How do you become a successful real estate agent?

Licensure is only the start. Successful agents typically affiliate with a brokerage that offers structured training and mentorship, join a local association for multiple listing service (MLS) access, and build a repeatable process for prospecting, client relationships, negotiation, and transaction management. Expect a slow ramp: guidance cited by the National Association of REALTORS puts a first sale at four to six months or more, and because agents are paid on commission rather than salary, savings matter in the first year.

Building a sphere of influence, finding a mentor, and using social media for lead generation are recommended first steps for new agents. The first sale may take 4 to 6 months or more, so financial preparation during the initial months is necessary. The median gross income of REALTORS® was $58,100 according to the 2025 NAR Member Profile, though agents with 2 years or less of experience earned a median of $8,100 annually. Alabama agents work as independent contractors under a qualifying broker, and 54% of real estate brokers and sales agents nationally are self-employed.

A real estate career requires patience: NAR reports that a first sale can take four to six months or more. In 2025, the median gross income for REALTORS® was $58,100, but agents with two years or less of experience earned a median of $8,100 annually, while those with 16 or more years earned $78,900. REALTORS® spent a median of $8,010 on business expenses in 2024. Choosing the right sponsoring brokerage matters: factors to weigh include training and mentorship programs, commission split structure, lead generation resources, company culture, and technology tools. NAR recommends finding a mentor within your brokerage or area and using its resources for first-year agents, including skills strategies, branding guides, and marketing materials.

Income in real estate correlates strongly with experience: REALTORS® with two years or less of experience earned a median of $8,100 annually, while those with 16 or more years earned $78,900, according to the 2025 NAR Member Profile. Colorado offers three broker license levels (Associate Broker, Independent, and Employing), with advancement to Independent or Employing requiring two years of active broker experience plus, for the Employing level, a 24-hour brokerage administration course. New agents typically work under an employing broker on a commission split, with a common starting split of 70/30 where the agent keeps 70%. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 54% of real estate brokers and sales agents are self-employed, and the median annual wage for brokers and sales agents combined was $58,960 in May 2024.

After obtaining a license and finding a sponsoring broker, new agents typically wait four to six months or more for their first sale. The National Association of REALTORS® reports that members with two years or less of experience earned a median gross income of $8,100 in 2024, while those with 16 or more years earned $78,900. Finding a mentor who can help navigate the industry is recommended, and new agents should weigh broker support, training, and lead generation more heavily than the highest commission split. Brokers and sales agents earn most of their income from commissions on sales, which are often divided among the buying agent, selling agent, and their respective brokers.

To become a licensed real estate salesperson in Delaware, you must complete a 99-hour pre-licensing course from a state-approved provider, then pass the Pearson VUE licensing exam with a scaled score of 70 on both the national and Delaware law portions. After passing, you submit an application through the DELPROS online system with a $149 fee and a $25 Guaranty Fund fee, along with a Statement of Broker of Record form signed by your employing Delaware-licensed broker. Within 90 days of license issuance, new salespersons must complete 12 hours of required new salesperson course modules covering professional standards, agreement of sale and buyer representation, real estate documents and seller representation, and real estate professionalism. Joining a local REALTOR® association and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) provides access to professional resources and the multiple listing service, and requires adherence to NAR's Code of Ethics.

In the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metropolitan area, real estate sales agents earned a mean annual wage of $77,030 as of May 2023, above the national mean of $69,610 for the same occupation. New agents should focus on finding a mentor, building a sphere of influence, and maintaining a consistent marketing presence, as a first sale can take four to six months or more. Agents with two years or less of experience earned an average of $8,100 annually, while those with 16 or more years of experience earned $78,900.

After obtaining a sales associate license and affiliating with a sponsoring broker, new agents should join a local REALTOR® association to gain MLS access, standard contracts, and public record databases. The first sale can take four to six months or more, and agents with two years or less experience earn a median of $8,100 annually according to the NAR Member Profile, compared to $78,900 for those with 16 or more years. Compensation in Florida is fully negotiable and collected through the broker, with common commission splits ranging from 60/40 to 90/10. Building a client base through prospecting, referrals, and lead generation is essential, as most agents work on a commission-only basis without a salary.

