with no experience?
Yes, you can become a real estate agent with no prior experience. Many successful real estate professionals started their careers without experience and built their expertise over time.
Is it necessary to work as a real estate agent under a brokerage?
You must work under a licensed real estate brokerage to practice as a real estate agent. This allows you to gain valuable experience and guidance from experienced professionals.
Can I become a real estate agent part-time?
Yes, you can become a real estate agent on a part-time basis. Many agents start their careers part-time while working another job and gradually transition into full-time real estate careers as they gain more experience and clients.
How can I improve my chances of getting hired as a new real estate agent?
To boost your odds of getting hired as a new real estate agent, focus on networking and building strong relationships in the industry. Acquire relevant certifications and keep up-to-date with market trends. A well-crafted resume and a proactive approach can set you apart.
Conclusion
Although becoming a real estate agent with no prior experience may seem daunting, it is possible with the proper steps and dedication. I am living proof it can be done.
Obtaining your real estate license, choosing a reputable brokerage, preparing for the license exam, and building your real estate career through networking and experience are critical components of your journey.
Stay updated with real estate trends and continue learning and growing professionally.
Becoming a successful real estate agent with perseverance and a passion for the industry is possible!
