What It Really Means to Be a Real Estate Agent
One of the questions I hear most often is not about buying or selling a home. It is about what it is like to become a real estate agent what the life of a real estate agent is like. Over the years people have asked me whether I would start a blog about being a real estate agent, and I have always resisted because there is already so much content out there on the subject. Most of it is written by agents hoping to recruit clients, while very little is written to truly educate people about the realities of the profession. Since it is a question that comes up often, I want to share my perspective from my 25 years in the business.
Real Estate as a Lifestyle
The first thing to understand is that real estate is not a 9-to-5 career. It is a lifestyle. For me, there was never a time I was not working. Even casual conversations with friends or strangers quickly turned to real estate. Clients want to talk at all hours, and responsiveness matters because the process is so emotional and stressful for them. I knew I had achieved success when people stopped asking how I was doing and started asking about the real estate market instead.
The Myth of Flexibility
Many people assume that the life of a real estate agent offers flexibility, but the truth is very different. Once your business grows, it consumes your schedule. Balancing family life with the demands of clients becomes a constant challenge. Your day starts when you wake up and often continues until you fall asleep. Sometimes you even wake up in the middle of the night thinking about a transaction or a client. The longer you are in the business, the more it becomes part of every aspect of your life.
Responsiveness in a 24-7 World
The life of a real estate agent has changed. When I started in real estate, I carried a pager, used payphones around town, and had a cell phone with limited minutes. Communication was slower and more structured. Today clients have instant access to agents through texts, calls, and emails. Responsiveness has become one of the most important qualities for success. People expect quick answers, and those who deliver are the ones who build lasting businesses.
Managing Stress and Mental Health
Being a real estate agent means dealing with the stress and anxiety of others on top of your own. Clients often look to you for reassurance during one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions of their lives. That is why many agents quietly struggle with mental health challenges. It is important to create your own system for managing stress and protecting your well-being. Without it, the weight of the business can be overwhelming.
Financial Realities
Another misconception is that agents make huge incomes and live glamorous lives. Real estate agent TV shows have made the life of a real estate agent look very glamorous. The reality is that this is a 100% commission-based business, and many agents earn under $30,000 a year despite working full time. There are no benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, or paid vacations. You are an independent contractor responsible for all of it. That being said, real estate can be incredibly rewarding financially. Many successful agents, including myself, have been able to achieve financial security and create opportunities that would not have been possible otherwise.
The Positives of the Profession
While the demands are real, there are many positives as well. You are your own boss, which means you have control over your business. You decide when to take time off and how you want to structure your schedule, even if that schedule is demanding. You meet new people constantly, and you have the satisfaction of guiding them through one of the most meaningful experiences of their lives. For those who are disciplined, resilient, and passionate, real estate can be a highly rewarding career.
Final Thought
Real estate is not for everyone, but it can be an incredible career for the right person. It requires hard work, constant availability, and the ability to manage both your own stress and the stress of others. It also offers freedom, independence, and the potential for financial success.
If you are curious about becoming a real estate agent or what life in the business is really like, I am happy to share my experiences. And if you are looking for a trusted and successful real estate agent in your market, I would be glad to connect you with someone I know who can help.
