Rethinking Your Career Path? How to Start Working in Real Estate

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If you’re exploring new career opportunities and value flexibility, independence, and long-term earning potential, consider working in real estate. As a licensed agent, you set your own hours, choose the markets and clients you want to work with, and build a business that grows with you.

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A Real Estate Career Could Be Your Next Power Move

If you’re looking for a career shift that gives you freedom, income potential, and a real sense of ownership—real estate might just be your calling. Whether you’re ditching a 9-to-5 grind, coming back into the workforce, or looking for a side hustle that scales, real estate offers an earning potential other careers can’t match.

Not sure where to start? This guide walks you through the first steps of launching a real estate career—with actionable tips to help you move forward with confidence.

Rethinking Your Career Path? How to Start Working in Real Estate

Check the Legal Requirements in Your State

Before you begin your real estate agent journey, check the legal age of your state. Most states require a minimum age of at least 18, however, Alabama, Alaska, and Nebraska, set the minimum age at 19. If you’re still early in your career or just finishing school, this gives you valuable time to research your options, explore real estate coursework, and decide if this path aligns with your long-term goals. If you start working as a realtor at a young age, you can build your portfolio right from the start, giving you experience and a solid client base.

Understand the Legal Requirements

Every state has its own rules, but in most cases, here’s what you’ll need:

Minimum age: Typically 18, though in Alabama, Nebraska, and Alaska, the legal age is 19.
Education: A state-approved pre-licensing course is usually required (ranging from 40–180 hours).
Pass a licensing exam: Most exams are multiple-choice and cover local laws, contracts, and ethics.
Background check and application: Expect fingerprinting and fees.

Pro Tip: Check with your state’s real estate commission for exact requirements and timelines.

Choose a Real Estate School That Fits Your Life

Not all schools are created equal. Consider:

Online vs. in-person classes: Many new agents prefer online flexibility.
Reviews and pass rates: Do students feel well-prepared?
Support: Does the school offer exam prep or instructor access?

Look for one that suits your schedule and learning style—especially if you’re juggling other responsibilities.

Pass the Exam (Yes, You Can!)

The licensing exam may sound intimidating, but with the right prep, you’ll be just fine. Most people pass on the first or second try—especially if they study with intention.

Tips:

Take practice tests early and often.
Focus on areas where you score the lowest.
Use flashcards to reinforce vocabulary and key terms.

Remember, this exam isn’t designed to trick you—it’s designed to protect consumers. Focus on understanding the concepts, not just memorizing facts.

three woman sitting on white chair in front of table Rethinking Your Career Path? How to Start Working in Real Estate

Don’t Go It Alone: Join a Brokerage

Once you’ve earned your real estate license, it’s time to begin your career. But, trying to build experience and navigate this industry on your own can be a real challenge. You can’t go it alone! The next step is finding the right real estate brokerage to join.

A brokerage is essentially your professional home base—it’s where you’ll gain access to training, tools, mentorship, and the legal framework to start representing clients.

Working with a reputable brokerage helps new agents:

Learn the ropes from experienced professionals
Gain confidence through guided transactions
Build a steady stream of leads
Understand contracts, disclosures, and local laws

It’s one of the smartest ways to grow your skills while avoiding common pitfalls.

Join a Brokerage That Aligns With Your Goals

Once you’re licensed, you can’t work solo just yet—you’ll need to “hang your license” with a brokerage. This is where your real estate career officially begins.

Look for a brokerage that offers:

Training & mentorship
Marketing tools
Lead generation support
Fair commission splits
A supportive culture

Don’t just chase the biggest commission—especially at the start. The right mentorship is worth more than a few extra percentage points.

business plan on a pad Rethinking Your Career Path? How to Start Working in Real Estate

Set Up Your Business Like a Pro

Treat real estate like the business it is. Early on, you’ll want to:

Create a business plan
Separate your business banking
Track income and expenses from day one
Consider forming an LLC for legal and tax benefits (consult a CPA)

You’ll also want to start building your personal brand—online and offline.

Start Generating Leads (Not Just Waiting for Them)

Real estate is about relationships, and that means getting out there. Your first few deals will often come from people you already know, so don’t be afraid to let your network know what you’re doing.

Ways to start generating leads:

Tell friends and family
Attend open houses and local events
Join neighborhood Facebook groups
Start a real estate Instagram or blog
Connect with vendors like lenders, title reps, or home stagers

Lead generation is a long game—start now, and be consistent.

people with real estate agent on porch Rethinking Your Career Path? How to Start Working in Real Estate

Consider Real Estate Investing (When You’re Ready)

While most agents start by working with buyers and sellers, some eventually move into property investment—flipping homes, buying rental properties, or even building from scratch.

