How to start your real estate career with no experience? A practical starter plan

how can i get started in real estate: quick overview

If you are asking how can i get started in real estate, the most common legal route is to get licensed as a sales agent, which in most states means completing approved prelicensing education, passing a state exam, submitting background checks, and affiliating with a broker before you work on transactions, although exact rules vary by state National Association of Realtors guidance.

People without prior experience also commonly begin in support roles such as agent or broker assistant, leasing or property management staff, or small scale investing and side projects to learn on the job while building skills and contacts CareerOneStop occupational profile. See our jobs that pay more than $15 an hour guide for other entry options.

Costs and timing to get started vary by state and course choices, but typical upfront costs are often several hundred to a few thousand dollars and time from enrollment to active license can run from a few weeks to several months depending on schedules and exam availability sample state licensing page. See a state-by-state breakdown at FitSmallBusiness.

Below are concrete options and a step by step plan so you can choose the route that fits your time and budget.

What entry paths look like today

Licensing is the usual legal path if you plan to represent buyers or sellers, and it creates a defined sequence of steps to follow in most states: approved prelicensing classes, a state exam, background checks, and broker sponsorship. Check your state real estate commission for exact requirements before you enroll in classes NAR guidance on licensing.

Alternative entry paths that let you learn while earning include assistant roles, leasing or property management jobs, and small investor projects that teach deal math and market reading without immediate reliance on commissions Realtor.com guide.

A realistic first-month snapshot

In the first month most beginners either enroll in prelicensing classes and schedule the state exam, or they start an assistant or leasing job while studying; both approaches are common and can overlap depending on your availability and local hiring options industry how to guide.

A typical first month also includes setting up a basic CRM or contact list, drafting a 30 day outreach plan for your sphere, and preparing simple metrics to track outreach attempts, informational interviews, and classes completed.

why licensing matters and how it works in most states

Most states regulate who may legally act for buyers or sellers and they require approved prelicensing coursework, a passing score on the state exam, fingerprint or background checks, and broker sponsorship before you can practice as a salesperson; verify specifics with your state commission since schedules and fees differ by state sample state page.

Core legal requirements

Prelicensing courses teach foundational concepts such as contracts, property law basics, and ethics so candidates understand the rules that govern transactions; after coursework the state exam tests that baseline knowledge and the commission issues the license once all checks and fees are cleared National Association of Realtors guidance.

Licensing limits who may sign contracts and officially represent clients, which is why agents must affiliate with a broker to work on transactions. That affiliation also defines supervision, commission splits and professional oversight.

Where rules differ by state

State differences include required classroom hours, accepted course providers, exam pass thresholds, and the size of application and fingerprinting fees. Because these items change, it is important to use your state real estate commission as the authoritative source for costs and timelines sample state licensing page. You can also consult a 50-state guide HarborCompliance.

Some states also require continuing education soon after licensure, while others phase it in later. Confirm dates and required hours before you schedule classes so you can budget both time and money.

nonlicensing entry roles you can start with no experience

If you are not ready to enroll in prelicensing classes, entry level roles like broker assistant, leasing consultant, and property management staff let you earn income, observe transactions, and learn practical tasks that translate to later agent work CareerOneStop profile. See real estate side hustles for ideas to start small while you learn.

Common assistant duties include scheduling showings, preparing paperwork, buyer or tenant communications, and basic listing support; these tasks build transferable skills in client communication and transaction flow that are useful when you later pursue a license Realtor.com career guide.

Leasing and property management roles often focus on tenant screening, lease administration, maintenance coordination and basic rent calculations. These jobs help you learn local leases and landlord obligations while providing steady income.

Small scale investing or assisting an investor on a renovation project can also teach deal math and local market reading. Those activities do not replace licensing for client representation, but they offer hands on exposure to valuation and cash flow analysis.

Assistant and administrative roles

Working as a broker or agent assistant can be a practical way to shadow experienced agents, learn messaging and follow up routines, and see how listings move through a local market. Start by asking for tasks that involve client contact and paperwork to build confidence and competence.

Document your tasks and outcomes so you can point to specific experiences when you later interview brokerages or list your skills on an application.

Leasing and property management jobs

Property management and leasing roles teach compliance, tenant communications, and routine financial tasks like rent and expense entries. These roles are often available through property managers, apartment companies, and local real estate businesses and can be a reliable way to earn while you study for a license.

