Getting Started in Real Estate
Getting started in real estate can feel exciting, confusing, and overwhelming all at the same time. Whether you are just exploring the career, choosing a real estate school, preparing for your exam, or thinking about brokerage options, this guide will help you find the right next step.
Where are you in the journey?
Quick Summary: Getting Started in Real Estate
This Getting Started in Real Estate guide helps future agents understand the major stages of becoming a real estate professional, including licensing, real estate education, exams, brokerage selection, and ongoing career development. It also connects you to helpful resources based on where you are in the process.
What Does a Real Estate Agent Actually Do?
A real estate agent helps people navigate buying, selling, and sometimes investing in real estate. Agents help clients understand the market, review options, prepare offers, communicate through a transaction, coordinate details, and guide people through important decisions.
Real estate can be rewarding, but it also requires consistency, communication, learning, organization, and the ability to take initiative. Getting started in real estate is not just about earning a license. It is about preparing to serve people well while building a business.
Getting Started in Real Estate: Choose Your Path
Everyone enters real estate from a different place. Some people are just curious. Some are ready to enroll in school. Some have already passed the exam. Use the sections below to find the resource that best fits your current stage.
I’m Just Exploring Real Estate
If you are still deciding whether real estate is right for you, start by learning what the career involves and what the licensing process looks like in your state.
Read the Minnesota Real Estate License Guide →I Need to Choose a Real Estate School
If you are ready to begin education, compare learning formats, scheduling options, state approval, and support before choosing a school.
Learn How to Choose a Real Estate School →I’m Preparing for the Real Estate Exam
If you are studying or preparing for the exam, focus on consistency, review, practice, and understanding what comes after passing.
See What Comes After the Exam →I Passed My Real Estate Exam
If you passed the exam, your next steps may include licensing, brokerage selection, market learning, goal setting, and building your first-year plan.
Read the New Agent Next Steps Guide →Is Getting Started in Real Estate Right for You?
Real estate is not the same as a traditional job. For many agents, it is closer to building a business. You may need to create your own schedule, build relationships, learn your local market, follow up consistently, and keep improving your skills over time.
If you enjoy helping people, learning, solving problems, communicating, and taking ownership of your growth, real estate may be worth exploring. The key is understanding the process before you jump in and making sure you choose the right education, support, and brokerage environment for your goals.
Hi, I’m Anthony Simmons
I’m Anthony Simmons, a Minnesota Realtor with eXp Realty. I created this resource section because I know how many questions can come up when someone is first exploring real estate. From choosing a school to passing the exam to figuring out what brokerage environment fits best, the early stages can feel like a lot.
My goal is to be a practical resource for future agents and growing agents who want clear information, simple next steps, and a better understanding of how to build a real estate business with intention.
If you're exploring real estate and simply want a resource as you navigate the process, feel free to save my contact information for future reference.
Anthony Simmons
507-363-1089
Why I Chose eXp Realty for My Business
If you are getting started in real estate, one of the biggest decisions you will eventually make is which brokerage environment fits your goals. I chose eXp Realty because I was drawn to the training, collaboration, technology, cloud-based model, and the ability to build locally while staying connected to a larger network of agents.
Every agent’s situation is different, so I always encourage people to ask questions, compare models, and think about what type of support and growth opportunities matter most to them.
Related Resources for Getting Started in Real Estate
How to Get a Real Estate License in Minnesota
Learn the general steps for education, exam preparation, brokerage decisions, and starting a real estate career in Minnesota.
Read the Minnesota Guide →How to Choose a Real Estate School
Compare online, live, self-paced, and hybrid learning options before choosing a real estate education provider.
Read the School Guide →Passed Your Real Estate Exam?
Learn what comes next after the exam, including licensing, brokerage selection, first-year goals, and business planning.
Read the Next Steps Guide →Getting Started in Real Estate FAQs
How do I get started in real estate?
Getting started in real estate usually begins with learning your state’s licensing requirements, choosing a real estate school, completing required education, passing the exam, and choosing a brokerage environment that fits your goals.
Do I need real estate school to become an agent?
Most states require real estate licensing education before taking the licensing exam. Requirements vary by state, so future agents should verify current rules with the appropriate licensing authority.
Can I start real estate part-time?
Some agents begin part-time while learning the business, but real estate still requires consistency, communication, education, and time dedicated to building relationships and serving clients well.
What should I do after passing the real estate exam?
After passing the real estate exam, future agents often need to complete licensing steps, choose a brokerage, learn their local market, and create a plan for their first year in real estate.
What is the hardest part of getting started in real estate?
For many new agents, the hardest part is not the education itself. It is building consistency, learning the market, creating relationships, choosing the right support system, and treating real estate like a business.
Educational Information Notice
The information provided on this page is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, licensing, tax, financial, brokerage, or compliance advice. Real estate licensing requirements, brokerage policies, and regulations can vary by state and may change over time. Always verify current requirements with the appropriate licensing authorities, brokerage leadership, legal professionals, or other qualified advisors before making decisions related to your real estate career.
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Follow along for real estate business tips, agent growth content, eXp Realty resources, local Minnesota real estate updates, and modern systems for building a stronger real estate career.
Anthony Simmons is a Minnesota Realtor with eXp Realty. This page is for educational purposes and is designed to help future agents understand the process of getting started in real estate.