While real estate is a flexible — and often, lucrative — industry, to build a truly successful career as a real estate agent, you need to understand the realities of what it means to be a real estate agent.

• You don’t need a college degree but you need a real estate license. A real estate license gives agents and brokers the legal ability to represent clients in the process of buying or selling properties. Every state in the U.S. has its own real estate commission for licensing, and each comes with unique requirements. Obtaining this license can take anywhere between six months to a year.
• You have to be financially prepared to take the plunge. Know that your income won’t come at regular intervals. What you earn will be directly proportional to the sales you make. Learning how to budget, save, and invest is critical as you begin your career in this industry.
• You will need to build strong relationships in the industry. Surround yourself with experienced peers and look for people who inspire you or can become your mentors. Shadow them, observe how they do business, and actively seek their feedback to improve your skill.
• In terms of skills, cultivate a “sales mindset.” This includes a range of transferable skills, including strong communication and negotiating abilities. Know that to stay relevant in the industry, you have to keep upskilling. Find new training programs for young agents, look into real estate schools focused on niche sectors, or attend webinars and short-term online courses to refresh your skills.
• While a career in real estate is highly flexible, research shows that you will need to put in more hours if you want to earn more. That said, don’t let one idea of “success” wear you down. Instead, find a work schedule that feels sustainable to your goals and aspirations.