Unlock Your Future: How to Get into Real Estate Successfully

How to get into real estate is a question many aspiring professionals ask, often facing uncertainty about the path forward, the required investment, and the complexities of a highly regulated industry.

For real estate brokers and team leaders, understanding this journey is crucial for effective recruitment, training, and support. Helping new agents navigate the licensing process, choose the right specialization, and build a sustainable business is key to their success and the brokerage’s growth.

This comprehensive guide explores what it takes to start a career in real estate, from initial steps to building a thriving practice. We’ll highlight the operational challenges new agents and their brokerages face, and how technology like ReBillion.ai can provide essential support from day one.

Understanding the Real Estate Landscape

The real estate industry is vast, offering numerous avenues for career development beyond just being a sales agent. While sales is the most common entry point, individuals looking into how to get into real estate should explore various roles:

Different Paths in Real Estate

Real Estate Agent (Salesperson)

This is the most common role. Agents work under a licensed broker, helping clients buy, sell, or rent properties. Success often depends on lead generation, negotiation skills, and client relationship management.

Real Estate Broker

After gaining experience as an agent, many pursue a broker license. Brokers can operate their own brokerage, manage other agents, or work independently. The requirements for a broker license are typically more stringent than for an agent license.

Real Estate Investor

Investors purchase properties with the goal of generating income through rent, appreciation, or flipping. This path requires capital, market analysis skills, and often involves working closely with agents or brokers.

Transaction Coordinator (TC)

TCs manage the administrative process of a real estate transaction from contract to close. They handle paperwork, deadlines, and communication between parties. This is a critical support role for agents and brokerages, ensuring compliance and efficiency. Platforms like ReBillion.ai offer AI-powered transaction coordination to streamline these complex workflows.

Virtual Assistant (VA) for Real Estate

VAs provide remote administrative, technical, or creative assistance to real estate professionals. Tasks can range from managing schedules and emails to social media marketing and lead follow-up. AI virtual assistants from ReBillion.ai can automate many repetitive tasks, freeing up agents and brokers to focus on core activities.

Property Manager

Property managers oversee rental properties on behalf of owners, handling tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance, and legal compliance.

Licensing Requirements: State by State

One of the first major hurdles when considering how to get into real estate sales is obtaining the necessary license. Real estate is regulated at the state level, meaning requirements vary significantly.

While specific hours of pre-licensing education, exam content, and continuing education differ, the general process involves:

Eligibility Criteria

Most states require applicants to be at least 18 or 19 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and be a legal resident of the state (though exceptions exist). A background check is almost always mandatory, and felony convictions or certain misdemeanors may affect eligibility.

Pre-Licensing Education

States mandate completing a specific number of classroom hours (ranging from 40 to over 150) from an approved real estate school. Courses cover fundamental topics like real estate principles, practice, contracts, finance, and relevant laws and ethics.

This education is foundational for passing the exam and understanding the industry.

State Licensing Exam

After completing the education, candidates must pass a state real estate licensing exam. This typically involves two parts: a national portion covering general real estate principles and a state-specific portion focused on local laws and regulations.

Exams are administered by third-party testing centers and require thorough preparation.

Background Check and Application

Passing the exam is followed by submitting a formal license application to the state’s real estate commission or department. This step includes submitting fingerprints for a criminal background check. Honesty about any past legal issues is crucial.

Affiliation with a Brokerage

Upon receiving the license, a new agent must affiliate with a licensed real estate brokerage. The broker will supervise the agent’s activities, provide training, and ensure compliance with state laws.

Choosing the right brokerage is a critical decision affecting training, support, and commission split.

The Process: How to Get Licensed Step-by-Step

Breaking down the licensing journey makes it less daunting for those asking how to get into real estate. Here’s a typical step-by-step sequence:

1. Research Your State’s Requirements

Start by visiting your state’s real estate commission website. Understand the minimum age, education requirements, background check procedures, and exam specifics. This initial research is vital.

2. Complete Pre-Licensing Education

Enroll in a state-approved real estate school. Options include online courses, in-person classes, or hybrid formats. Choose a format that fits your learning style and schedule.

Dedicate sufficient time to absorbing the material, as it forms the basis for the exam and your future career.

3. Prepare for the Licensing Exam

Study diligently using course materials, practice exams, and study guides. Many schools offer exam prep courses. Focus on both national and state-specific content.

Understanding key concepts, terminology, and legal statutes is paramount.

4. Pass the State Licensing Exam

Schedule your exam through the state’s approved testing provider. Arrive prepared and focused. Passing requires meeting minimum scores on both sections.

