Real Estate Agent: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

Discover the earning potential and career opportunities for Real Estate Agents, with insights into average commissions, market factors, and essential skills for success.

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What Does a Real Estate Agent do?

A Real Estate Agent facilitates the buying and selling of properties for clients by assessing market conditions, listing properties, conducting property showings, and negotiating deals. They serve as intermediaries between buyers and sellers, providing guidance, conducting market analysis, and ensuring all parties are informed throughout the transactions.

Real Estate Agents also work closely with mortgage brokers, home inspectors, and other real estate professionals to ensure a smooth transaction process.

They are experts in local real estate markets and adhere to a strict code of ethics to provide the best service possible, maintaining a professional demeanor and keeping client interests at the forefront.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Real Estate Agents in the Real Estate field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

  • List and sell residential or commercial properties by advertising, hosting open houses, and conducting property tours.
  • Advise clients on market conditions, prices, mortgages, and legal requirements.
  • Negotiate property sale terms between buyers and sellers and draft real estate contracts.
  • Facilitate communication between buyers, sellers, and additional parties to ensure successful closings.
  • Maintain and update listings of available properties.
  • Develop networks and cooperate with attorneys, mortgage lenders, and contractors.
  • Promote sales through advertisements, open houses, and participation in multiple listing services.

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How to Become a Real Estate Agent

Launching a career as a Real Estate Agent requires a specific education. We outline the essential qualifications, skills, and steps to enter this field.

Qualification

  • High school diploma required; a bachelor’s degree in real estate, business administration, or related field is advantageous.
  • State-issued real estate agent or broker license.
  • Proven working experience as a real estate agent or real estate salesperson.
  • Knowledge of real estate market and best practices.
  • Good understanding of marketing and promotional strategies.

Requirements & Skills

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; strong sales mentality.
  • Strong negotiation skills and an intuitive sense about the real estate market.
  • Ability to work independently combined with excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Strong sales, marketing, and negotiation skills.
  • Capability to work under pressure and meet quotas and deadlines.

Real Estate Agent Salary Guide

Wondering what Real Estate Agents earn? Explore salary ranges by experience, and career tips to maximize your earning potential.

Job Branch Avg. US Salary
Real Estate Agent Real Estate 75,000 USD

The average salary for a Real Estate Agent in the U.S. is approximately $75,000 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Real Estate Agents may receive a wide range of benefits.

Real Estate Agent Salary Career Steps


Level Experience Avg. Salary per Year
Veteran20+ years$93,750
Senior11+ years$82,500
Experienced6-10 years$75,000
Mid Level3-5 years$67,500
Entry Level0-2 years$56,250

How much can you earn as a Real Estate Agent?

Explore verified salary insights and compensation trends across different countries.

How to Advance Your Career

Real Estate Agents can advance to become Real Estate Brokers, owning their own agencies or managing teams of agents. They may also specialize in specific types of properties, such as commercial real estate or luxury homes. Further education and certification in areas like property management or real estate investment can open additional career opportunities.

Typical Work Environment

Real Estate Agents often work out of offices but spend a significant amount of time traveling to properties, meeting with clients, and attending networking events. Their work hours can extend into evenings and weekends, especially when accommodating clients’ schedules. The role requires a high level of social interaction and mobility.

Content Verification Note

This profile for a Real Estate Agent is compiled using a hybrid approach: Core data is sourced from the BLS and Payscale, synthesized via AI for structure, and manually verified by our editorial team for accuracy.

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