Real estate agents buy, sell or rent properties on behalf of their clients. They must have a deep knowledge of the market and of the communities in their area, so they can advise their clients on matters ranging from how to accurately price their homes, to when it’s the right moment to make the plunge and buy a new one. Agents also guide buyers toward the homes that best fit their needs by generating a list of properties for sale, accompanying the client to see the properties and negotiating an offer with the seller.

For most people, a house is the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. And although the prospect of a new home can be incredibly exciting, it can also be incredibly disconcerting, especially as new homeowners anticipate parting with a huge chunk of change. Good real estate agents ease that transition into homeownership.

"It’s so much more than sales," says Jason Townsend, CEO and senior sales agent of Capital Community Properties, a small team doing business under the brokerage of Keller Williams in the District of Columbia. "As opposed to selling stocks or insurance, there’s an emotional side to real estate that can be very rewarding." Successful real estate agents should enjoy both the relational (or client services) aspect of the job, as well as the business and financial aspects.

The terms real estate agent and real estate broker are often used interchangeably. The main difference between the two is that brokers are licensed to manage their own businesses, while agents are not. Agents may work under brokers, but their jobs are similar – both help clients sell and buy homes. And though it’s possible to buy or sell a home without using a professional, an agent can make the process a lot easier. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 3.2% employment growth for real estate agents between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 14,900 jobs should open up.

The qualifications for becoming a real estate agent are few.

1. Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. A college degree typically isn’t required, but you must be 18 years or older with a high school diploma or equivalent to get licensed.
2. Complete real estate coursework. States have varying requirements for the minimum number of instructional hours required before becoming licensed, and this work is completed either through an approved classroom or online.
3. Pass your state’s licensing exam. The first step to acquiring your license is to pass a state-specific exam. A license is required to legally work on behalf of buyers and sellers in real estate transactions.
4. Work under a licensed broker. Most states require you to spend time working with a licensed broker before you’re able to operate independently.

Established brokers looking to hire junior agents will also look favorably on college degrees in finance, business administration, statistics, economics or even law.

The National Association of Realtors also sponsors courses that touch on the basic financial and legal aspects of real estate. But education isn’t the only deciding factor. Social skills, good judgment and enthusiasm are among the traits that brokers look for in applicants.