If you want to be an independent business person and work your own hours, this may be the career for you.

“I know women who are making well over a million dollars a year in commission. I know women who are making less than $30,000 or $40,000,” observes Ann DeFries, a Florida realtor, President of Ft. Lauderdale’s Realtor’s Association and National Board Member for the Women’s Council of Realtors.

Realtors selling commercial and residential properties usually receive a commission-based salary. They provide clients assistance in understanding complex paperwork, determining the right price for a property and advice in preparing and/or fixing a home for sale. Some realtors work for real estate developers, agencies or for themselves. Others are rental property managers, meaning they sell units in apartment buildings.

HOW YOU CAN BECOME A REALTOR

Get a high school or college diploma.
The only educational requirement is a high school diploma but the National Association of Realtors estimates that 45% of all agents have some college experience. Doga Hays, a new Las Vegas-area realtor who earned an MA in Social and Public Policy and a certificate in Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies before she decided to become a realtor says, “[Even] with my educational background, this field was a challenge for me,” she says.

Earn a state license.
Federal law states that realtors must be at least 18 years of age and must have their GED or high school diploma. In addition, the Real Estate Commission in each state sets additional educational and licensing criteria. Courses typically consist of 30 to 90 hours of study and are offered by the Board of Realtors, community colleges, universities and real estate schools. Costs range from $199 to $400.