If you plan to move from leasing into sales, highlight lease administration, tenant screening and local market familiarity as directly transferable experience.

Small scale investing and on the job learning

Starting small with a partnership or a low cost renovation project can develop basic deal math and market research skills. Treat early projects as learning opportunities and keep records of assumed costs and outcomes to sharpen your analysis process.

Remember that representing clients in transactions still requires a license in most states, so use investing as a practical training ground rather than a license substitute.

typical costs and timing to get licensed

Estimate course fees, exam fees, fingerprinting or background check costs, and the initial license application fee when you budget to get started; many candidates report combined upfront costs that commonly range from several hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on state rules and course choices sample state page.

Course fees, exam and application costs

Prelicensing courses are offered in classroom, hybrid and online formats; prices vary by provider and depth of instruction, so compare what is included such as practice exams and instructor access before you enroll. Factor in exam fees and fingerprint or background check charges when you make a plan.

Save a modest buffer for extras such as study materials, retake fees if needed, and initial association or MLS fees if you plan to join immediately after licensing.

Timeframes from enrollment to license

Time to licensure depends on course schedule, exam availability and application processing. Intensive programs can take a few weeks, while part time study and busy exam calendars can stretch the process to several months industry how to guide.

Plan your schedule so you have time for study, practice tests, and broker interviews. Early planning reduces surprises and gives you clearer milestone dates.

core skills to build before and after you get licensed

Key transferable skills for new entrants include prospecting and sales, local market research, negotiation, basic finance for deal analysis, and networking; these skills are often listed as critical by industry guidance and labor profiles National Association of Realtors guidance.

Practice these skills through role play, short targeted courses, assistant tasks, and by reviewing local listings. Small, repeated exercises can produce steady improvement in outreach and deal reading without requiring prior experience.

Prospecting and sales basics

Prospecting is the work that builds pipeline: reach out to your sphere, ask for introductions, and practice short, clear messages that explain who you are and what you offer. Track attempts and follow ups to measure progress.

Early sales practice can be as simple as calling three past contacts each week, asking open questions, and recording where conversations lead. Small consistent steps matter more than infrequent bursts of activity.

Market research and deal math

Local market research means studying recent sales, active listings and days on market. Use public listing data and neighborhood reports to form a basic valuation sense and practice a simple cash flow or comparative market analysis for a few properties.

Basic finance concepts such as mortgage basics, down payment impacts, and simple rent versus buy calculations help you explain options to prospects and evaluate investor ideas.

Negotiation and networking

Negotiation is a practiced skill. Begin with role play and simple scripts for common scenarios like price discussions and inspection items. Peer feedback and mentorship shorten the learning curve.

Networking includes attending local events, meeting related professionals such as mortgage loan officers and contractors, and keeping brief notes on who you met and why follow up matters.

a 30/60/90 day starter plan for absolute beginners

First 30 days: enroll in required prelicensing classes or, if you prefer, start a support role while you study; schedule the state exam where possible and set up a simple CRM or contact list to capture everyone you meet Practical industry guide.

Begin a 30/60/90 outreach plan: week by week outreach targets, a short informational interview script, and simple metrics such as outreach attempts and conversations to track progress.

First 30 days: licensing and outreach

Week 1: verify your state real estate commission requirements, enroll in a prelicensing course, and list three people from your sphere to contact for informational calls. Week 2 to 4: complete coursework modules, start practice exams, and make weekly outreach calls to your sphere.

Schedule two broker interviews early so you understand sponsorship options ahead of licensing decisions and can compare training and split structures.

60 and 90 day measures: pipeline and skills

By day 60 you should have completed most coursework, continued outreach, and begun targeted skill practice like market summaries and listing reviews. Track metrics such as number of informational interviews and listings reviewed to gauge momentum NAR licensing guidance.

By day 90 expect a clearer view of your pipeline. If you are licensed, you should be focusing on lead follow up and pipeline hygiene. If you are in a support role, aim to expand responsibilities to include client contact and showing coordination.

how to choose a brokerage or team when you have no track record

When you have no track record, prioritize brokerages or teams that offer training, mentorship, and clear explanations of how leads are handled, rather than choosing only by the headline split number industry guide.

Ask specific interview questions about training cadence, mentorship, typical rookie support, desk fees, and how leads are distributed so you can compare tradeoffs objectively.

