Thinking of a career in real estate? Here's what most people don’t see.

Unless you have a real estate agent in your family (and many families do), you probably don’t have a realistic idea of what the career actually involves. It’s not just about sticking a “For Sale” sign on the lawn, posting a few photos on social media, and watching offers roll in. That’s Hollywood, not real life.

One of the draws of real estate is that it’s not a 9 to 5 job. But make no mistake, the agents who excel treat it like a 24/7 commitment.

Real estate is a sales career. And sales means rejection. If you take rejection personally, this may not be the right path for you.

Buying or selling a home is often the biggest financial decision a person will make, and it’s emotional. The best agents understand that. They’re empathetic, patient, and calm under pressure. If empathy doesn’t come naturally to you, this career will wear you out.

There’s also no predictability. The market shifts. Interest rates rise and fall. You might list a home with no competition, only to see 10 similar listings pop up the next week. Flexibility isn’t optional, it’s essential.

In your early years, your success will depend heavily on the quality of your training, your Broker, and your Manager. Don’t be swayed by fancy titles or degrees. Choose a brokerage that invests in your growth, not just your commission split.

If you love competition, you’ll love this business. Every day, you’re competing for listings, clients, and results. If that doesn’t energize you, it’s probably not a fit.

Finally, I’ll leave you with a piece of advice from one of my co-founders:

As a real estate agent, you’re not an employee. You are the business. Not everyone will like you. That’s okay. Focus on doing the work well, and the right people will find you.