Georgia requires a 75-hour Salesperson Prelicense Course from a GREC-approved school, passing the state licensing exam administered by PSI, and affiliating with a sponsoring broker to activate the license. New salespersons must complete a 25-hour post-license course within the first year of licensure, or the license lapses. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a mean annual wage of $64,410 for the 6,550 real estate sales agents employed in Georgia as of May 2023, and the National Association of REALTORS® reported a median gross income of $58,100 for REALTORS® in its 2025 Member Profile, with those having 16 or more years of experience earning $78,900.

NAR recommends finding a mentor within a brokerage, as brokerages provide training, compliance oversight, and lead generation support. First sales can take several months or more, and REALTORS® with 2 years or less experience earned a median of $8,100 annually, compared to $78,900 for those with 16 or more years, according to the NAR 2025 Member Profile. New agents typically start on a lower commission split with their broker that increases as production grows. REALTORS® spent a median of $8,010 on business expenses in 2024, so new agents should budget for marketing, transportation, and association dues from the outset.

Becoming a licensed real estate agent in Idaho requires completing 90 hours of prelicense education (two 45-hour modules), passing the Pearson VUE licensing exam with a scaled score of 70 or higher, completing fingerprint-based background check processing, and submitting a salesperson application to the Idaho Real Estate Commission for a $135 fee. The license is issued inactive until a brokerage activates it, and E&O insurance must be in place before activation. New agents typically join a local REALTOR® association, which provides membership to Idaho REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), and complete New Member Orientation within 60 days. According to NAR's 2025 Member Profile, REALTORS® with 2 years or less of experience earned $8,100 annually on average, while those with 16 or more years earned $78,900.

In Illinois, a real estate career begins with a broker license, as the state does not issue a "salesperson" or "agent" license. The path requires completing 75 hours of pre-license education (60 hours of topics and 15 hours of interactive applied principles), passing the state licensing exam administered by PSI, and securing sponsorship from a licensed managing broker before practicing. Income data from the NAR Member Profile 2025 shows the average REALTOR® earns $58,100 annually, though those with two years or less of experience earn $8,100 on average, compared to $78,900 for those with 16 or more years of experience. New brokers must also complete 45 hours of post-license education before their first renewal and 12 hours of continuing education each subsequent two-year cycle.

In Indiana, new brokers must complete a 30-hour post-licensing course within the first two years after license issuance, which also satisfies the continuing education requirement for that period. Choosing a sponsoring broker that offers training and mentorship is an important early step, since a license cannot become active without broker affiliation. Indiana law also requires written listing and buyer agency agreements between brokers and their clients, effective July 1, 2024. According to the NAR Member Profile, REALTORS® with two years or less of experience earned a median of $8,100 annually, compared to $78,900 for those with 16 or more years, indicating that income grows substantially with experience.

A new agent's first sale may take four to six months or more, and agents with two years or less of experience earned a median of $8,100 annually according to the NAR Member Profile. Median gross income for all REALTORS® was $58,100, rising to $78,900 for those with 16 or more years of experience, and REALTORS® spent a median of $8,010 on business expenses in 2024. New agents must work under a sponsoring broker, and the National Association of REALTORS® recommends finding a mentor within the brokerage or local area.

Success starts with affiliating a broker that provides training, mentorship, and lead generation support. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, a first sale can take four to six months or more, so building good habits early matters. The NAR 2025 Member Profile reports median gross income of $58,100 for all REALTORS®, with those having two years or less of experience earning $8,100 annually and those with 16 or more years earning $78,900. Kansas licensees must complete 12 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain active status, and joining a REALTOR® association is optional but provides access to MLS systems and professional resources.

To practice as a real estate agent in Louisiana, you must complete 90 hours of pre-licensing education, pass the licensing exam, secure sponsorship from a licensed broker, and obtain errors and omissions insurance. New licensees must complete 45 hours of post-licensing education within 180 days of their initial license date and 12 hours of annual continuing education thereafter. REALTOR® membership through a local association provides access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and requires Code of Ethics training every three years, which is separate from state licensing requirements.

