If you are an aspiring real estate agent with no experience and no degree, don’t worry. These tips will help.
The journey to becoming a real estate agent is different for each aspirant.
Some people change careers to become real estate agents, while others consider it a viable career option starting in high school. Regardless of your level of experience or education, you can make your dream of becoming a real estate agent a reality.
In this article, we will explore how to become a real estate agent with no experience and without a degree. We will also provide you with tips to excel at the beginning of your career. Here is everything you need to know.
What does a real estate agent do?
Before we get into how to become a real estate agent with no experience, let’s first define exactly what a real estate agent does.
A real estate agent is a professional who helps clients buy or sell various types of property. As a real estate agent, you specialize in selling, purchasing, and renting residential, commercial, and industrial real estate. You work under the supervision of a licensed real estate broker on tasks that include the following:
- attend open houses with clients to view properties
- create legal documents like deeds and contracts
- manage negotiations between buyers and sellers
- meet with clients to determine their buying or selling needs
- organize open houses for properties that you are selling
- prepare listings to sell properties
- prepare, review, negotiate, and close on purchase offers
- research potential properties for clients to buy or rent
As a real estate agent, you help your clients understand complex real estate requirements and regulations. You manage negotiations to ensure that your client receives the best possible deal.
Real estate agents usually work for real estate agencies as part of a team of professionals, such as realtors, administrative assistants, and other agents.
What qualities make a successful real estate agent?
Becoming a successful real estate agent with no experience may depend on your personal goals. However, traits that are common to most successful real estate agents include:
- being self-motivated and having an entrepreneurial spirit
- developing expertise in your local area
- enjoying working with other people
- fostering and sharing your passion for real estate
- having a willingness to learn and committing to professional development
- keeping up to date with real estate laws and trends
How to become a real estate agent with no experience
You want to earn your real estate license so that you can start applying for real estate positions. However, you are intimidated because other job candidates likely have more professional experience than you. Don’t worry.
There are ways to develop and highlight your skillset to emphasize your goals in real estate. To get hired as a real estate agent with no experience, try these five steps:
- Earn a high school diploma/GED
- Earn a real estate license
- Seek entry-level real estate jobs
- Create a working résumé
- Practice your interview skills
To help you on your journey to becoming a real estate agent with no experience, let’s break down each of these five steps.
1. Earn a high school diploma/GED
Most programs require you to have a high school diploma or GED. When pursuing a real estate license, and eventually a career, it is important that you understand the fundamentals of business and sales. Toward that end, consider taking courses to help you grow your skills. These may include courses in mathematics, economics, and statistics.
While earning your diploma, consider researching real estate programs that pique your interest. You can then start applying to programs and earn your license.
2. Earn a real estate license
The next step to becoming a real estate agent is to earn a license. Most real estate associations offer licensing programs. These programs provide you with information about the real estate fundamentals, including state regulations and selling techniques.
Each state issues licensing exams for aspiring real estate agents. You may take your exam after you finish the real estate course.
To earn a license, you do not need any experience in real estate. After you finish the exam, you can then apply to your state to receive your license. The fee for real estate licenses differs depending on the state.
Each state has its own regulations so be sure you know them beforehand.
3. Seek entry-level real estate jobs
At this step in the process, you should be ready to seek out entry-level real estate positions. Most agencies hire aspiring real estate professionals who have the right skillset and accomplishments into successful real estate agents.
To find entry-level real estate positions, look online at job boards and real estate agency websites. While there, you may find a good match. Next, tailor your resume to align with the requirements and qualifications of your desired role.
4. Create a strong résumé
Because you have yet to gain experience, you must rely heavily on a strong résumé. It should demonstrate your goals, skills, and achievements. This will help employers see that you are a qualified real estate agent.
Use a functional résumé format that lists your career objectives and your skills before your work experience. This is a good opportunity to highlight the skills you possess that are relevant to the real estate position.
5. Practice your interview skills
Even if you have little to no experience at this point, you can still highlight your potential to be a valued asset to a real estate agency. During your interview, you can focus on the skills and enthusiasm you will use in your position.
When answering, emphasize both your immediate goals and your long-term plans as a real estate agent. Maybe you plan to help clients find the right property within their budget or help companies find the right office space for their needs.
Remember: interviewers are looking for new candidates that fit in well with their agency’s culture and work environment. Make sure to research the agency or company beforehand to better understand their mission, values, and goals.
