Thinking of becoming a real estate agent but unsure if it’s the right fit? Maybe you’ve heard it’s an “easy way to make money” or that the career requires no sales skills. While the real estate industry offers unique opportunities and career growth, it’s also brimming with misconceptions that can mislead aspiring agents.
This blog will shed light on nine common misconceptions about being a real estate agent—and the realities behind them. Whether you’re an aspiring agent based in California or considering real estate as a part-time gig, this guide will provide clarity on common real estate misconceptions, actionable insights, and inspiration for your next steps into real estate.
Key Takeaways
- Myth #1: Real estate agents make quick money.
- Reality: Building a successful career takes time, hard work, and persistence, especially in the beginning.
- Myth #2: Agents don’t need to market themselves.
- Reality: Personal branding and marketing are crucial for standing out and attracting clients in a competitive field.
- Myth #3: It’s just about showing houses.
- Reality: The job includes contracts, negotiations, analysis, and behind-the-scenes tasks beyond property tours.
- Myth #4: You need to be extroverted to succeed.
- Reality: Relationship-building and problem-solving are more important than personality type.
- Myth #5: Real estate is an “easy” career.
- Reality: Maintaining and growing your business requires discipline, continued education, and constant effort.
- Myth #6: You don’t need any training to start.
- Reality: A license is just the starting point; agents need comprehensive knowledge and ongoing education to thrive.
- Myth #7: It’s all about individual success.
- Reality: Collaboration with brokers, contractors, and other industry professionals is necessary for long-term success.
- Myth #8: Real estate agents aren’t “sellers.”
- Reality: Real estate is a sales-focused business, requiring agents to master closing deals while providing excellent service.
- Myth #9: It’s hard to compete with big-name agents.
- Reality: Clients value personalized service, attention, and expertise more than brand recognition.
Myth #1: Real Estate Agents Make Quick Money
The Myth
It’s often said that real estate agents make big money fast by selling homes. In fact, you may have seen TikTok videos showing new agents making hundreds of thousands in commissions in their first year.
The Reality
The truth? Success in real estate takes time, effort, and persistence. New agents, in particular, face the challenge of building a network, marketing themselves, and establishing trust with clients. It often takes months (or longer) to see significant income from commissions. Those who thrive do so because they consistently hustle and build long-term relationships.
Still – an average starting salary for a real estate agent in California is based on the percentage of the sale price of the property. Since the average home value is $784,840, you don’t have to sell many properties to make a good income.
Tip for Aspiring Agents: To get off to a great start, invest in quality education and find great mentors. Allied Schools’ pre-licensing courses are a great foundation for future success.
Myth #2: Real Estate Agents Don’t Need to Market Themselves
The Myth
Many believe that real estate agents can simply rely on their brokerage, word-of-mouth referrals, or client inquiries without much need for personal marketing.
The Reality
While brokerages may provide some marketing support, successful agents build their own personal brands. This includes creating an online presence, networking, and showcasing their expertise to potential clients. Marketing is essential for standing out in a competitive market and attracting leads. Today’s real estate agents must act as their own marketing managers.
Smart Strategy for Success: Start building your brand early by creating a strong online profile, investing in photography for your listings, and learning about digital marketing tools that generate leads.
Myth #3: It’s Just About Showing Houses
The Myth
Many people think real estate agents spend their days driving clients to beautiful homes and occasionally signing paperwork. The ubiquitous image of a real estate agent handing keys to new owners does nothing to fight this stereotype.
The Reality
Looking at properties is only a small part of an agent’s job. Most of your time is spent behind the scenes handling contracts, negotiations, market analyses, and follow-ups. Effective real estate professionals have different skill sets in marketing, finance, and client management.
Actionable Step: Preparing for the comprehensive responsibilities of real estate is key.
Myth #4: You Need to Be Extroverted to Succeed
The Myth
Real estate sounds like a job for social butterflies. Networking events, constant client interaction, and selling skills seem tailored for extroverts.
The Reality
Success in real estate is more about relationship-building and problem-solving than being outgoing. Introverts often excel because they focus on listening and creating meaningful connections with clients. Empathy and understanding are far more important than personality types.
Pro Tip: Whether you’re an extrovert or introvert, advance your skills by enrolling in courses that enhance communication and interpersonal strategies.
Myth #5: Real Estate Is an “Easy” Career
The Myth
Some believe becoming a real estate agent is a simple process—get a license, start working, and enjoy job perks like a lucrative income and easy tasks.
The Reality
While obtaining your license is straightforward compared to many career paths, maintaining and growing your career is no walk in the park. Real estate involves marketing your personal brand, nurturing leads, continuing education, handling competitive markets, and more. It requires dedication, discipline, and patience.
Takeaway: Enroll in a comprehensive pre-licensing program like Allied Schools to prepare for licensing and be industry-ready.
Myth #6: You Don’t Need Any Training to Start
The Myth
Anyone can jump into real estate without any real preparation besides getting a license.
The Reality
A license is the bare minimum. To be an effective agent, you’ll need to understand your local market, sales techniques, real estate technology, and negotiation strategies.
Next Step for Aspiring Agents: Seek brokerages that offer mentorship and training that set you on a course for success.
Myth #7: It’s All About Individual Success
The Myth
Aspiring agents envision real estate as a solo career where accomplishments are theirs alone.
The Reality
Real estate is highly collaborative. Successful agents often work with brokers, team members, and industry partners. Even independent agents rely on a network to thrive—from photographers to contractors to staging experts.
Advice: Surround yourself with trusted professionals and join industry groups to enhance your collaborative skills.
Myth #8: Real Estate Agents Aren’t “Sellers”
The Myth
“I’m not a salesperson; I just help people find their dream home!” It’s common to hear agents frame their role as less about selling and more about finding the right match.
The Reality
Real estate is undoubtedly a sales-focused business. Whether it’s selling a home at market value or ensuring clients find a property within budget, you’re a salesperson tasked with closing deals while providing excellent service.
Pro Tip: Mastering soft sales techniques is key to balancing being helpful without being pushy.
Myth #9: It’s Hard to Compete With Big-Name Agents
The Myth
New agents often feel they can’t possibly compete with industry veterans or big-name agents dominating their markets.
The Reality
While brand recognition matters, clients value personalized service above all else. Many prefer working with someone who listens, communicates often, and offers tailored advice over larger agencies that may feel impersonal.
Encouragement: Focus on your unique strengths, whether it’s local knowledge, attentive service, or tech-savviness.
Build Your Real Estate Career Today
Understanding the realities of being a real estate agent helps set realistic expectations and equips you for long-term success. Whether in California or beyond, entering the real estate world offers immense rewards—but only when backed by the right knowledge, skills, and preparation.
Are you wondering if you should become an agent? Enroll in pre-licensing courses with Allied Schools today and start your path to becoming a licensed real estate professional.