Maine requires new Sales Agents to work under the supervision of a designated broker, who authorizes the brokerage services they may perform. According to the NAR Member Profile (2025), REALTORS® with two years or less of experience earned $8,100 annually on average, while those with 16 or more years earned $78,900, showing that income grows substantially with experience. A first sale can take four to six months or more. The National Association of REALTORS® recommends finding a mentor and developing lead generation strategies as early steps for new agents.

Becoming a successful real estate agent in Maryland begins with completing the 60-hour pre-licensing course, passing the state exam, and affiliating with a licensed broker who can provide training, mentorship, and industry tools. New agents should expect their first sale to take four to six months or more, as building a client base takes time and persistence. According to the National Association of REALTORS® 2025 Member Profile, the median gross income for REALTORS® is $58,100, with agents holding 16 or more years of experience earning a median of $78,900 annually, while those with two years or less earned $8,100. Maintaining an active license requires completing 15 hours of continuing education every two years, and many agents pursue further professional development through NAR designations and local association resources.

To practice as a real estate agent in Massachusetts, you must be at least 18, complete 40 hours of pre-licensing education at a Board-approved school, obtain 3 candidate endorsements, pass the licensing exam with a minimum 70% score, and affiliate with a licensed broker. The National Association of REALTORS® states that most people begin as sales trainees in a brokerage firm and that a first sale can take 4 to 6 months or more. To keep the license active, agents must complete 12 hours of continuing education each 2-year term and renew on their birthday.

To become a real estate agent in Michigan, you must be at least 18, complete 40 hours of approved prelicensure education including 4 hours on civil rights law and equal opportunity in housing, submit a $88 application through MiPLUS, pass the PSI-administered licensing exam, and secure a sponsoring broker to activate your license. Agents earn income through commissions on property transactions, with NAR's 2025 Member Profile reporting a median gross income of $58,100 for REALTORS® nationally and $8,100 for those with two years or less of experience. New agents typically start on a commission split with their broker, with common splits ranging from 50/50 to 70/30 in the agent's favor.

In Minnesota, becoming a real estate agent requires completing 90 hours of pre-licensing education (three 30-hour courses known as Course I, Course II, and Course III), passing the state and national licensing exam administered by PSI Services, and becoming associated with a licensed broker who submits the license application. The initial salesperson license fee is $110, and the exam fee is $68 for the combined portions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median annual wage of $56,320 for real estate sales agents nationally as of May 2024, and the National Association of REALTORS® found that its members with 16 or more years of experience earned $78,900 annually compared to $8,100 for those with two years or less.

To become a licensed real estate salesperson in Missouri, you must complete 72 hours of pre-licensing education (a 48-hour Salesperson Pre-Examination Course and a 24-hour Missouri Real Estate Practice Course), pass the national and state portions of the PSI licensing exam, complete a fingerprint-based background check, and secure a sponsoring broker who signs your license application. Income varies substantially by experience: according to the NAR 2025 Member Profile, REALTORS® with 2 years or less of experience had a median gross income of $8,100, while those with 16 or more years earned a median of $78,900. Missouri requires 12 hours of continuing education every two years, including at least 3 hours of an MREC-designated core course, to maintain an active license.

To become a licensed real estate salesperson in Montana, an applicant must be at least 18 years old, have completed 2 years of full curriculum study at an accredited high school or equivalent, and complete 70 hours of Board-approved pre-licensing education within the past 24 months. The applicant must pass the Montana Real Estate Salesperson Examination within the past 12 months (registering through Pearson VUE), be employed or under contract with a licensed broker who holds a supervising broker endorsement, and maintain professional liability and errors and omissions insurance. The application fee is $80.

Nevada requires every salesperson to affiliate with a licensed broker before practicing, and a sponsoring broker must activate the license before the agent can represent buyers and sellers. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), a first sale can take several months or more, and REALTORS® with two years or less of experience earn a median of $8,100 annually, while those with 16 or more years earn $78,900. Completing post-licensing education in the first year and finding a mentor help new agents establish a foundation.