What to ask in interviews

Sample questions: what onboarding and training do new agents receive, how are leads generated and distributed, what are typical splits and fees, is mentorship formally assigned, and what tangible startup support is provided. Use answers to judge whether the brokerage shortens or lengthens your learning curve.

Compare responses across two or three broker interviews to see patterns. A lower split can be sensible if the brokerage provides strong training and regular leads; a high split with no training can cost time and money in the long run.

Comparing splits, training and support

Look for clarity in models. Some teams offer structured mentorship and regular coaching meetings. Others expect self direction and offer fewer supports. Align your choice with your learning needs and financial buffer during ramp up.

Ask about technology, marketing allowances, and whether you will have a chance to observe client interactions before you take on solo work.

tools and tech that speed up prospecting and organization

A simple CRM or even a well structured spreadsheet, combined with calendar reminders and email templates, is enough to keep early leads organized and ensure regular follow up.

Listing alert tools and market data feeds help you stay current on local inventory and price trends. Start with one system and make it your primary source for tracking contacts and tasks.

Set listing alerts for neighborhoods you study and review recent sales weekly to sharpen valuation skills. Use calendar blocks for prospecting and learning hours to protect time for both pipeline building and study.

Automate where possible, but keep the personal follow up manual. Personalized outreach is what builds trust and leads to introductions.

Basic CRM and contact management

Create fields for source of contact, last contact date, and next action. Use calendar reminders for follow up and keep short notes on each conversation so follow ups are personal and relevant.

Consistency beats complexity. If you can only maintain one source of truth, make it the CRM or the spreadsheet so you do not lose leads in scattered apps. See Power of CRM analytics for more.

Listing alerts, market data and calendaring

Set listing alerts for neighborhoods you study and review recent sales weekly to sharpen valuation skills. Use calendar blocks for prospecting and learning hours to protect time for both pipeline building and study.

Automate where possible, but keep the personal follow up manual. Personalized outreach is what builds trust and leads to introductions.

building a local network and your first lead sources

Start with your existing sphere: family, friends, past colleagues, and local contacts. A short, clear message that explains you are learning real estate and are available for simple help or market questions is a low pressure way to begin outreach Practical outreach guide.

Open houses, community events, and partnerships with related professionals such as mortgage loan officers or contractors are practical ways to meet prospects and collect contact details for follow up.

Sphere of influence outreach

Scripts: a short text or email that reintroduces you, mentions your new focus, and asks for introductions or permission to send helpful market updates. Practice the script and record responses to refine wording.

Measure outreach effectiveness by counting calls, replies, and meetings so you can double down on the most productive approaches.

Open houses and community events

Hosting or staffing open houses helps you practice client conversations and meet buyers and neighbors. Prepare a short information sheet and a clear sign up process so you can collect leads consistently.

Community volunteering and local events are low pressure ways to meet people and build a reputation in specific neighborhoods over time.

how market cycles affect early career earnings and opportunities

Earnings and hiring demand for agents vary with local housing market cycles, so early career timing can affect how quickly you generate commissions and how many listing opportunities exist in your area BLS occupation profile.

Because cycles matter, set process goals such as lead generation and skill practice rather than expecting immediate commissions. Consider part time or support roles to stabilize income while you build a pipeline.

Why local conditions matter

Markets differ by region and neighborhood. Track local inventory, average days on market and price trends so you understand seasonal and cyclical patterns and can tailor outreach accordingly.

Research local hiring trends and brokerage activity to find where demand is stronger and which property types are active in your area.

Managing expectations during slow markets

In slower markets focus on relationship building and education activities like client workshops or neighborhood reports. These actions maintain visibility and can produce leads when activity returns.

Budget a cushion and plan for a longer ramp up if your local market is quieter or if you enter during a downturn.

common mistakes beginners make and how to avoid them

Common errors include not verifying state requirements, underestimating startup costs, poor follow up on leads, and choosing a brokerage based only on splits; verify state rules early and budget for a buffer to avoid these missteps state licensing page.

Fixes: check your state real estate commission pages, set a follow up schedule, document calls and outcomes, and compare training and support when you interview brokerages.

Skipping licensing checks

Always confirm course hour requirements, accepted providers and exam procedures with your state commission before you pay for classes or schedule an exam. Rules change and the state page is the authoritative source.