Practicing your interview skills ahead of time will help you to feel more prepared and comfortable. To help yourself here, you can set up a mock interview or record yourself answering possible questions. Again, to make up for your limited experience, be sure to focus on your skills and goals in the interview.
Some tips for real estate agents with no experience
Now that you have the basic steps to becoming a real estate agent with no experience, let’s look at some additional tips for getting hired.
Network, network, network
The first tip is to grow your network. Because you have little to no experience in the industry, you are likely starting out with a small network. All it takes is a solid starting point. Growing your network will enable you to grow your client base and uncover new opportunities.
One great way to grow your network is to attend networking events such as real estate conferences, conventions, or seminars. While it may seem like a big ‘to do’, it is a tried-and-true way to meet experienced real estate professionals.
When attending these events, you can discuss your interests and your career goals. You may end up with valuable advice for starting your career, open yourself up to potential job opportunities, and generate real estate leads.
Find a mentor
Finding a mentor can help you better understand the duties and tasks of a real estate agent. Not only will it help you grow your skillset and experience, but it can also help you build your network.
You can reach out to real estate agencies to ask about their shadow programs or to work with an agent at their company. Some employers might be more interested in hiring you if you shadow an agent and show promise, both in skillset and real estate knowledge.
How to become a real estate agent with no degree
You now have the steps to become a real estate agent with no experience. But what if you aspire to become a real estate agent without having a degree? You should know that it is possible. In this section, let’s look at how to become a real estate agent with no degree.
- Meet minimum requirements
- Complete your education
- Enroll in real estate courses
- Pass the state exam
- Apply for your real estate license
- Find a broker
- Develop your skills
Seven steps may seem like a lot, but it is more manageable once you break it down and know what to expect. Let’s go through each of them:
1. Meet minimum requirements
Minimum requirements to become a real estate agent can vary, depending on which state you hope to work in. (New York, for example, has only 3 prerequisites.) It is therefore important to do your research on your specific state. Most states require that you:
- be at least 18 years old
- finish relevant education course
- pass the state exam
- pass background check
- apply for license
- pay required fees
- find employment with a licensed broker/brokerage company
2. Complete your education
You must earn at least a high school diploma or GED. If possible, you should pursue specific courses that can prepare you for your real estate career. Some of these courses would include business, accounting, finance, or entrepreneurship.
3. Enroll in real estate courses
Research your state’s specific requirements for completing real estate courses, then enroll. Many states require you to finish a series of courses as preparation for the state exam. Remember: options are different in each state. However, there are usually online classes or courses that you can finish on weekends and nights. If you are pursuing real estate as a second career, this gives you flexible options.
If you live in Texas and plan to get a real estate license there, you’ll need to complete 180 hours of courses before taking the exam.
4. Pass the state exam
To be eligible to apply for your real estate license, you must pass your state exam. Every state has its own unique exam. Most exams are multiple choice and have questions pertaining to both state and federal laws, best practices and real estate principles, and simple math.
Usually, you will have access to exam preparation materials. Keep in mind that, before you can take them, some exams require you to provide proof of completing specific pre-licensing courses.
5. Apply for your real estate license
To apply for your real estate license, submit your documents to the real estate board in your state. These usually include proof of passing the exam and that you paid your licensing fees. At this point in the process, most states – Georgia is an example – require you to pass a background check.
6. Find a broker
To start work as a real estate agent, look for job openings. To be able to practice real estate, states require you to work with a brokerage company or a licensed real estate broker first.
7. Develop your skills
Finally, you should pursue opportunities to develop your skillset as a real estate agent. Starting out in the field will help you build your skills naturally. Additionally, most brokerages provide you with on-the-job training.
If you’re really keen, you can complete additional professional development courses or read materials that are related to the real estate industry.
Remember: you can become a real estate agent with no experience
If you have no experience, and no degree, and are an aspiring real estate agent, don’t be intimidated. You can still become a real estate agent—and a successful one. All it takes is knowing what is expected of you and navigating the various steps, which are not so different from breaking into any industry.
For help on how to become a real estate agent with no experience, get in touch with one of the mortgage professionals we highlight in our Best in Mortgage section. Here you will find the top performing mortgage professionals across the USA.
Did you find these tips useful? Does the information change how you will pursue your career as a real estate agent? Let us know in the comment section below.
