If you’re considering beginning a new professional chapter as a real estate agent, you are naturally wondering whether you’ll be really and truly happy and successful over time. Because you’re asking the Parks team, you won’t be surprised to learn that we would like to share our favorite reasons why real estate is the best career path for many different types of people.

Side-note to any new agents looking for encouragement as you jumpstart your career, we hope you’ll read through our list and be inspired to keep working diligently toward your goals. 

1.) Getting started is affordable and accessible, irrespective of your prior choice in degree.

In fact, real estate courses are among the most affordable licensing processes that exist. If tuition costs or time investment requirements have been a barrier between you and professional success, real estate licensing may be the answer to your challenges.

2.) No inventory investment is necessary.

Unlike many sales-based jobs, real estate does not require any kind of initial inventory investment or the need for product storage space. Rather than spending tens of thousands of dollars purchasing and storing slow-moving inventory, you’ll be working with the natural ebb and flow of properties as they become available for sale.

3.) Real estate agents can choose a minimalist life optimized for mobility—all while continually building wealth for a secure future.

If you’re in search of a lifestyle that is packable, portable, and scalable, real estate fits the bill. In fact, aside from minor licensing differences that exist between locations, there’s nothing stopping you from going straight to the hottest real estate action—wherever that happens to be this season.

4.) Real estate agents enjoy the stability of an organized profession without sacrificing autonomy and flexibility.

Despite the freedom a career in real estate can offer, it’s not isolating like many independent lines of work can be. Instead, there is a wealth of professional training available, as well as extensive networks that allow agents to refer business seamlessly amongst themselves. If you want a career that balances your preference for setting your own hours and goals against your need for a sense of camaraderie, we can’t recommend real estate enough! 

5.) Your branding, appearance, conduct, and expertise are your best assets—and your only unavoidable liability. 

If you shudder at the thought of being hampered by the mistakes and judgement errors made by others, a self-starting career like real estate makes good sense. It’s true that you won’t have a team to pick up your slack if you lose your drive, but budding agents are more excited about not having to limit their potential like so many employees who are working in corporate America.

6.) Your professional success is entirely your own.

Real estate agents who attain professional success—which will look different for each person—are invariably self-motivated. It’s impossible to stake a claim in this competitive, ever-shifting field without being driven to pursue professional success for your own reasons. 

Furthermore, if you have the opportunity to ask the top agents in your area what drives them, you’ll find they rarely stay in real estate because it’s the fastest or easiest path to success—but they do stay. Like these seasoned agents, you will also benefit from having a motivation that goes beyond your bank account.

7.) There will be no upper limit on your income potential.

When you work for an employer, there will likely be only so much money you’ll be able to make. In real estate, the only limit on your income will be due to factors more within your control. Rather than having to request a raise, and accept a denial should one come, you’ll be able to get out there yourself and drum up your own financial opportunities!

8.) The market is continually in flux, ensuring that strategic, hardworking newcomers will have their chance at success. 

Unlike many lucrative career opportunities, real estate presents a multitude of pathways to success, and there’s a new opportunity practically daily. While a portion of your potential for snagging inventory will come down to timing and location, the rest is entirely up to you.

Don’t allow yourself to be discouraged by the natural ebb and flow of activity that comes with a job in real estate; keep knocking on doors, making calls, and working social media every chance you get. With persistence, you’ll begin to carve out your own space within the market.

9.) A successful agent is waiting to mentor someone just like you. 

Anyone who is successful in your niche market can choose to help you gain insight and experience. Here, as in so many other parts of a realtor’s job, interpersonal skills and intelligence will play a role in your success.

The great news is, most successful realtors are personable, and enjoy sharing their hard-earned knowledge with new agents. If you ask politely, respect your mentor’s time and advice, and spring for lunch on occasion, you will likely find a gem in no time.

If you’re someone who finds the structure of a traditional office limiting or has run up against obstacles in pursuit of career opportunities, consider joining the flexible, fun, and stimulating world of professional real estate. Rather than giving up on your financial and career goals, give back to your community by connecting its members with the homes and offices they’ve been searching for.