If you’ve been considering a career as a real estate agent, you might be asking yourself, “Is it even worth it in 2025?” The real estate industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, and navigating these shifts can feel overwhelming. In this article, I’m going to break down the latest developments, advancements in technology, and the main pros and cons affecting real estate agents in 2025.

As someone with over 10 years of experience in the industry, I’ll give you an honest perspective on whether becoming a real estate agent in 2025 is still a worthwhile path—or if you might be better off exploring other opportunities.

Before diving into the challenges, though, let’s start with the positives. Over the years, being a real estate agent has offered me some amazing advantages, and I’ll share the key benefits you should consider before making your decision. Ready to find out if this career is the right fit for you? Let’s get started.

The Pros of Becoming a Real Estate Agent in 2025

1.  The Income Potential 

For many aspiring real estate professionals, the biggest draw to becoming a real estate agent is the potential for substantial income. This career offers the opportunity to earn a wide range of incomes, from meager earnings to life-changing wealth. It is important for you to recognize that the income potential varies greatly and depends on factors like experience, effort, and market conditions.

Looking back at 2024, many agents struggled to make a significant income, while others thrived, earning multiple six figures. I personally know agents who achieved incredible financial success last year. For those at the top of their game—rockstar agents with a solid book of business, years of experience, and a relentless work ethic—seven-figure incomes are even attainable, particularly in high-demand markets.

What makes this career so attractive is that it allows you, to a large extent, to control your earnings. With a relatively low barrier to entry and startup costs, real estate offers a chance to build a business that aligns with your goals. However, it’s not a get-rich-quick scheme; success in this field requires hard work, persistence, and dedication.

If you’re willing to hustle, continuously learn, and put in the effort, a career in real estate could be a lucrative and rewarding path for you.

2.  The Flexibility and Independence 

One of the standout advantages of being a real estate agent is the flexibility and independence it offers. Unlike a traditional 9-to-5 job, this career gives you the freedom to set your own hours, be your own boss, and design a lifestyle that works for you. For many, this is one of the biggest draws to entering the industry.

That said, it’s important to have realistic expectations about how flexibility evolves as you grow your business. When starting out, you may have more control over your schedule, but as your client base grows and your workload increases, your time becomes less your own. Clients rely on you to be available for questions, property showings, and negotiations. Without efficient systems, processes, or a support team—such as assistants or showing agents—your flexibility may diminish with your success.

However, even with the demands of a growing business, the independence real estate offers is hard to match. Compared to the constraints of a traditional job, this career still provides a greater sense of freedom and the ability to shape your work-life balance. With proper planning and time management, you can build a thriving real estate business while maintaining a lifestyle you love.

3.Technology

A major advantage of being a real estate agent in 2025 is the remarkable progress in technology and innovative tools. Compared to the industry a decade ago, the tools available today are more powerful, efficient, and user-friendly, allowing agents to scale their businesses faster and manage more clients with ease.

From AI-powered CRMs that help you organize and automate client interactions to platforms that generate personalized property websites instantly, technology has revolutionized how real estate agents operate. Tools like Facebook Ads and Google Ads make it easier than ever to generate leads, while advanced prospecting tools, such as power dialers, streamline outreach efforts.

These innovations empower agents to provide a better experience for clients, handle larger volumes of business, and scale operations in ways that were impossible just a few years ago. Whether it's through automated marketing campaigns, virtual property tours, or leveraging data analytics to understand market trends, technology has transformed real estate into a more dynamic and efficient industry.

While there are challenges associated with keeping up with rapid tech advancements, the opportunities for growth and improved service make it a significant pro for those ready to embrace it.

4.  Job Satisfaction

Job satisfaction is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a real estate agent, as it comes from helping people achieve their dreams of homeownership or finding the perfect investment property. Real estate isn't just about buying and selling properties; it's about guiding clients through one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. As an agent, you have the opportunity to make a profound difference in this journey, ensuring that clients achieve their goals and avoid costly mistakes.

In a market where many agents lack proper training or fail to prioritize exceptional service, providing top-notch support can set you apart. By being knowledgeable, proactive, and client-focused, you can deliver an experience that leaves a lasting positive impact. It's not just about closing deals—it's about building trust, resolving challenges, and celebrating with clients when they achieve their dreams.

While the process can be stressful at times, with unexpected issues and heightened emotions, the payoff is worth it. Closing day becomes a moment of pride, knowing that your expertise and dedication helped someone navigate a complex process successfully. The gratitude and appreciation clients express make all the effort worthwhile, offering a unique sense of fulfillment that few careers can match.

The Cons of Becoming a Real Estate Agent in 2025

1.  Market Conditions: The Unpredictable Reality

One of the most significant challenges of being a real estate agent is dealing with unpredictable market conditions. This is a factor that you have little to no control over, and it can greatly influence your success in the industry. For instance, if interest rates double within a year, it can drastically slow down the market, affecting your ability to close deals despite your hard work.

The real estate market is subject to external forces such as economic shifts, legislative changes, and even global events. These factors can create periods of uncertainty where success feels harder to achieve, no matter how much effort you put in. It’s a tough reality that agents must navigate.