Keep copies of receipts and confirmation emails to simplify any follow up with regulators or exam providers.

Ignoring lead follow up

Many beginners fail to track follow ups. Use a CRM or spreadsheet with next action dates and commit to a short daily follow up routine. That reduces lost leads and increases conversion chances over time.

Simple documentation turns missed opportunities into data you can learn from and improve.

practical scenarios: three beginner career paths and what to expect

Path A, licensed salesperson: day to day tasks include prospecting, showing, paperwork and negotiation. Early months focus on pipeline building; timeline to first commission varies with your market and activity levels BLS profile.

Path B, assistant to licensed agent: tasks include scheduling, client communication, paperwork and listing support. This path emphasizes steady work and learning while you build skills and contacts.

Path A: Licensed salesperson with full time focus

Months 1, 3 and 12: month 1 concentrate on licensing and outreach, month 3 expect clearer pipeline and more listing review, month 12 likely brings repeat clients and more efficient time use depending on market conditions.

Choose this path if you can devote full time effort and have a financial buffer for the ramp period.

Path B: Assistant to licensed agent

As an assistant you gain operational knowledge and client exposure with more predictable income. This can be especially valuable if you need steadier cash flow while you study or build a license.

Use the assistant role to ask for client-facing responsibilities as you gain competence so your resume better supports later applications or interviews.

Path C: Leasing or property management route

Leasing consultants and property managers work on tenant relations, renewals and maintenance coordination. These roles can provide steady income and teach lease law and local market details useful for a future sales role.

Consider this option if you want steadier pay while you build sales skills and local knowledge.

checklist: step by step actions to start in the next 90 days

Before week 1: verify your state real estate commission licensing steps, choose a prelicensing course, and list your initial sphere contacts to begin outreach. Confirm costs and timelines on the state page so you budget properly state licensing page.

Weeks 1 to 4: enroll in the course, schedule study blocks, make initial outreach calls, and interview at least two brokerages to compare training and sponsorship. Track outreach attempts and classes completed.

Before week 1

Task list: check state exam requirements, estimate costs, choose course format, and prepare a short outreach script for three people you will contact in week 1.

Build a simple contact sheet with fields for name, relation, last contact date and next action to keep follow up manageable.

Weeks 1 to 4

Task list: complete coursework modules, take practice exams, make weekly outreach calls to your sphere, and set two broker interview appointments. Record outcomes for each activity to measure progress.

Keep study and outreach blocks on your calendar to avoid letting either task slide as you juggle multiple priorities.

Months 2 and 3

Task list: sit for the state exam where possible, continue outreach, expand responsibilities in any assistant role, and track metrics such as outreach attempts, listings reviewed, and informational interviews.

By month 3 you should have a clearer sense of the path that fits you and whether to shift focus toward sales, continuing as an assistant, or leaning into leasing or management.

wrapping up: realistic next steps and how to keep learning

Before you commit, confirm exact licensing steps and fees with your state real estate commission and consult primary sources for scheduling and cost details; the state page is the definitive reference for requirements sample state page.

Keep practicing: track outreach, review listings regularly, seek feedback from mentors, and measure simple metrics such as calls made, conversations had and classes completed to guide small pivots.

What to measure and when to pivot

Measure inputs like outreach attempts and practice exams rather than short term income. If your metrics do not show improvement after several months, consider shifting to a support role or changing brokerages to find more structured training.

Set process goals and reassess every 30 to 90 days to keep expectations realistic and actions practical.

Where to verify rules and find primary sources

Primary sources include your state real estate commission, NAR guidance, and the BLS occupation profile for market context and job outlook. Check publication dates and use the state commission for authoritative fee and exam rules NAR guidance. A compiled state-by-state checklist is also available at VANED.

further reading and official resources

Check NAR for national guidance, your state DRE or licensing page for exact requirements, and the BLS occupational profile for market and earnings context to form a complete picture of licensing and career expectations BLS profile.

Use primary sources to confirm fees, exam details and timeline before you pay for courses or schedule exams.

Check NAR for national guidance, your state DRE or licensing page for exact requirements, and the BLS occupational profile for market and earnings context to form a complete picture of licensing and career expectations NAR guidance.

Use primary sources to confirm fees, exam details and timeline before you pay for courses or schedule exams.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.