Real Estate Sales Agents
Real estate sales agents help clients buy, sell, or rent properties. They study listings, meet with prospective clients, show properties, negotiate terms, and prepare contracts. Most work in real estate offices, though some are self-employed. The role involves field work visiting properties and office time managing transactions.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against real estate sales agents and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week includes reviewing property listings and market data, meeting clients to understand their needs, scheduling and conducting property showings, negotiating offers and counteroffers, and preparing or reviewing contracts. Agents coordinate with other professionals like inspectors and lenders, follow up with clients by phone and email, and attend meetings with brokers. Evening and weekend hours are common to accommodate client schedules.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECS. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
This work suits people who enjoy persuading and organizing others to reach goals—the enterprising interest. You'll also need strong attention to detail and comfort with rules and procedures—the conventional interest. Success requires initiative, communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple clients and transactions simultaneously.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $44,180 | $123,770 | $123,770 | 590 |
| New York | $58,030 | $102,990 | $156,810 | 8,660 |
| New Jersey | $63,000 | $99,990 | $111,990 | — |
| Alaska | $71,390 | $89,170 | $103,540 | 170 |
| Nevada | $46,740 | $79,990 | $106,190 | 1,490 |
| Washington | $63,010 | $79,130 | $100,360 | 5,150 |
| Montana | $67,590 | $79,100 | $91,170 | 370 |
| New Mexico | $56,880 | $76,170 | $111,390 | 550 |
| North Dakota | $38,200 | $73,920 | $91,120 | — |
| South Dakota | $47,960 | $65,170 | $77,070 | 640 |
| Virginia | $43,120 | $63,980 | $94,050 | 5,750 |
| Colorado | $37,040 | $63,670 | $95,360 | 6,120 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Inside Sales Agent Certification — Residential Real Estate Council
- Residential Real Estate Divorce Specialist Certification — Residential Real Estate Council
- Residential Real Estate Probate Specialist Certification — Residential Real Estate Council
- Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB) — Real Estate Business Institute
- Certified New Home Sales Professional (CSP) — National Association of Home Builders
- Real Estate Investing Certification — Residential Real Estate Council
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against real estate sales agents and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 41-9022.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.