However, it’s important to note that success is still possible, even in challenging markets. The truth is, many agents fail not because of market conditions, but because they don’t put in the work to develop the necessary skills or stay consistent. While a staggering number of agents—rumored to be over 74% in 2024—didn’t sell a single home, others thrived, selling dozens of properties through perseverance and strategy.

Market conditions may not be in your control, but how you adapt to them is. With the right mindset, skills, and work ethic, you can succeed regardless of the external environment. The key is to focus on what you can control and not let uncertainty deter you from reaching your goals.

2.  Competition: The Truth About the Real Estate Industry

Competition in real estate is undeniable, and the industry is often seen as oversaturated. With thousands of agents in even the smallest markets, it might feel daunting to stand out. For example, in the smallest state in the U.S., there are 6,000–7,500 agents actively licensed, which creates the impression of a crowded field. If this were any other business—like opening a coffee shop or an auto repair service in an area with thousands of similar businesses—it might seem impossible to succeed.

However, here’s the reality: most of your competition isn’t truly competing. Many agents in those overwhelming numbers are part-time, lack direction, or treat real estate as a secondary source of income. Some don’t invest the time or energy into learning the business, developing skills, or serving their clients effectively.

This creates a unique opportunity for driven, full-time agents. If you’re willing to put in the effort, continuously learn, and treat this as a serious business, you’ll stand out quickly. The competition, while numerous on paper, is often "asleep at the wheel," leaving the door open for those willing to hustle.

Success in real estate is not just about entering the industry—it’s about standing out through commitment, professionalism, and hard work. When you focus on these areas, the seemingly saturated market becomes a landscape of untapped potential.

3.  No Guaranteed Income: The Reality of Commission-Based Work

The absence of a guaranteed income is one of the most challenging aspects of launching a career in real estate. When I first entered the industry, I was filled with excitement, but that quickly gave way to the reality of dwindling funds. Many new agents experience this fear, counting down the months before they might have to return to a 9-to-5 job just to stay afloat.

Real estate is a 100% commission-based industry, meaning your income is directly tied to your ability to close deals. This uncertainty can be intimidating, especially when combined with the upfront expenses that agents often shoulder. Costs like professional photography, signage, and other listing-related expenses can quickly add up, leaving some agents financially strained.

That said, there are ways to mitigate these challenges. Joining a real estate team or affiliating with a brokerage that covers some of these costs can provide a safety net, particularly for new agents. However, in most cases, you’re fully responsible for generating your own income and managing expenses.

While this lack of a steady paycheck can be nerve-wracking, it’s also what makes real estate so rewarding. The industry offers limitless income potential because you’re entirely in control of your earnings. By honing your skills, working hard, and consistently finding clients, you can "write your own paycheck." Embrace the responsibility and focus on building your business—because with the risk comes immense opportunity.

4.  Work-Life Balance: A Double-Edged Sword

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is a challenge in the real estate industry. Many people enter the industry with the dream of being their own boss and setting their own schedule. While this flexibility can be liberating, the reality often looks very different—especially as you find success.

Handling multiple clients, juggling weekend showings, and being on-call at all hours can quickly lead to burnout. Until you reach a point where you can hire help, such as showing agents or assistants, the workload can be overwhelming. For new agents, this hustle can be exciting and even motivating. But as your career progresses, the lack of balance may become frustrating.

The good news is that there are ways to regain control of your time. Scaling your business with systems, hiring a team, or even specializing in a particular niche can help streamline operations. Alternatively, you can explore building long-term wealth through real estate investment.

In my experience, investing in rental properties has been a game-changer. Not only does it provide recurring income, but it also creates long-term wealth as property values tend to increase over time. Many agents I’ve worked with have built multi-million-dollar portfolios by reinvesting their earnings into real estate, creating financial stability and freedom.

Ultimately, balancing the demands of real estate with personal life requires intentionality. Whether you scale your business or diversify into investments, the goal is to create a sustainable career that supports your lifestyle and financial goals.

Is It Worth It?

If, after all the pros and cons, you're still interested in becoming a real estate agent, the next step is to get your license. It’s not a complicated process, but it does require commitment and preparation. First, you'll need to complete your pre-licensing education, which is essential to understanding the basics of real estate. I’ve partnered with Colibri Real Estate to provide you with access to high-quality education, and they offer discounts for using this link.

Once you’ve completed your classes, you’ll need to pass your real estate exam. Don’t worry—it’s all about preparation! After passing the exam, the next step is finding a sponsoring broker. This is an important part of your journey as they’ll guide you through the start of your career. You'll also need to complete a background check and submit your license application. Once everything is in order, you'll be ready to begin selling real estate.

If you’re not 100% sure that being an agent is right for you, there are other real estate career options. You could look into property management, appraisals, or home inspections, which often have separate licensing requirements. House flipping can also be a lucrative option, and in most states, you don’t need a real estate license for that. However, if you plan to sell homes and help clients, you’ll need that agent's license.

Is it still worth it to become a real estate agent in 2025? Absolutely! Real estate is a fantastic business to get into, offering flexibility and the potential for growth. Whether you plan to use the cash flow to invest in properties, launch your own business, or even scale your real estate sales, the opportunities are endless.

Watch my full video on this here: