Are you ready to dive into the world of real estate? Whether you're new to the industry or looking to expand your business, it’s important to understand the different paths you can take. One of the most critical decisions you’ll make is choosing the right business model and brokerage.
Let’s walk through the steps to get started and help you make the right choice for your future.
1. Research Your State’s Licensing Requirements
Each state has its own licensing requirements for real estate agents, brokers, and mortgage loan originators. Understanding these rules is your first step.
To get accurate and up-to-date information, check your state’s specific licensing regulations and education requirements through an approved real estate education provider.
2. Identify a Pre-Licensing Education Provider
Once you understand what is required, the next step is completing your pre-licensing education.
A self-paced education provider like The CE Shop can be a great option for those who prefer flexibility and learning on their own schedule. Their platform provides courses, exam preparation, and resources designed to help prepare you for your state licensing exam.
If you prefer a classroom environment, research local real estate schools and review their programs to find the best fit.
3. Determine Which Business Model Best Fits Your Strengths
Real estate offers many different career paths, and choosing the right model can help you create a sustainable business.
Full-Service Agent
If you want to operate as an independent agent or team leader and manage every part of a real estate transaction — including lead generation, marketing, negotiations, client relationships, and closing — this model may be the right fit.
As a full-service agent, you can work with buyers, sellers, renters, investors, builders, and developers.
With a 100% commission model, you keep more of what you earn, but you are also responsible for managing every aspect of your business. This includes:
Lead generation
Marketing
Branding
Client communication
Transaction management
Business expenses
There may be costs associated with items such as signs, lockboxes, MLS fees, technology, marketing, and brokerage-related fees. Always request a complete fee breakdown before choosing a brokerage.
IMPORTANT: The full-service agent model requires more than motivation — it requires planning. You should have a business plan outlining revenue goals, marketing strategies, and a realistic budget to support your first year.
A financial review is recommended to ensure you can cover your personal and business expenses while building momentum.
Full-service agents enjoy flexibility, independence, and control over their business, but success requires consistency, discipline, and a commitment to building relationships.
Subject Matter Experts (Specialists)
If you prefer a focused approach and a more flexible schedule, becoming a specialist may be a great option.
Examples include:
First-time homebuyer specialists
Listing specialists
Buyer specialists
Property management specialists
Investment property specialists
Military relocation specialists
Specializing allows you to focus on a specific client type or niche while building expertise and repeatable systems.
Inside Sales Agent (ISA)
If you enjoy conversations, relationship-building, outbound calls, and helping people over the phone, an Inside Sales Agent role could be a great fit.
ISAs focus on:
Prospecting
Lead conversion
Appointment setting
Building client relationships
This role can often be performed remotely or in a virtual sales environment.
Relocation Specialists & Referral Agents
These roles are ideal for individuals who want to stay connected to real estate while creating income through referrals.
Relocation specialists can help connect clients with trusted agents, while referral agents can maintain an active license and generate passive income by referring business.
This can also be a great option for agents who want flexibility or are transitioning into another career.
Virtual Consultant
Technology has created opportunities to build a real estate business from anywhere.
Virtual consultants help clients through:
Phone consultations
Zoom meetings
Online presentations
Digital resources
This path is ideal for those who enjoy technology and remote relationship-building.
Outside Sales Agent
For those who enjoy networking, meeting people, hosting open houses, and building relationships in the community, the outside sales model remains a strong option.
This role focuses on:
Face-to-face interactions
Community involvement
Client relationships
Local market expertise
4. Explore Brokerage Options That Align With Your Goals
Once you determine the path that fits your strengths, the next step is selecting the right brokerage.
Real Broker Official Website offers a technology-focused platform designed to help agents build scalable real estate businesses.
Real provides agents with resources designed to support growth, including:
Modern real estate technology
Agent collaboration
Business-building tools
Training and support resources
A cloud-based brokerage model
Real is built for agents who want the flexibility to grow their own business while having access to a national network and innovative tools.
Before making a decision, review the costs, fees, and available resources to ensure the brokerage aligns with your goals.
You can review Real Broker agent information and costs here:
Real Broker Agent Information:
How much does it cost to hang my license with Real (US)?
5. Take Action – Join Real Broker or Schedule a Consultation
If you believe Real Broker aligns with your goals and you’re ready to explore joining, you can begin the process here:
Join Real Broker:
Real Broker Application
If you’re not quite sure yet, have questions, or want help evaluating your options, schedule a consultation and I’d be happy to discuss your goals and help you determine the best next step for your real estate career.
Also, check out future articles on what to look for when comparing brokerages to help guide your decision-making process.
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