Meet Hannah McArdle. Hannah has a background in child development, elementary education, and instructional design. She attended Eastern Kentucky University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She went on to work with children in a variety of capacities as she pursued her Master of Education in Learning and Technology.
How Hard is it to Become a Real Estate Agent?
There are a lot of benefits to becoming a real estate agent. One of my favorite perks is the ability to make your own schedule. There’s no need to clock in and out, you create your schedule based on when you’re needed and when you have availability. Another pro is that you have an unlimited income potential. You choose how much you want to work and of course the more you work, the more money you can make! You should also think of the impact this career has on your clients. You are making dreams come true! Guiding people through one of the largest purchases they will ever make and watching them begin their homeownership journey can be very rewarding. All of that sounds great, right? But that also brings a question to your mind; “how hard is it to become a real estate agent?”
Let's discuss 5 topics that impact how difficult it is to obtain your real estate license:
- Accessibility
- Level of Difficulty
- Course Material
- Self-Determination
- Self-Evaluation
Accessibility
One of the beautiful things about the post Covid shutdown era, is the availability of good quality online learning. Online learning is intimidating for some, but you’d be surprised how easily it can fit into your lifestyle. At Perry Real Estate College (PREC), we offer courses that are 100% online, which means you never have to show up in person! Our courses are also self-paced. That means you are in charge of when you learn. If you’re a night owl, you could work on your course at 3 a.m. if you wanted! With our course model you decide when and where you work! We also provide support 7 days a week, so you are able to talk to a real person any day you need help! Our courses have repeatedly offered a new career path for anyone who is interest in the field of real estate despite the many things that may be going on in your life, including a full-time job.
Level of Difficulty
You may be wondering what the pre-license course is like. Is it hard? Do I need to do math?! I can tell you that you will have to put some work in to become a real estate agent. The amount of work you need to put into the course depends on your location. For example, in Kentucky, you must pass a 96-hour pre-license course before you can take the licensure exam, while in Kansas, you are required to take a 60 hour pre-license course, which is split up before and after you complete the licensure exam. Regardless of location, there WILL be math. Many of you may have audibly groaned after reading that sentence, but math is important in this career. You need to be able to calculate closing costs, square footage, your commission.
Course Material
There are many more ways math will be used in the field, but those are a few examples of things you will be asked to do. But don’t worry, there are lots of resources to help you brush up on your math skills! The Khan Academy is a free resource that I have found extremely helpful when I’m stuck and cannot figure out how to solve a problem. There are also a lot of free videos you can use on YouTube. The Real Estate Classroom has videos dedicated to real estate math problems. The thought of doing math can be intimidating, but there are many resources across the internet to help you to use these equations like a professional.
Self-Determination
While PREC has made the certification course much more accessible for you, there are some things you will need to bring to the table in order to be successful in this business. One of the most essential characteristics you must possess is self-motivation. This skill is something you will need while completing your course and throughout your real estate career. The prospect of no boss sounds freeing, but in this business, if you don’t have self-motivation to get you going, you won’t make money. Successful agents are motivated to reach out to current and future clients, other agents, and many other real estate professionals to advance themselves professionally.
The home buying experience varies wildly upon the quality of the buyer’s real estate agent. It’s up to you to create a pleasant experience and no one is going to do it for you! Client referrals can generate a lot of business for you if you can create a positive experience. For some ideas on how to stay motivated in your career, read our blog Business Planning for Real Estate Professionals. For tips on how to manage yourself while taking an online course, visit Purdue University’s website.
Self-Evaluation
Real Estate isn’t the field for everyone, you should reflect on your personality and motivation level before starting this journey. However, if you feel that you are self-motivated, you have a drive to help people, and can see yourself enjoying the social aspect of drumming up new business and maintaining relationships with previous clients, then this could be the career for you!
About the Author, Hannah M.
Recent Posts
Are you ready to become a full-time real estate agent? The first thing you need to evaluate is—what does being a part-time agent currently look like for you? Every real estate business is different, and before making the leap to full-time, it’s important to assess whether you’re truly prepared for this next step.
If you’re a licensed real estate agent, you already know that your education doesn’t stop once you pass the exam. Continuing Education (CE) is a crucial part of maintaining your license, but it’s also an opportunity to grow in your career. Every state has its own CE requirements, so it’s essential to stay informed and compliant with your local laws to avoid penalties or even losing your license.
Let’s start by making one thing clear: not all real estate schools are the same. There are different types of programs, and the one that’s best for you depends on how you learn best. Some schools offer in-person classes, where you attend scheduled lectures in a classroom setting. Others provide fully online courses, allowing you to study at your own pace from anywhere. Some programs have live virtual sessions at set times, while others are entirely self-guided. Choosing the right school isn’t just about availability, it’s about finding a format that fits you.
Everyone thinks they know what it takes to get a real estate license and what life is like as a real estate agent. Thanks to social media, the profession often appears fast-paced, glamorous, and full of excitement. However, the reality of the job is quite different from the image portrayed online.
The first 30 days of your real estate career can set the tone for years to come. By taking the right technical steps, building relationships, establishing your brand, and focusing on networking, you’ll be well on your way to finding success. Remember: consistency and perseverance are key. Now go out there and find your first client—you’ve got this! Check back to the Career Corner for more new agent insights!
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