A realistic path for changing careers into real estate
This guide is for people who already have work experience and are considering
a move into real estate. It’s designed to give you a clear picture of what
the transition looks like—financially, practically, and day to day.
1. How real estate income really works
Most agents are paid by commission when a sale or lease closes, not by the
hour. That means your income will depend on how many clients you serve and
the price of the properties you help them buy, sell, or lease.
Typical income pattern for new agents
Slow at first—your first closing may take several months.
Income tends to come in “chunks” instead of a steady paycheck.
Agents who prospect and follow a schedule usually ramp faster.
Questions to ask yourself
Can I handle several months with lower or no income?
Do I have savings or a partner’s income to help during the transition?
Am I comfortable with a variable income once I’m ramped up?
Rule of thumb: Many career-changers plan for 6–12 months of
financial runway while they build their client base.
2. A phased transition plan (so you don’t have to leap all at once)
A common pattern for successful career changers looks like this:
Stay in your current role while you complete pre-licensing education.
Pass your exam, join a brokerage, and begin training part-time.
Start working with a mentor or team, taking on your first clients.
Once your pipeline and savings are in a healthy place, move to full-time real estate.
What to do before you give notice at your current job
Have an honest financial plan on paper, not just in your head.
Talk with your household about how income might fluctuate at first.
Understand your brokerage’s expectations for part-time vs full-time agents.
Decide how you’ll track leads and follow-ups (CRM, calendar, etc.).
3. Choosing the right brokerage and support
The brokerage and team you choose will have a huge impact on your first
year. Training, mentorship, and culture matter just as much as commission splits.
Questions to ask when you interview brokerages
What does your onboarding and training look like for new agents?
Is there a mentorship or team structure for people changing careers?
How many transactions do your average new agents close in their first 12 months?
What tools and marketing support are included (CRM, website, signs, etc.)?
Tip: Look for a place that is used to supporting new agents
who are coming from other careers, not just people straight out of school.
4. Will I like the work?
What many career-changers enjoy
Directly seeing the impact of helping clients buy or sell a home.
Owning your schedule instead of clocking in and out.
Using skills from past jobs—customer service, project management, leadership.
What can be challenging
Managing your own time and keeping yourself accountable every day.
Handling rejection and “no” from potential clients.
Balancing evenings and weekends when clients are available.
5. A simple checklist for the next 30 days
Review your state’s licensing requirements and total estimated costs.
Create a basic financial runway plan with your household or advisor.
Talk to at least two brokerages and one working agent about their first year.
Decide whether you will start part-time or full-time.
Set a tentative target date for when you’d like to be fully licensed and active.
Reminder: A career change doesn’t have to be rushed. A
thoughtful plan can reduce stress for you and your family and give you
a better chance of succeeding in real estate.