Yes, it’s true! Forbes magazine labeled real estate agents the happiest profession a few years back. And now The Resume Coach claims happy realtors are among the 5 happiest jobs in America. There are many happy professions to choose from, but real estate ranks right up there.
There are several reasons why realtors are the happiest in America today. A real estate agent is a licensed professional who helps clients buy, sell, or rent property.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Forbes and The Resume Coach have listed real estate among the happiest careers, with realtors ranking high in job happiness.
- Real estate agents report higher happiness due to schedule control, flexible workdays, and income tied to effort.
- Many agents prefer working with a broker for guidance while maintaining day-to-day independence.
- Helping buyers and sellers through major life changes is a common source of job satisfaction for agents.
- Becoming a licensed real estate agent can take weeks to a few months, with education and exam requirements that vary by state.
Real Estate Sales – The Happiest Profession Today
The average real estate agent or broker earns just over $100,000 a year, according to Indeed, but the top earners earn over $200,000 a year.
- Control over schedule.
- Supportive brokers.
- Flexibility for family life.
- The satisfaction of helping people.
- Self-motivation is tied to commission-based work.
5 Reasons Why Real Estate Agents Are Happy at a Real Estate Agency
1. In Control
A real estate salesperson is in control of their own profession. Happy realtors can learn and work as hard as they want with home buyers. Best of all, they can set their own hours and schedules. They do not have to show up to a 9-5 office job.
2. Great Bosses for Real Estate Brokers
Real estate agents like their real estate broker as their boss. They may work for themselves, but many have to report to a broker. Many happy real estate agents lean on their broker for guidance and help, which many often receive.
This is how many gain valuable real estate experience. When agents succeed, their brokerage succeeds too.
3. Flexibility For A Licensed Real Estate Agent
Flexibility is key to a real estate agent’s happiness. Many real estate agents today can work around their family life and take care of what matters most to them. Real estate agents have a great work/life balance that many other professions do not offer.
The National Association of Realtors claims: “A career in real estate provides flexibility and freedom to set your own pace. Income directly reflects your efforts, with no limits on what astute, hard-working people can earn.”
4. Helping Others Makes People Happy
Helping others has a happy effect. Being able to help others makes people genuinely happy. Real estate agents often help people sell or buy homes at delicate stages in people’s lives. People may be going through a divorce or have survived a loved one’s recent death.
These circumstances make people vulnerable. In fact, realtors can help them through the process of selling a home or finding a new one to start a new life.
5. Motivation For Real Estate Commission
Self-Motivation. Many real estate agents are self-motivated, and most motivated people tend to be happy people. Of course, it’s self-driven, and within them, as well as the real estate company they are with.
Becoming A Real Estate Agent Today, As Real Estate Agents Are The Happiest Profession
The process to become a real estate agent can take weeks and/or just a few months. One has to pass an exam after intense training.
There is a small cost involved, but it’s much less than attending a 2-year or 4-year college. (Some people do find a sponsor to pay for their real estate course.) Other fees may include licenses and boards to be associated with.
Therefore, the length of time of entering into a real estate career can also be a factor in their happiness. One can quickly learn how to become an agent without a huge future bill.
A Lot to Know Becoming a RE/MAX Agent
Don’t be fooled into thinking it is easy: There is a lot to know today to become a real estate agent.
You must pass the real estate school exam first to obtain your real estate license. Then, there are a lot of real estate laws and regulations that change and you have to be aware of them.
Richard, RE/MAX Preferred, Town & Country and Properties
That’s why licensed real estate agents take continuing education courses at the real estate school. In some states, you have to renew your license and take more real estate classes. Licensing requirements may vary by state for renewals.
Thus, selling and buying a home is not a simple process, even with online real estate. But still, it is one of the happiest jobs there is.
Working In Real Estate Can Be A Great Career Today
But if you work hard and enjoy working with people, real estate is a great career today. There will always be a need for the human touch and experience of a real estate agent.
Of course, new real estate technology provides more tools today to help those find and sell real estate. Therefore, having a real person to be there to help them through the difficult process is invaluable.
Helping people is what really makes real estate agents the happiest profession today.
We Offer Mentors to Help You!
Not only do I help agents get started with RE/MAX, but I also love to set up new agents with a mentor. You can be mentored by experienced real estate agents at our office for up to 1 year.
There is nothing better than learning right in the field from an experienced RE/MAX agent. Our new agents have loved this program as it helps them grow their own real estate businesses with more real estate transactions.
Interested in real estate? If you want a new career in real estate today, contact me to help you get started.
At our RE/MAX offices, we have dedicated sales agents who have helped many through the difficult times of 2020-2025.
We now have 6 offices in central and northern Rhode Island for you to choose from.
RE/MAX is the #1 real estate brand in the world today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Being A Real Estate Agent:
Why do real estate agents report being happy at work?
The article links agent happiness to five main factors: control over the schedule, supportive brokers, flexibility for family life, satisfaction in helping people, and self-motivation tied to commission-based work. It also points out that agents often guide clients through major life moments, which can feel meaningful.
Are real estate agents really in control of their schedule?
Yes. The article states that many licensed agents set their own hours and do not have to follow a standard 9-to-5 office schedule. It also notes that working more can increase earnings because income is tied to effort and commissions.
How much do real estate agents and brokers make per year?
The article says the average real estate agent or broker makes just over $100,000 per year, and top earners make over $200,000 per year. (If you want this to be more citable, add the year, location, and a source link next to the numbers.)
How long does it take to become a real estate agent?
The article says it can take weeks or a few months, because you need training and must pass an exam. It also mentions additional costs such as licensing fees, board or association fees, and continuing education and renewal requirements that vary by state.
Do real estate agents need continuing education after getting licensed?
Yes. The article explains that laws and regulations change, so licensed agents take continuing education. In some states, agents also need to renew their license and complete additional classes, and requirements vary by state.
