Three young professionals collaborating at a desk in an office setting.

15 FAQS ABOUT BECOMING A REAL ESTATE AGENT (Revised for 2025)

If you are looking for more than just a gig, becoming a real estate agent could be the right choice for you. If you are motivated to learn and keep learning, this side hustle could be a solid career for you.

Q – What does an agent do?

A – As a licensed agent, it is your responsibility to find buyers and sellers and coordinate a legal transaction between them. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? In reality, it can be very complex and sometimes even stressful…yet rewarding.

Q – How does an agent get paid?

A - In exchange for your efforts, you are paid a commission at the time the property closes. The closing is scheduled anywhere between 30 and 45 days. If you are working with a foreclosed property, the timeframe is longer. You are paid on a 1099, which means that you are responsible for your own taxes and expenses.

Q – How much is your usual commission check?

A – No two commission checks are alike. Your check could be anywhere between a few hundred to several thousand dollars. It all hinges on the selling price of the property. Remember that your commission will be “split” with your Broker, the other agent involved with the deal (if any) and their broker also. For example, if the total commission is $20,000.00, you may only walk away with $5,000.00.

Q – Will I make money right away?

A – Heck NO! With the expenses of funding your own classes, your license, plus MLS fees, E and O insurance, and other business expenses such as an iPad and cell phone, you will have to spend hundreds of dollars of your own money before you ever make a profit. In addition to the initial expenses, to maintain your licensure, you have to take Continuing Education classes every two years and pay for those as well. That’s why most new agents continue to work their regular job and use real estate as a side hustle.

Q – What are the hours? Do real estate agents work nights and weekends?

A – Since you are paid on a 1099, you are a contractor, and you make your own hours. That flexibility attracts a lot of young parents to the profession. But for the most part, you will be showing the houses and meeting with sellers during the evening or on the weekend because that is when your clients have the availability.

Q – Why would someone want to become a real estate agent?

A – As a licensed professional, it is a career that you can be proud of. With time and effort, you will become a fiber in the fabric of your community. The work you do is important. You are truly helping families, businesses and investors. It is interesting work…no two days are ever the same. You will always be learning something new and meeting new people.

Q – What are some of the characteristics of a good agent?

A – Great question! You need to be flexible with both the hours you work and the income you might/might NOT make. You must be willing to study and willing to learn. You need to have strong attention to detail because if you make a mistake you could end up in legal hot water. If you are someone that likes to be “on the go” all the time, then this would be a good choice for you.

Another important personality trait a real estate agent needs to have is patience. Buying or selling a house is an emotional time for your client. They might cry or lash out in anger. You have to be diplomatic and not lose your temper in order to keep the deal from falling apart. Real estate is a competitive field, no matter where you live. You really have to break out of your shell and talk to everybody and anybody. You won’t make any money by being shy.

Q – What equipment do I need to get started?

A – Reliable transportation is necessary and a smartphone with a good camera. In time, you can upgrade to an iPad or table to take with you on listing presentations. A computer and printer are helpful to have at home; however, your real estate office provides those amenities for their agents.

Q – I have concerns because I have heard that sometimes real estate agents are attacked. Is this true?

A – Unfortunately, it is true. Both men and women have been beaten, robbed and murdered while carrying out their duties as a real estate agent. It doesn’t happen often but your broker and the other agents you work with can give you tips to help keep you safe. Just like in any other job, you must be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Q – After I obtain my license, is it easy to get hired?

A – Brokers are always looking to hiring and mentoring a motivated agent. Reach out to some of your local real estate offices and start the conversation. Remember that real estate brokers need to hire agents. It is part of their job.

Q – What happens if I have a felony? Can I still get a license?

A – It all depends on the nature of the crime you were convicted of, the state you are in and the amount of time that has passe since you were arrested. Call the state agency involved in real estate licensure and ask. Don’t let the bad decisions you made in the past stand in the success of your future!

Q – What do I have to do to get started?

A – Every state requires that real estate agents be licensed. To get licensed you must be a minimum of 18 years of age, take and pass online/in person classes and then sit for your real estate exam. You must pay for all these things before obtaining your license.

The National Association of Realtors has a comprehensive website that can answer your questions about the requirements in your specific state.

Q – Are there any other careers where I could use my real estate license?

A – Yes! Property managers that work at apartment complexes are generally licensed agents. Property managers are considered employees in most cases, so their schedules aren’t as flexible (but they get a paycheck). The hours are long, and the duties are stressful. They are under pressure to keep the property rented and running smoothly regardless of the circumstances and tenants may sometimes be difficult. New home builders often employ licensed agents also, but you don’t have the same inventory as regular residential real estate agents have.

Remember that all brokers once started out as just an agent. In time, you could become a broker too!

Q – You hear a lot about economic downturns and higher interest rates right now. Does that impact your business?

Not much. There will always be ups and downs in the real estate market, undeveloped land, homes and businesses are being bought and sold every day. You might as well try for the try for a piece of the pie.

Q – I think real estate is a fascinating field. Are there any other job prospects that revolve around real estate?

A – Real estate is a huge industry. If you are interested in banking and financing, you could be a mortgage broker (no college needed), a real estate appraiser, a surveyor or a field inspector. You could also work in property preservation (securing foreclosed properties), a signing agent (a notary that handles real estate closings) or even a home inspector.

A career in real estate isn’t without its challenges, but it offers a flexible schedule and the potential to generate a good income all while helping the people in your community. It can be life-changing for both you and your clients. It can be frustrating and fulfilling all at the same time, but it is a career that is well worth exploring and could possibly be the key to future wealth for you and your family.