Real estate brokers and sales agents help clients buy, sell, and rent properties. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of real estate brokers and sales agents is projected to increase by 11% between 2019 and 2022 – about as fast as the average for all occupations. By 2022, there are estimated to be about 380,300 sales agents and 88,300 brokers working in the industry.
- Working as a real estate sales agent or broker can be a fulfilling and financially rewarding career, but it’s not easy.
- Consider what a career in real estate is really like: drumming up business on a daily basis, promoting yourself, keeping track of leads, providing exceptional customer service to a wide variety of clients.
- Most realtors are paid on a commission-only basis.
How to Get Started
Getting the license is the easy part. Becoming successful and making a sustainable income as a real estate broker or sales agent is hard work – and, in most cases, requires a substantial commitment of time, effort and even money.