If you don’t pass one or both parts, you can usually retake them, often with a waiting period.

5. Complete Background Check & Apply for License

Follow your state’s procedures for obtaining fingerprints and undergoing a background check. Submit your formal license application along with proof of education completion and exam passage. Pay all required fees.

6. Affiliate with a Licensed Brokerage

Research brokerages in your area. Look for one that offers strong training, mentorship, support, and a culture that aligns with your goals. Interview with potential brokers.

Once affiliated, your license will be formally activated under the brokerage.

7. Complete Post-Licensing Education (If Required)

Some states require new licensees to complete additional post-licensing education within a certain timeframe after obtaining their license. This builds upon the foundational knowledge and covers practical aspects of the business.

Choosing Your Niche and Brokerage

Deciding how to get into real estate professionally involves more than just getting a license. It requires strategic choices about your specialization and the company you work with.

Specialization Options

Residential Real Estate

Working with individuals buying or selling homes. This is the most common starting point and involves understanding local neighborhoods, property types, and financing options for consumers.

Commercial Real Estate

Dealing with properties used for business purposes (office buildings, retail spaces, industrial warehouses, land for development). This requires a different skill set, market knowledge, and understanding of business financials and leasing.

Property Management

Managing rental properties for owners, including tenant relations, maintenance, and legal compliance. Can be a good source of recurring income.

Luxury Real Estate

Focusing on high-end properties. Requires a network of affluent clients and a deep understanding of luxury market dynamics.

New Construction

Specializing in selling homes built by developers. Involves understanding construction processes and working closely with builders.

Relocation Specialist

Assisting clients who are moving into or out of an area, often corporate transfers. Requires strong organizational skills and local knowledge.

Finding the Right Brokerage

The brokerage you join significantly impacts your early career. Consider:

Training and Mentorship

New agents need robust training on contracts, marketing, lead generation, and technology. A brokerage with strong mentorship programs can accelerate your learning curve.

Support Systems

Does the brokerage provide administrative support, marketing resources, technology tools, and access to transaction coordinators? The level of support directly affects your ability to manage your business efficiently. Brokerages leveraging ReBillion.ai, for instance, can offer advanced AI and VA support.

Commission Split and Fees

Understand how commissions are shared between you and the brokerage. Also, inquire about desk fees, technology fees, and other costs.

Culture and Reputation

Choose a brokerage with a positive culture where you feel supported and aligned with their values. A brokerage’s reputation in the community can also impact your business.

Building Your Business and Brand

Getting licensed is just the first step; building a sustainable income requires establishing yourself as a professional and consistently generating leads.

This is often the hardest part of how to get into real estate and succeed long-term.

Marketing and Lead Generation

Developing a consistent flow of leads is vital. Strategies include:

Sphere of Influence (SOI)

Start with people you know – friends, family, colleagues. Let them know you’re in real estate and ask for referrals.

Online Presence

Create a professional website and leverage social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) to share market updates, listing information, and personal branding content.

Digital Marketing

Consider online advertising (Google Ads, social media ads), email marketing to your database, and content creation (blog posts, videos) to attract leads.

Traditional Marketing

Direct mail, local print advertising, and geographic farming (focusing marketing efforts on a specific neighborhood).

Open Houses

Hosting open houses is a classic way to meet potential buyers and sellers.

Networking and Relationships

Real estate is a relationship business. Build connections with:

• Other agents and brokers
• Lenders and mortgage brokers
• Home inspectors and contractors
• Real estate attorneys
• Local community members and businesses

Leveraging Technology

Technology is crucial for efficiency and growth. Utilize:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems to manage contacts and track interactions. ReBillion.ai offers smart CRM features designed for real estate professionals.
• Lead generation tools and platforms.
• Transaction management software (like ReBillion.ai’s transaction coordination tools) to stay organized and compliant.
• Marketing automation tools.
• AI virtual assistants for administrative tasks, research, and communication.

Overcoming Challenges and Sustaining Growth

The real estate industry has a high attrition rate, often due to misconceptions about the ease of entry or the financial challenges.

Understanding these hurdles is part of preparing for how to get into real estate successfully.

Financial Management

Income in real estate is often commission-based and can be unpredictable, especially initially. New agents need savings to cover living expenses and business costs (fees, marketing, technology) for several months. Budgeting and financial planning are essential.

