Pros and Cons of a Real Estate Career – Continuing Ed Express (2024)

Consider these pros and cons to help you decide whether real estate is right for you.

Pro #1: Achieving Freedom
Pro #2: Feeling Responsible
Pro #3: Being Respected
Pro #4: Excitement
Con #1: Having Nothing to Do
Con #2: Doing the Wrong Things
Con #3: Weird Working Hours
Con #4: Irregular Income

Pro #1
Achieving Freedom

When top agents are asked what they like best about the real estate business, most of them will rank “freedom and independence” as a top benefit, with money often taking second place. The freedom and independence that comes with earning your own earned commissions is priceless!


Pro #2
Feeling Responsible
As a real estate agent, you will often give advice to clients about their most valuable asset - whether it’s their home, a recreation property, or an investment property. You’ll be drafting contracts for clients, and working on transactions involving large sums of money. Corporate or institutional employees might work for years before they are given that much responsibility, if ever at all.


Pro #3
Being Respected
When you arrive at a social event, the room won’t go silent because the real estate agent has arrived. However, you will be in a respected profession, where clients will value your ability to help them make important decisions.


Pro #4
Excitement
There are few things as satisfying as helping buyers find a new home or investment property, or helping sellers sell their property. Not just because you’ll earn a substantial income, but also because helping your clients will be a satisfying reward in itself. If you like variety, rest assured that no two days will be the same. You’ll feel a sense of purpose, instead of just showing up for a job.

Are you feeling encouraged about a career in real estate?

If so, let’s look at some possible challenges.

Con #1
Having Nothing to Do

The dark side of freedom is inactivity

If you are accustomed to a boss setting your goals, defining your tasks, and demanding certain working hours, then you’ll have to learn to replace that new boss with your own self-management. You will need to design your own business plan, and have the discipline and courage to invest your time and energy into following it.


Con #2
Doing the Wrong Things
The drawback of responsibility is the risk of making mistakes

As a real estate agent, you will probably be working under little or no direct supervision. (You wanted to be independent, remember?) Even if you have a coach, mentor, or an attentive manager or broker, you will have plenty of opportunities to make mistakes. However, your real estate education can help you avoid these mistakes. Our pre-license courses will help you prepare for your real estate career, and our continuing education courses will help you throughout your career.


Con #3
Weird Working Hours
The downside of a non-routine schedule can mean irregular working hours

A typical residential real estate agent’s work week might include:

  • Hosting an open house on a Sunday afternoon
  • Working with buyers when they get off work in the evening
  • Presenting an offer to your sellers, as soon as you receive it from a buyer’s agent

The good news is, you control your schedule. It feels a lot different when you decide to work unusual hours than when a boss asks you to work after-hours.

Con #4
Irregular Income
The flip side of high income potential is low income potential.

If you’re used to regular paychecks, you will have to adjust to a commission-only lifestyle. As with any business, that includes saving or investing during high-earning months, and budgeting expenses during lower-earning months.

Want to learn more and get started?

Click on your state below to learn more about the real estate licensing process, requirements, and how to enroll in online real estate pre-license courses.

Pros and Cons of a Real Estate Career – Continuing Ed Express (2024)

FAQs

Pros and Cons of a Real Estate Career – Continuing Ed Express? ›

One of the biggest cons of this job is the amount of patience it requires. It may take a new real estate agent months to find their first client or close their deal. There is a lot of work that agents do before they ever see the profits, such as prospecting, advertising, and conducting open houses.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a career as a real estate agent? ›

The Pros and Cons of a Real Estate Career
  • Pro #1. Achieving Freedom. ...
  • Pro #2. Feeling Responsible. ...
  • Pro #3. Being Respected. ...
  • Pro #4. Excitement. ...
  • Con #1. Having Nothing to Do. ...
  • Con #2. Doing the Wrong Things. ...
  • Con #3. Weird Working Hours. ...
  • Con #4. Irregular Income.

What are the cons of working as a real estate agent? ›

One of the biggest cons of this job is the amount of patience it requires. It may take a new real estate agent months to find their first client or close their deal. There is a lot of work that agents do before they ever see the profits, such as prospecting, advertising, and conducting open houses.

Is being on a real estate team worth it? ›

Working in a team allows you to be closer to other agents, some of which will be more experienced than you are. You get to see how they handle their leads and clients and learn things from them, thus helping you to become a better realtor. Additionally, the leads given out by the team leader are pooled together.

What is the biggest disadvantage of real estate? ›

High Cost: The biggest disadvantage with real estate investment is the high capital requirement. To get started, you need to provide for down payments, EMIs, insurance, property taxes, stamp duty and so on.

