Most of my day involves reaching out and contacting people. I start my day by checking my email for any responses from contacts I made the day before. Then I'll set aside time to make calls and put out feelers to see if anyone wants to buy or sell a home. I schedule time for open houses and appointments to show properties to clients, which are based on my clients' schedules. I also spend time doing marketing.
CAREER
Real Estate Sales Agents
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$48,340
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+5.3% (as fast as the average)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Real Estate Sales Agents Do
Rent, buy, or sell property for clients. Perform duties such as study property listings, interview prospective clients, accompany clients to property site, discuss conditions of sale, and draw up real estate contracts. Includes agents who represent buyer.
Other Job Titles Real Estate Sales Agents May Have
Real Estate Agent, Realtor, Realtor Associate, Sales Agent
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
I am very eclectic with diverse interest and friendships so I spend a lot of time reading, studying and following almost random thoughts and ideas. My doctor told me I have ADD when I was about 50. My work habits may not be the best example but I've found ways to deal with things in my own style and I have had a fair amount of success doing things my way. Although there are always a variety of task to do, I always put people first when the opportunity arises.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Prepare documents such as representation contracts, purchase agreements, closing statements, deeds, and leases.
- Present purchase offers to sellers for consideration.
- Act as an intermediary in negotiations between buyers and sellers, generally representing one or the other.
- Generate lists of properties that are compatible with buyers' needs and financial resources.
- Confer with escrow companies, lenders, home inspectors, and pest control operators to ensure that terms and conditions of purchase agreements are met before closing dates.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Real Estate Sales Agents
Most common level of education among people in
this career: High school diploma or equivalent (43%)
High school diploma or equivalent
Post-secondary certificate
Less than high school diploma
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
High School
Associates
Bachelor
Organizational Communication, General
Graduate
Real Estate
Doctorate
Real Estate
Certification / License
Art/Art Studies, General
Suggested Path
Bachelor
Renal/Dialysis Technologist/Techn...
Certification / License
Real Estate Development
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
Communication skills are very important in real estate.
Take some risk early, even if you fail, better to fail a few times early on. Get up and try again. Most successful people have failed one or more times before their successes. Many of them will fail again and start again. Everyone has a story and struggles. Find positive and uplifting programs and people to plug into to help keep you motivated and encouraged. Begin early and always strive to be a better person, better with others, better at what you do and better at what you want to do.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
High School Students
Accept the fact that you will likely have to file many applications before you gain employment. Pick what company you most want o affiliate with and offer an internship.
There are a lot of courses to prepare to become a realtor but there is not a specific degree. It is required to get continuing education credits (14) every two years to keep your knowledge base current. There are a lot of courses in ethics that are required. I recommend working on your communication skills—having a second language is helpful. You should also have a base knowledge of roof types, plumbing, electrical, zoning, legal documents, mortgage rates, insurance, and lending options.
College Students
Everyone
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