Transaction Complexity and Compliance

Real estate transactions involve numerous steps, deadlines, disclosures, and legal requirements. Ensuring compliance is paramount to avoid legal issues and protect clients. This is where support roles and technology become invaluable. Tools designed for real estate broker compliance monitoring and AI-powered transaction coordination can significantly reduce the administrative burden and risk for agents and their supervising brokers.

Market Fluctuations

The real estate market is cyclical. Agents must be prepared to adapt to changing market conditions, interest rates, and economic factors.

Time Management and Work-Life Balance

Real estate often involves irregular hours, including evenings and weekends. Effective time management, setting boundaries, and leveraging support staff like real estate virtual assistants are crucial for preventing burnout.

The Importance of Continuous Learning

The industry, laws, and technology are constantly evolving. Successful agents commit to ongoing education, market analysis, and skill development.

Actionable Tips for Aspiring Agents

For those serious about how to get into real estate, here are some practical steps:

1. Create a Detailed Business Plan: Outline your financial needs, startup costs, marketing strategy, target market, and income goals for the first 1-3 years.
2. Network Actively: Attend industry events, join local real estate associations, and connect with established professionals for advice and potential mentorship.
3. Secure Your Finances: Have enough saved to cover 3-6 months of living expenses plus startup business costs before relying solely on commission income.
4. Embrace Technology Early: Research and plan to implement essential tools like a CRM, transaction management software, and explore the benefits of AI and virtual assistants from the beginning.
5. Focus on Education Beyond Licensing: Learn negotiation skills, marketing techniques, and delve deeper into contracts and disclosures specific to your state and desired niche.

Why It Matters for Brokerages

Understanding the journey of how to get into real estate is vital for brokerages because the success and retention of new agents directly impact the brokerage’s bottom line and market share.

High agent turnover is costly, requiring continuous investment in recruitment and training. Brokerages that provide clear pathways, robust training, strong mentorship, and effective support systems attract higher quality candidates and help them become productive faster.

Furthermore, equipping agents with efficient tools is key. Manual administrative work and compliance complexity are major pain points for new agents.

By integrating solutions like AI-powered transaction coordinators and virtual assistants for real estate brokers, brokerages can reduce the administrative burden on agents, minimize compliance risks, and allow agents to focus on lead generation and client service.

This support structure is a powerful recruitment and retention tool, demonstrating the brokerage’s commitment to agent success and overall operational excellence.

Featured Snippet Block

How to get into real estate involves several key steps: Complete pre-licensing education, pass the state licensing exam, undergo a background check, apply for your license, and affiliate with a licensed real estate brokerage. Research your state’s specific requirements as they vary.

FAQs (People Also Ask)

How long does it take to get a real estate license?

Typically, it takes 2-6 months to complete education and pass the exam, depending on your state’s requirements and how quickly you progress.

What is the minimum age to get a real estate license?

Most states require you to be at least 18 or 19 years old to be eligible to apply for a real estate license.

Is it hard to get into real estate?

Getting the license isn’t overly difficult with proper study, but building a successful business requires significant effort, consistency, networking, and financial planning.

How much does it cost to get a real estate license?

Costs vary by state but typically include pre-licensing course fees ($200-$600), exam fees ($100-$300), application fees ($100-$300), and background check fees.

What do you need to get into real estate sales?

You need a state-issued real estate license, affiliation with a broker, strong communication skills, a willingness to learn, financial stability to start, and dedication to building relationships and generating leads.

Resources

• ReBillion.ai Real Estate Blog
• AI-Powered Transaction Coordinators
• Virtual Assistants for Brokerages
• Contact ReBillion.ai

Conclusion

Knowing how to get into real estate involves navigating state-specific licensing, choosing a specialization, finding the right brokerage, and committing to building a sustainable business. While the path requires effort, education, and initial investment, the potential for a rewarding career is significant. Success hinges not just on sales skills but also on efficient operations, strong support systems, and leveraging technology to manage the complexities of transactions and client relationships. Brokerages play a vital role in providing the infrastructure and tools necessary for new agents to thrive from day one.

ReBillion.ai helps real estate brokers, agents, and transaction coordinators streamline operations with AI-powered automation, transaction coordination, and virtual assistants. Whether you’re closing more deals, managing hundreds of contracts, or growing your team, ReBillion.ai simplifies compliance, workflow, and growth. Visit ReBillion.ai to explore solutions or request a demo.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or compliance advice. Always consult a qualified professional or brokerage attorney for guidance tailored to your jurisdiction and business model.

Image Credits: pexels.com

Reference Content Source: General web research on state real estate licensing requirements and industry practices.