Category
Business & Finance
What It Is
Helps clients buy, sell, or rent property, earning commission on closed transactions.
Best For
Self-motivated people comfortable with variable income and building a client network from scratch.
Avoid If
You need predictable paychecks; new agents often go months without a closed deal.
Degree Required
No degree. State pre-licensing course (60-180 hours depending on state) plus exam.
Skills Needed
Sales, negotiation, local market knowledge, self-discipline, networking.
Training Path
Pre-licensing course, pass state exam, join a brokerage, then build a client pipeline (often the hardest part).
Certs / Licenses
State real estate salesperson license; broker license after experience for those who want to run their own business.
Time to First Job
1-4 months to get licensed; 3-12 months typical before a first closed sale.
Cost to Enter
$1,000-$3,000 for coursework, exam, MLS access, and marketing materials.
Income Range
General estimate: highly variable, $0-$40,000 first year is common, $50,000-$100,000+ once established. Verify local data.
First Job Titles
Real Estate Agent, Buyer’s Agent.
Companies Hiring
Local and national brokerages (Keller Williams, Compass, RE/MAX), new-construction sales teams.
Best Next Step
Interview 2-3 local brokerages about their training and mentorship programs before choosing where to hang your license.
Real Training Providers Near You
- Realty School 101 – San Francisco, California (5★, 2 reviews)
- Chamberlin Real Estate School – San Francisco, California (5★, 1 reviews)
- US Realty Training – San Francisco, California (4.9★, 101 reviews)
Verified via Google Business listings, 2026-07-06. Always confirm current pricing, schedule, and enrollment requirements directly with the provider.