In an age where the cost of housing continues to climb and digital platforms attempt to disrupt traditional home buying, one might wonder: is there still room for the classic Realtor? The answer is a clear yes. Despite changing market dynamics, the job of a real estate agent remains not only relevant but often indispensable in both the buying and renting process.

Whether you're looking to switch careers or just curious about the world behind property signs and open houses, this article explores everything you need to know about being a real estate agent today.

What Is a Real Estate Agent?

A real estate agent, often referred to as a Realtor (a trademarked term for members of the National Association of Realtors in the U.S.), is a licensed professional who helps people buy, sell, or rent properties. Unlike rental estate agents in some markets who specialize in leasing, Realtors typically cover a wider spectrum—from residential and commercial sales to property management and investment consultations.

They act as the intermediary between buyers and sellers, guiding clients through what is often one of the most significant financial decisions in their lives. Agents must understand property values, zoning laws, legal contracts, and negotiation strategies—making this a career that blends sales, legal knowledge, and human psychology.

Is Becoming a Real Estate Agent a Good Career Choice Today?

The short answer: yes—but with conditions. Real estate can be a lucrative and flexible profession, but it is not for everyone.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for real estate sales agents in 2023 was $54,330, with the top 10% earning more than $112,410. However, earnings are commission-based, which means income can be inconsistent, especially for new agents.

The appeal lies in flexibility, uncapped earning potential, and the satisfaction of helping people find a place to call home. Especially in markets with high transaction volumes—such as New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, or London—successful realtor companies have agents earning six-figure incomes within a few years.

That said, competition is high. Technology is disrupting the industry with AI-driven platforms and virtual tours, but experienced Realtors who provide high-touch, trusted service still have a clear edge.

What Does a Real Estate Agent Actually Do?

The job of a real estate agent is far more than just showing houses. Key responsibilities include:

● Client Prospecting: Finding buyers and sellers through referrals, social media, and networking.

● Market Research: Understanding local market trends, recent sales, and pricing strategies.

● Property Listings: Photographing and listing properties on MLS and other portals.

● Open Houses & Showings: Scheduling and conducting property viewings.

● Negotiation: Guiding clients in offers and counter-offers.

● Legal Documentation: Drafting contracts and navigating local regulations.

● Closing Coordination: Working with lenders, inspectors, lawyers, and title companies.

Many agents also specialize—some focus exclusively on luxury homes, others on investment properties or rentals. Within large realtor agencies, it's common to have teams that handle specific niches to optimize service and efficiency.

How to Become a Real Estate Agent

Becoming a real estate agent is not just about getting a license—it's about building a career rooted in trust, networking, and ongoing education. While the exact process varies depending on your country or region, here is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide that applies to most markets such as the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia:

1. Understand the Requirements in Your Region

Each country—and in some cases, each state or province—has its own licensing board with specific eligibility criteria. Typically, you must:

● Be at least 18 or 19 years old

● Hold a high school diploma or equivalent

● Have legal residency or citizenship

● Pass a criminal background check

Before you begin, visit your local real estate regulatory authority’s website to confirm the exact requirements. This is especially important for those pursuing real estate agent jobs across borders or planning to relocate.

2. Complete a Pre-Licensing Education Program

This is a mandatory step in most countries. The course covers essential topics such as:

● Real estate principles and practices

● Property ownership and land use

● Legal aspects of real estate transactions

● Real estate finance and taxation

● Ethics and professional conduct

The required hours vary significantly:

● U.S.: Between 40–180 hours (varies by state)

● Canada: e.g., Ontario requires ~200 hours of coursework (via Humber College)

● U.K.: While not legally required, having an NFoPP Level 3 Technical Award is highly recommended

● Australia: You’ll need to complete a Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice

Courses can often be taken online or in person, depending on your schedule.

3. Pass the Real Estate Licensing Exam

Once you’ve completed your coursework, you’ll need to pass a licensing exam that tests:

● Local property laws

● Real estate mathematics

● Contract details and compliance

● Agency relationships

● Disclosures and legal responsibilities

The exam usually includes both national/general and state/provincial sections. You must achieve a minimum passing score (often around 70%).

4. Find a Sponsoring Broker or Realtor Company

After passing the exam, you can’t practice independently—you must affiliate with a licensed broker or join realtor companies. This is where you’ll gain real-world experience.

Look for a brokerage that provides:

● New agent training

● Marketing and tech tools

● Access to leads

● Reasonable commission splits

Joining established realtor agencies can fast-track your success through mentorship and shared resources.

5. Apply for Your Real Estate License

With your exam results and sponsoring broker in place, you can now apply for your official license through your local regulatory authority. This may involve:

● Application fees (usually $100–$300)

● Fingerprinting and background checks

● Proof of education and exam results

● Errors & omissions insurance (in some regions)

Once approved, you’ll be a licensed real estate agent and can legally begin working with clients.

6. Consider Joining a Realtor Association

If you're in the U.S., becoming a Realtor (with a capital R) means joining the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This provides:

● Access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service)

● Legal and business tools

● Code of ethics and professional standards

● Networking and event access

Other countries have similar associations, such as:

● UK: National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA)

● Canada: Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA)

● Australia: Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA)

7. Continue Your Education

Most licenses must be renewed every 1–4 years and require continuing education (CE) credits. Topics include:

● Fair housing laws

● Tax updates

● Risk management

● Technology in real estate

Taking advanced certifications can also help you specialize and stand out:

● Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR)

● Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)

● Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES)

● Property Management Certifications

These credentials are particularly valuable in competitive real estate agent jobs markets.

8. Develop a Business Plan and Brand

Once licensed, you're essentially running your own small business. Consider:

● Creating a personal website and digital portfolio

● Using social media for lead generation

● Building local partnerships (mortgage brokers, inspectors, etc.)

● Tracking expenses and commissions for taxes

A strong brand and business mindset can help you grow quickly within reputable realtor agencies or even start your own brokerage down the line.

Conclusion

Real estate is a relationship-driven business. While digital tools and AI have reshaped parts of the buying process, the demand for trusted, professional realtor agencies is still high. Whether helping a family buy their first home or assisting an investor in acquiring rental property, real estate agent jobs remain impactful, flexible, and often lucrative—if you’re willing to put in the work.

So, is becoming a real estate agent in 2025 a good idea? Absolutely—but only if you’re ready to embrace change, commit to learning, and genuinely want to help people navigate one of the biggest decisions of their lives.