Your first 12–18 months from graduation to licensed real estate professional
This short guide is designed for high school juniors, seniors, and parents who
want a clear, realistic picture of what it looks like to start a real estate
career right after graduation.
1. What a real estate career actually looks like
Real estate agents help people buy, sell, and lease homes and other properties.
The work is people-focused, project-based, and often flexible. Instead of being
paid by the hour, most agents earn income through commissions when a transaction closes.
Day-to-day activities
Talking with potential buyers and sellers.
Touring homes and hosting open houses.
Following up with leads by phone, text, and email.
Attending training sessions with your brokerage.
Working with lenders, inspectors, and title companies.
What successful new agents tend to share
They like talking with people and asking questions.
They are willing to learn sales and communication skills.
They can manage their own schedule and follow a routine.
They are patient—big results usually take months, not days.
Quick gut-check: If you enjoy helping people solve problems,
don’t mind being on the phone, and like the idea of flexible hours instead of
a fixed shift, real estate might be worth exploring more deeply.
2. Your path from high school student to licensed agent
Every state is slightly different, but the general path looks like this:
Finish high school and meet your state’s minimum age requirement.
Complete the state-required pre-licensing education.
Pass your real estate licensing exam.
Choose a brokerage to “hang” your license with.
Start working with buyers, sellers, and a mentor or team.
Typical timeline (12–18 months)
Months 0–3: Finish high school, research real estate as a career, talk with your parents or guardians.
Months 3–6: Enroll in a real estate school and complete your pre-licensing education.
Months 6–9: Pass your exam, choose a brokerage, and complete onboarding and basic training.
Months 9–18: Work with a mentor or team, begin helping clients, and close your first few transactions.
3. Money: what to expect and how to prepare
Real estate income is not a guaranteed paycheck. It’s common for new agents
to go several months before their first closing. That’s why planning ahead
is critical.
Common costs to plan for
Pre-licensing education and exam fees.
License application and background check.
Association or MLS dues (in many markets).
Basic business expenses like a smartphone, gas, and printing.
Parent perspective: Many families treat a new agent’s first
year like an apprenticeship. Some students live at home or keep a part-time
job while they build up their first pipeline of clients.
4. How to know if real estate is a good fit for you
Signs real estate could be a strong fit
You like talking to people and don’t mind starting conversations.
You’re comfortable learning new technology (phone apps, CRM tools, etc.).
You prefer a mix of office, on-the-road, and at-home work instead of a fixed desk job.
You can handle some risk in exchange for higher long-term income potential.
Signs it might not be the right first step
You strongly prefer predictable hourly pay from day one.
You dislike talking on the phone or meeting new people.
You are not interested in sales skills or negotiation.
You want a clear ladder of promotions inside a large company.
5. Next steps you can take this month
Look up your state’s real estate license requirements.
Talk with a real estate school about class schedules and tuition.
Interview at least one local brokerage that works with new agents.
Have an honest conversation with a parent or trusted adult about the financial plan for your first year.
Decide whether real estate is your primary path or something to explore alongside another plan.
Remember: You don’t have to have your entire career figured out at 17 or 18.
This guide is here to help you and your family make a thoughtful decision about
whether real estate is the right next step.