If you’ve been following recent headlines, you may wonder, “Is real estate a good career?” Yes, the industry has been going through adjustments – like all professions do. However, the benefits of being a real estate agent remain the same.
Let’s discuss some of the reasons why you should get your real estate license in California.
Key Takeaways:
- Real estate agents have a lot of autonomy while also having the ability to collaborate with other agents in their brokerage.
- Real estate agents enjoy flexible schedules.
- You don’t need a college degree to become a real estate agent; the licensing process takes months, not years.
- You’ll complete a variety of tasks throughout your workday as a real estate agent.
- California real estate agents have high-income potential.
Benefits of Working in the Real Estate Industry
The roles and responsibilities of a real estate agent vary, but generally, a real estate agent helps people buy, sell, and rent properties. Many real estate agents specialize in a niche, such as commercial properties or luxury real estate, but some focus on residential real estate.
Here are some of the benefits of working in this multi-faceted industry.
Real estate agents are (in a sense) self-employed.
Are you unsatisfied with working in corporate America? Do you dream of being your own boss? Even though a broker will oversee your work, you’ll have a lot of autonomy as a real estate agent. You’ll set your own hours, find your own clients, and close your own deals. This may be music to your ears if you have felt stifled and unfulfilled in your current role.
That said, real estate agents must work for a brokerage, which means that even though you’ll have a lot of independence, you’ll be able to learn and collaborate with fellow agents and find mentors to support you.
Real estate agents enjoy flexible schedules.
As a real estate agent, you’ll be your own boss and set your own schedule — even when working for a brokerage. This is a huge perk for those tired of the 9 to 5 workday. However, once you get started, you may find yourself working more than 40 hours a week – including weekends. Most agents are willing to put in additional hours to benefit their own business. After all, money is made by closing deals, which means you’ll need to spend all the time necessary to get the job done.
Some people turn to real estate as a highly lucrative side gig. Since most residential clients can only meet during the evenings and weekends, a real estate agent could feasibly work a 9 to 5 job and serve clients during their off hours.
The licensing process takes months – not years.
If you get started today, you could become a real estate agent in California before the end of the year. What other career, with the income potential of a real estate agent, can be obtained after a few months of courses?
To become licensed, you must complete the following:
- Take 135 hours of pre-licensing courses
- Pass a background check
- Pass a licensing exam
- Find a real estate broker to work under
Learn more about theCalifornia real estate licensing process. Becoming a real estate agent won’t be a walk in the park, but the right real estate school can make the process manageable.
When you work in real estate, every day is different.
Some people are content to sit in front of a computer screen in their home office 40 hours per week. If you are considering a real estate career, we’re guessing that you may want (or need) more variety in your life. As a real estate agent, you will be out and about in your community, meeting new people and touring new properties.
However, you must realize that real estate is, at its core, all about sales. A transaction must occur before you make a commission, so you must develop a “sales mindset.”
“A sales mindset means that you’re fully aware of your client’s needs and are present during conversations. For agents, it means that you’re passionate about property, motivated to make an impact that benefits your clients, and can ensure that everyone feels satisfied with the final deal,” said Tina Lapp, real estate agent and head of Customer Experience and Instruction forColibri Real Estate.
Real estate agents have high-income potential.
Like any career, real estate comes with risks and challenges. These can include market fluctuations, competition, legal complexities, and the need for continuous prospecting and client management.
At the same time, the average salary of a real estate agent in California is $110,945, so you have the potential to earn a substantial income while working in the industry. (The annual mean wage for California is $76,960 – according to theU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.)
“All that said, don’t burn yourself out to chase this version of ‘success,’” Lapp said. “You have the power to define what “success” looks like to you and create a sustainable work schedule that helps you find joy at (and beyond) your job.”
Learn more about the income of real estate agents by downloading thisfree California Real Estate Income Guide.
Related: 10 Ideas for Generating Leads on Social Media
Allied Schools Will Help You Prepare for a Real Estate Career
Allied Schools offers at-your-own-pace online and livestream courses for those ready to become real estate agents in California. We have been a leader in online real estate education for decades and have helped hundreds of thousands of California students enter the industry. Get started today by contacting one of our academic advisors.
Editor’s note: this post was originally published on May 1, 2024 and updated on August 21, 2024.