To become a licensed real estate salesperson in New Hampshire, you must complete a 40-hour pre-licensing course from a state-approved school, pass the state and national licensing examinations with a 70% score on each portion, complete a New Hampshire background check, and submit an online application with a $99 fee to the state commission. Active applicants must also provide a Broker Affiliation Form and Attestations of Character. Income data from the National Association of REALTORS® shows the average REALTOR® earns $58,100 annually, while those with two years or less of experience earn $8,100. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $56,320 for real estate sales agents as of May 2024.

Income data shows that real estate agent earnings rise substantially with experience. According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Member Profile 2025, REALTORS® with two years or less experience earned a median of $8,100 annually, compared to $78,900 for those with 16 or more years. In New Jersey, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a mean annual wage of $82,490 for real estate sales agents as of May 2023. The NAR cautions that agents should prepare financially for the initial months, as steady income and traditional benefits are often unavailable when starting out, and the median annual business expense was $8,010 in 2024.

According to the NAR Member Profile (2025), the average REALTOR® earns $58,100 annually. REALTORS® with two years or less of experience earned $8,100, while those with 16 or more years of experience earned $78,900. REALTORS® spent a median of $8,010 on business expenses in 2024. Real estate agents earn income from commissions on sales, which are split between the agent and the sponsoring brokerage; new agents typically receive 50% to 60% of the commission, with the split improving as production increases. Completing the required 45-hour post-license education and maintaining active continuing education helps agents build the knowledge base for a sustained career.

In Oregon, the entry-level real estate license is a broker license, which requires completing 150 hours of pre-license education from an Agency-approved school, passing both sections of the broker license exam with a 75% minimum score, and clearing a fingerprint background check. A licensed broker must be associated with and supervised by a managing principal broker to conduct professional real estate activity. Income varies substantially by experience: the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median annual wage of $56,320 for real estate sales agents in May 2024, while the National Association of REALTORS® reported a median gross income of $8,100 for members with two years or less of experience, compared with $78,900 for those with 16 or more years.

To become a real estate salesperson in Pennsylvania, you must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent, complete 75 hours (5 credits) of pre-licensing education from an approved provider, and pass both the National and PA State portions of the licensing exam administered by Pearson VUE. You must also secure an employing broker who holds a valid PA broker license and is willing to certify supervision and training before you can apply for your license. The application, including a Criminal History Records Check dated within 180 days, is submitted through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS), and the physical license is mailed to the broker's main office 7-10 business days after issuance.

Rhode Island requires 45 hours of pre-licensing education from a DBR-approved school, a separate 3-hour Lead Poisoning/Lead Hazard Mitigation course, and a passing scaled score of at least 70 on both the National and State portions of the Pearson VUE exam. After passing, applicants submit a salesperson application with $165 in fees ($140 to the RI General Treasurer plus $25 to the Real Estate Recovery Account), a BCI background check, E&O insurance, and a broker affidavit signed by the sponsoring principal broker. Income data shows that experience strongly correlates with earnings: NAR's 2025 Member Profile reports REALTORS® with two years or less of experience earned a median of $8,100 annually, compared to $78,900 for those with 16 or more years.

Becoming a licensed real estate agent in South Carolina requires completing 90 hours of pre-licensing education (60-hour Unit I and 30-hour Unit II), passing the state licensing exam administered by PSI, and applying for a license through the SC Real Estate Commission. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and complete fingerprint and background checks through SLED and FBI, which can take three or more weeks. Once licensed, agents must work under a broker-in-charge and complete 10 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain an active license. The BLS reports the median annual wage for real estate sales agents was $56,320 in May 2024, and NAR data shows REALTORS® with two years or less of experience earned a median of $8,100 annually, compared to $78,900 for those with 16 or more years.

South Dakota is a "broker only" state where entry-level licensees are called broker associates. To become licensed, an applicant must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or South Dakota resident, complete a 116-hour prelicensing course from a state-approved provider, pass the licensing exam with a minimum score of 75%, submit a $225 application, complete a fingerprint-based background check, and affiliate with a responsible broker who activates the license. Income correlates strongly with experience: according to the NAR Member Profile, REALTORS® with 2 years or less experience earned $8,100 annually, while those with 16 or more years earned $78,900. New broker associates must also complete 60 hours of post-licensing education across their first two active license cycles before transitioning to standard 24-hour continuing education every 2 years.