Why is being a real estate agent so stressful? ›

High pressure environment

As a real estate agent, you're under a lot of pressure to get your clients the best deal. There is no room for error; if you don't close the sale and get them their dream home, it's going to be on your shoulders.

What is hard about being a real estate agent? ›

Earning a living selling real estate is hard work. You have to be organized in order to keep track of legal documents, meetings, and all the tasks that go into multiple listings. You may go without a paycheck for periods of time because the work is often commission-based. If you don't sell, you don't earn anything.

What do you see as two of the biggest disadvantages of buying real estate as an investment? ›

Cons of investing in real estate
  • Capital-intensive. Investing in real estate requires tying up large amounts of money for an extended period of time. ...
  • Management-intensive. There are a lot of things to know about owning, operating, and managing rental property. ...
  • Not liquid. ...
  • Takes time and effort. ...
  • Liability risks.
Dec 22, 2022

What is the life of a real estate agent? ›

A typical day might involve spending time at the office, meeting with clients, staging and showing homes, and scheduling appraisals and inspections. Other tasks include generating leads, researching, marketing, and accompanying clients to property closings.

Is real estate a happy job? ›

When you work as a real estate agent, you're helping people make the most important financial decision of their lives. You're also helping them find homes where they will create cherished memories for years to come. This gives many real estate agents a high amount of job satisfaction.

Is it better to be a solo real estate agent or on a team? ›

Working on a team is the best opportunity to enhance the skills that you need to have to become a successful real estate agent. Remember, one of the best things about being a real estate agent is that you don't have to be accountable to anyone.

Should I be a solo agent or join a team? ›

It depends on what's most important to you. If you crave a strong support system to help you get up and running, you probably want to join a team. But if you thrive on being independent—and you want to keep as much of your commission as possible—you may want to fly solo.

What are 3 benefits of real estate? ›

10 Reasons To Invest In Real Estate
  • Steady Cash Flow. Owning real estate is a way to boost your monthly income. ...
  • Great Returns. ...
  • Long-Term Security. ...
  • Tax Advantages. ...
  • Diversification. ...
  • Passive Income. ...
  • Ability To Leverage Funds. ...
  • Protection Against Inflation.

What is the job outlook for real estate agents? ›

What is the most important thing for real estate agents? ›

Integrity. One of the most important characteristics of a good real estate agent is honesty. This means that if you want to become an agent who is known for being the best at their job, you must have the integrity to offer evidence of this claim.

What is negative about real estate? ›

Real Estate Transaction Costs are High

The transaction costs associated with buying and selling properties can be quite steep. These costs, which include commissions, title insurance, loan origination fees, and a variety of closing costs, can easily wipe out the appreciation in market value of a property.

What is the biggest challenge in the real estate industry? ›

Delays in deliverables, rising costs, shortage of labor and lack of materials are influencing nearly all companies and their related real estate.

What is the biggest threat to the real estate industry? ›

Inflation and interest rates.

“An economic slowdown is underway, and the greatest recession risk to real estate is whether rising unemployment and lower household income cuts demand for residential and commercial property,” the CRE report finds.

Why did you quit real estate? ›

Some common reasons why realtors may choose to leave their jobs could include feeling burned out from the long hours and high pressure of the job, feeling like they are not earning enough money, or simply wanting to try something new.

Where do realtors make the most money? ›

The following are the 10 states where real estate agents earn, on average, the most money:
  • New York: $111,800 (average real estate agent salary)
  • Massachusetts: $84,180.
  • Connecticut: $79,780.
  • Alaska: $79,360.
  • Colorado: $76,850.
  • Utah: $75,170.
  • California: $74,140.
  • Texas: $72,830.
Jul 28, 2020

Is being a real estate agent hard in a recession? ›

What does it take to succeed as a Realtor during a recession? It's hard to succeed as a Realtor when the economy is good and even harder when the nation is going through a recession. However, some real estate agents succeed no matter what comes their way.

What is the highest paying job in real estate? ›

From highest- to lowest-paying, these are:
  • Mortgage Loan Officer.
  • Real Estate Attorney.
  • Real Estate Agent.
  • Compliance Specialist.
  • New Home Sales Consultant.
  • Realtor.
  • Real Estate Broker.
  • Property Accountant.

Is it hard to be good at real estate? ›

The difficulty of the real estate exam varies by state, but the California real estate exam is known to be one of the most difficult. In fact, the pass rate for the California real estate exam in the last two years was under 50%, which means it's incredibly competitive and difficult to pass.