If you go this route, choosing the right land or property buy and flip or build from scratch is crucial. For raw land development, you’ll need to factor in local zoning laws, utilities, and land clearing services. Companies that specialize in land clearing can help prepare the site for construction by removing trees, debris, and obstacles safely and efficiently.

This is a more advanced step, but one worth keeping in mind as your career evolves.

Enroll in my Business Coaching for Investors for one-on-one, custom-tailored strategy sessions with me.

Bonus Read: From Curious to Confident: Your Real Estate Wealth Journey Starts Here

Keep Learning and Evolve with the Market

Real estate is not a static industry. The more you grow, the more you can specialize.

Explore:

Continuing education courses
Certifications like SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) or ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative)
Investment properties (Airbnb, BRRRR method, flipping)
Coaching or mastermind groups

The most successful agents never stop learning. You don’t have to do everything at once—but stay curious and open to growth.

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Start Building a Professional Portfolio

Creating your portfolio is an essential step. You need to show potential clients your expertise for them to be interested in using your services. Buyers and sellers are more likely to choose a realtor who demonstrates what they’ve achieved and why they outshine the competition.

Your portfolio is your proof of work—especially in the beginning. It shows potential clients you’re serious, skilled, and results-driven. Even if you’re just starting out, you can include:

Testimonials from early clients or mentors
Before-and-after images of listings or staging projects
Community events or open houses you’ve helped host
Real estate education, certifications, or blog content you’ve created

Over time, your portfolio will become a powerful marketing tool that helps you stand out in a competitive industry.

Build a Portfolio and Client Experience Strategy

Even one deal can become a marketing tool. Save photos, document wins, and ask for testimonials after every successful transaction.

Ways to build your brand and client trust:

Offer free buyer or seller guides
Share before-and-after stories from remodels or staging
Highlight client wins on social media or your blog
Create a simple email list for local real estate updates

Over time, your portfolio becomes proof of your success—and your best form of future marketing.

an elderly woman holding a folder while standing on the doorway Rethinking Your Career Path? How to Start Working in Real Estate

Why Working in Real Estate Can Be Your Game-Changer

Starting a real estate career isn’t always easy—but with consistency, mentorship, and the right mindset, it can be one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you’re drawn to sales, investment, or property development, there’s room in this industry for you to succeed.

So if you’re ready to stop settling for a job and start building a career with purpose and potential, real estate could be your next big move.

You Don’t Need Permission to Build a Career on Your Terms

Starting your real estate journey might feel big, but it’s absolutely doable—and you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

If you’re ready to go from dreaming about flexibility and financial freedom to actually living it, then maybe it’s time to rethink what your next career move could look like.

Because real estate isn’t just a job—it’s a launchpad.

Did you know?

I’m a licensed real estate agent in Michigan!

Ask me about sponsorship and join my International real estate team to help you jumpstart your career.

smiling woman holding sold sign outside office building

More ideas to help you set up your real estate career!

Real Estate Investing Tools

Evolve Vacations – Receive a $250 management fee credit when you sign up for professional property management with Evolve Vacations through my agent link! I love Evolve’s industry low 10% management fee and toolbox of smart technology for vacation rental owners. Email me for more information on how I manage my investment properties with Evolve.
Showplace – Showplace is a streamlined, full-service solution for property owners who want to boost their home’s appeal, value, or rental income with professional design, renovation, and furnishing packages.
Deal Check – Deal Check is an amazing tool I use to analyze potential real estate investments. Before purchasing a new vacation rental property, I always run numbers through this app to verify the investment potential. Use my special discount code BESTDEAL for 20% off your subscription.
VRBO – VRBO is the world’s leading online marketplace for the vacation rental industry representing over 2 million vacation rentals in 190 countries. VRBO is a part of the Expedia, Inc. family of brands.
RentRedi – RentRedi has an all-in-one property management software for landlords. Collect rent online with their mobile app.
Lofty – Lofty is a cutting edge customer relationship manager (CRM) for real estate agents. After using Lofty’s Sales Acceleration Platform, my lead volume, conversion rate, sales, and commissions have skyrocketed! The all-in-one solution includes CRM, IDX Website, AI Sales Assistant, Marketing Automation, and more. Check it out! – Register for a demo using my referral link.