Building a successful real estate practice in Tennessee begins with choosing a sponsoring broker that provides training, mentorship, and lead generation tools, as NAR career resources advise that a first sale can take four to six months or more. New affiliate brokers should focus on prospecting for leads, cultivating client relationships, and building a personal brand during the initial ramp-up period. Joining one of Tennessee's 20 local REALTOR® associations and completing ongoing continuing education help agents build referral networks and stay current on market trends.

Becoming a licensed real estate sales agent in Texas requires completing 180 classroom hours of qualifying education through a TREC-approved provider, passing the state and national portions of the Pearson VUE licensing exam, paying a $206 application fee to TREC, and securing a sponsoring broker to activate the license. Income correlates strongly with experience: NAR's Member Profile reports a median gross income of $8,100 for REALTORS® with two years or less of experience, rising to $78,900 for those with 16 or more years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a mean annual wage of $78,390 for real estate sales agents in Texas as of May 2023.

Income in real estate typically increases with experience. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Member Profile (2025), the average REALTOR® earns $58,100 annually, while those with 2 years or less of experience earn $8,100 and those with 16 or more years earn $78,900. NAR recommends that new agents find a mentor, focus on consistent lead generation, and build a personal brand. A first sale can take 4 to 6 months or more, and 62% of members with 2 years or less experience made less than $10,000 in 2023, while REALTORS® spent a median of $8,010 on business expenses in 2024.

Success as a real estate agent in Vermont depends on completing required education, securing strong brokerage sponsorship, and building practical experience over time. According to the National Association of REALTORS® 2025 Member Profile, agents with 2 years or less of experience earned a median of $8,100 annually, while those with 16 or more years earned $78,900. A first sale can take 4 to 6 months or more. New agents benefit from choosing a brokerage that offers training, mentorship, and lead generation support, and from completing the required 8 hours of post-licensure education within 90 days of licensure.

To become a licensed real estate salesperson in Virginia, you must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a 60-hour Board-approved pre-license course, and pass both the state and national portions of the PSI-administered licensing exam. After passing the exam, you must complete fingerprinting and a background check, secure a sponsoring broker, and submit a complete license application to DPOR within 45 days of fingerprinting, because background checks expire after 45 days. New salespersons must also complete 30 hours of post-license education within one year of licensure to remain on active status. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for real estate sales agents was $56,320 as of May 2024.

To become a real estate agent in West Virginia, an applicant must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a 90-hour Commission-approved pre-licensing course with at least 70% in each subject area, and pass a National Criminal Background Check. After the Commission approves the online exam application, the candidate schedules the licensing exam through Pearson VUE and must pass both the national and state portions. Upon passing, the candidate has 90 days to submit a license application with proof of passing and a Verification of Sponsoring Broker.

To become a licensed real estate agent in Wisconsin, an applicant must complete a Board-approved 72-hour pre-license program within four years before applying, pass the 140-question salesperson exam administered by Pearson VUE, and submit an application through the DSPS LicensE portal with a $60 credentialing fee. The license must be activated under a Wisconsin-licensed brokerage. Income grows with experience: according to the NAR 2025 Member Profile, REALTORS® with two years or less of experience earned a median of $8,100 annually, while those with 16 or more years earned $78,900.

Becoming a successful real estate agent in Wyoming starts with completing pre-licensing education, passing the state and national exams, and securing a sponsoring broker. New agents should maintain at least 6 months of household expenses in reserve, as income typically starts slowly; according to the NAR Member Profile (2025), REALTORS® with 2 years or less of experience earned a median of $8,100 annually, while those with 16 or more years earned $78,900. Agents choose between commission structures such as a split commission (where the brokerage provides desk, phone, and support) or a 100% model (where the agent covers all expenses). Joining the local Board of REALTORS® provides access to the Multiple Listing Service and required ethics and fair housing training.