Which state has the easiest real estate exam? ›

According to our analysis, Massachusetts is the best state for Real Estate examinations in the US. There, most candidates have it relatively simple. This is true since the state only needs 40 hours of pre-licensing training. Before sitting for the test, you must first complete a state-approved real estate school.

Why is real estate not the best investment? ›

Even after buying the property, you have to pay property tax, society maintenance, pay for repairs, etc. Moreover, if you have rented your property, there are chances of damage to the property, which is an added cost to you. All these expenses do not make real estate a good investment option.

Is real estate a high risk industry? ›

There is a financial risk of real estate business operation. Uncertain property climates, the high-value transactions, and its propensity to attract scammers all play into that evaluation.

What percentage of real estate investors fail? ›

I still find this hard to believe. 95% of would be real estate investors never buy a single house.

Will real estate agents be around in 10 years? ›

The short answer is no. Real estate agents are highly unlikely to go the way of the Caspian tiger or Guam flying fox anytime soon. Still, it seems likely that the demand for real estate agents will decline over the next decade. In fact, the writing is already on the wall.

How long do most realtors last? ›

Why 87% of Real Estate Agents Fail
  • Something to note: in 2014, NAR reported 87% of all new agents fail after five years in the industry, with only 13% making it. ...
  • While the real estate agent failure rate may seem shocking to some, it's the stark reality of the industry.
Nov 15, 2021

How do you survive being a real estate agent? ›

Grit - How to Survive Your First Year of Real Estate
  1. Get Your Mind Right. ...
  2. Choose Your Broker and Your Mentors Carefully. ...
  3. Create a First-Year Budget. ...
  4. Learn Everything You Can About Your Market. ...
  5. Find Your Niche. ...
  6. Set S.M.A.R.T. ...
  7. Create an Effective Routine. ...
  8. Prospect.

What is the happiest job in the world? ›

20 of the happiest jobs
  • Early childhood education teacher.
  • Sound engineering technician.
  • Event planner.
  • Plumber.
  • General manager.
  • Carpenter.
  • Esthetician.
  • Interior designer.
Mar 16, 2023

Why do I love being a real estate agent? ›

I have the opportunity to work with a lot of different people with different backgrounds, different interests, different income levels, and different needs. I love getting to know each individual; I love building rapport with each individual; I love earning the trust of each individual.

How do I become a real estate agent in California? ›

How Do I Get My California Real Estate License?
  1. Step 1: Must be at Least 18 Years of Age. ...
  2. Step 2: Register for and Complete 135 Hours of Required Education. ...
  3. Step 3: Apply for Your Salesperson Exam/License Application, Including Fingerprinting and Background Check. ...
  4. Step 4: Take the California Salesperson License Exam.

Can you be shy and a real estate agent? ›

You might ask whether introverts make good real estate agents? Of course, they can. There is this common misconception that introverts make incapable real estate agents. This myth can be attributed, in part, to a misunderstanding of what it really means to have an introverted or extroverted personality.

How do I become a successful solo real estate agent? ›

Here are some of the things you need to take into consideration in order to make this a banner year for your solo real estate business.
  1. Implement processes and procedures. ...
  2. Create a professional support system. ...
  3. Master your technology. ...
  4. Go all-in on personal branding. ...
  5. Take advantage of your nimbleness.

Do realtors work alone? ›

Agents working in the real estate industry must decide whether they want to work solo or join a team. Each option comes with its share of pros and cons. This article will review both choices so you can decide which is best for you.

What is a good agent for solo queue? ›

Reyna is by far the best Valorant Agent for solo queue. She's the ultimate ranked demon because of her ability to heal herself up, take aggressive duels, and freely reposition. Reyna is also very beginner-friendly, making her perfect for all ranks.

Is it OK to have more than one agent? ›

There are no regulations or laws stating that buyers cannot use more than one agent or realtor; however, realtors have a code of ethics they follow, and they cannot interfere with another agent's sales. They will not want to work for a client who is not committed to them or who is attempting to use multiple agents.

How do you interview for a real estate team? ›

8 Questions to Ask Before Joining a Real Estate Team
  1. How is the Team Structured? ...
  2. Where is the Team at and What are the Team Goals? ...
  3. What is the Financial Breakdown? ...
  4. What Will My Role Be in the Company? ...
  5. Is It a Good Culture Fit? ...
  6. What Technology Do They Use? ...
  7. What Mentoring Opportunities are Available?
Jun 8, 2022

What are the three C's of real estate? ›

They evaluate credit and payment history, income and assets available for a down payment and categorize their findings as the Three C's: Capacity, Credit and Collateral.

