Why It’s a Great Time to Be a Real Estate Agent in 2021

As the real estate market stays hot in Virginia, more and more people are beginning their careers as real estate agents.

Real estate agents wear a variety of hats—they show properties, generate leads, market their businesses, and collaborate with other parties in the buying and selling process. Most importantly, they help people achieve major milestones in their lives. 

Agents also find that their role offers them variety, flexibility, and room for growth. In addition to that, there are very few barriers to entry when it comes to becoming a real estate agent in Virginia. Read on to find out why it’s a great time to be a real estate agent in 2021.

1. The licensing process is relatively short

Getting into the real estate field is relatively easy and affordable compared to other careers with similar earnings brackets. This is because there are few barriers to entry, as long as you meet the basic requirements and put in the pre-licensing work. 

From start to finish, it can take as little as 4–6 months to become a real estate agent. Each state has a different process; Virginia, for instance, requires 60 hours of official pre-licensing classes, a minimum score of 75% on the Virginia real estate exam, and a licensed broker to sponsor you. If you’re looking to become a broker, there are additional prerequisites involved. Official pre-licensing classes can be taken in a physical class or online, which means you can work toward your license from the comfort of your home. Another bonus is that you don’t have to have a college degree to become a licensed real estate agent. 

2. You’ll have flexibility in your schedule

As a real estate agent, you’ll be your own boss. What hours you work will be dependent on you. If you want to limit your schedule to strictly mornings, or a few days a week, or only weekdays and not weekends, you have the power to do that. And if you want to take that weeklong vacation, no one is standing in your way. The only caveat is that the hours you work (aka the amount of clients you take on) will directly impact your success and income, so just be cognizant that your schedule is aligned with your financial goals.

3. You have room for growth

As a real estate agent, you are essentially a small business owner. Because you can influence your schedule and the amount of clients you take on, you have some built-in flexibility with your salary. 

According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary of a real estate agent in Virginia is around $88,000 as of September 2021. This is $6,000 higher than the national average of $82,898. Some real estate agents in Virginia earn well into the six-figures. At Coldwell Banker Elite, we have agents that earn $200–$700k a year. In real estate, there is tremendous potential to create a successful business. 

The most successful agents treat their business like they would any other full-time job, so that means that they make themselves available whenever clients need them. Motivation, a strong work ethic, and an entrepreneurial spirit are important qualities to exercise as a real estate agent to achieve your full potential.

4. Your office is anywhere but an “office”

The 9–5 office schedule isn’t for everyone. In real estate, your work takes you out of the office! In addition to showing beautiful properties, you can have the chance to work remotely. If you want to negotiate deals or post listings in your living room or at a coffee shop, you can. 

In real estate, every day is in fact a new day. One day you may be connecting with a seller about a listing, another day you may be touring a potential property, and the next day you may be showing a home to a prospective buyer. Other days you may be negotiating and closing deals. People who love variety in their work thrive in a real estate agent role. 

5. You can meet people outside of your circle

Real estate agents aren’t just experts in their local area’s market conditions; they become familiar with their area as a whole. Agents meet people they wouldn’t normally meet, establish local connections, and possibly even engage in charity fundraising. Building important relationships with the community is a fulfilling part of the role that many agents thrive on. 

6. Helping people find their dream home is rewarding

Every day, working in real estate provides an opportunity to help someone achieve a major milestone in their life. As an agent, you are an important and much-needed part of someone’s journey to finding their home. 

At Coldwell Banker Elite, we take the benefits of being a real estate agent one step further. Our renowned agent education program enables agents to grow their skills and their business. Other benefits like our commission CAP program, access to one-on-one support and coaching, and marketing tools make being a real estate agent for Coldwell Banker Elite truly rewarding.

You can take the first step toward earning your real estate license with our comprehensive classes designed to prepare you for the Virginia real estate exam and beyond! Classes start November 1—find out more and sign up today.

Your career in real estate awaits—all you have to do is apply! Get in touch to join our team!