What is the rule of three real estate? ›

What is the Rule of 3? The Rule of 3 is simply this: You can get a good general estimate of your property affordability by multiplying your gross household income by three. For example, if your household income is $150,000, the Rule of 3 states that an affordable property for you would cap at about $450,000.

Why buying real estate in 2023 is a good investment? ›

Despite what some may think, 2023 is still a good year to invest in real estate, thanks to advantages like long-term appreciation, steady rental income, and the opportunity to hedge against inflation. Mortgage rates are expected to decline, but the housing market is likely to remain competitive due to low supply.

How is math used in real estate? ›

Real Estate Math Formulas: Math formulas help you solve problems you'll encounter frequently as an agent. These include the Gross Rent Multiplier (GRM) Formula, the Commission Formula, Simple Interest Formula, Loan to Value Ratio (LTV), and more.

Is real estate saturated? ›

But in recent years, the market has become saturated, with an overwhelming number of agents and realtors flooding the field. As such, it has become increasingly difficult to stand out and secure a foothold in this cutthroat industry.

What are the pros and cons of being a real estate agent? ›

The Pros and Cons of a Real Estate Career
  • Pro #1. Achieving Freedom. ...
  • Pro #2. Feeling Responsible. ...
  • Pro #3. Being Respected. ...
  • Pro #4. Excitement. ...
  • Con #1. Having Nothing to Do. ...
  • Con #2. Doing the Wrong Things. ...
  • Con #3. Weird Working Hours. ...
  • Con #4. Irregular Income.

What personality type is a real estate agent? ›

Most real estate agents are associated with the ENTP personality. ENTP stands for extraversion, intuition, thinking, and perceiving.

What are the three most important words in real estate? ›

There is an old adage, that the three most important words in real estate are 'Location, Location, Location'.

What are the 3 most important factors in real estate? ›

The three most important factors when buying a home are location, location, and location. Too often I hear people talking about making decisions based on the home itself, instead of the location, and that is a mistake.

What are the benefits of being a realtor in Florida? ›

As a Realtor, you have access to a vast array of benefits such as professional development, networking events, communications products and services, free technology assistance from Florida Realtors Tech Helpline, free help with legal issues from the Florida Realtors Legal Hotline, as well as discounts on travel, ...

What are the benefits of having a real estate license in Florida? ›

6 benefits of getting a real estate license
  • Earn a commission. When you buy real estate without being licensed, you're potentially leaving money on the table. ...
  • Access the MLS. ...
  • Learn as you earn. ...
  • Network with other agents. ...
  • Earn referral fees. ...
  • Continuing education.

What is the average Florida realtor salary? ›

On average, real estate agents make $84,459 per year according to salaries reported by Indeed users.

How much does the average realtor make a year in Florida? ›

Salaries by years of experience in Florida
Years of experiencePer year
1 to 2 years$79,717
3 to 5 years-
6 to 9 years$101,370
More than 10 years$99,315
1 more row

What is a realtor yearly salary in Florida? ›

Real Estate Agent Salary in Florida
Annual SalaryMonthly Pay
Top Earners$119,489$9,957
75th Percentile$79,659$6,638
Average$71,720$5,976
25th Percentile$47,795$3,982

Why am I failing as a realtor? ›

The most common mistakes that agents make is inadequate prospecting, failing to market properties in ways that lead to fast sales, and not following up with their contacts so that strong relationships result in returning clients.

Is real estate worth it in Florida? ›

Florida has had some of the strongest housing appreciation rates in the country over the past decade. Over the past decade, Florida's real estate has risen 282.35 percent, which equates to an annual home appreciation rate of 6.14 percent, according to the data collected by NeighborhoodScout.

What is the pass rate for FL real estate license? ›

Florida Real Estate Exam Pass Rate

But how likely are you to get a real estate license if you take the exam? Aceable's real estate salesperson exam pass rate in Florida is 95%. That's well over the state average exam pass rate which sits at just 55%.

How long is a Florida real estate license good for? ›

Renewal Cycle: Real estate licensees in Florida must complete continuing education every 2 years to renew their license. Renewal Deadline: March 31st or September 30th. Your expiration is on your license.

Why real estate is not a good investment? ›

Even after buying the property, you have to pay property tax, society maintenance, pay for repairs, etc. Moreover, if you have rented your property, there are chances of damage to the property, which is an added cost to you. All these expenses do not make real estate a good investment option.

What is the disadvantage of owning real estate called? ›

Con: Illiquidity. Probably the main drawback to all real estate investments is illiquidity. Unlike the stock market, where you can buy or sell shares in a fraction of a second, real estate transactions take time.

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