Sales
Real Estate Sales Agents
Also called: Real Estate Agent, Real Estate Salesperson, Realtor, Realtor Associate
US median pay
$52,830
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+1.7%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
32,600
427,000 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Rent, buy, or sell property for clients. Perform duties such as study property listings, interview prospective clients, accompany clients to property site, discuss conditions of sale, and draw up real estate contracts. Includes agents who represent buyer.
What they do day to day
- Present purchase offers to sellers for consideration.
- Act as an intermediary in negotiations between buyers and sellers, generally representing one or the other.
- Confer with escrow companies, lenders, home inspectors, and pest control operators to ensure that terms and conditions of purchase agreements are met before closing dates.
- Advise clients on market conditions, prices, mortgages, legal requirements, and related matters.
- Prepare documents such as representation contracts, purchase agreements, closing statements, deeds, and leases.
- Compare a property with similar properties that have recently sold to determine its competitive market price.
- Coordinate appointments to show homes to prospective buyers.
- Generate lists of properties that are compatible with buyers' needs and financial resources.
- Interview clients to determine what kinds of properties they are seeking.
- Promote sales of properties through advertisements, open houses, and participation in multiple listing services.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Negotiation3.9/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.8/5
- Service Orientation3.8/5
- Persuasion3.8/5
- Coordination3.8/5
- Time Management3.2/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.2/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.1/5
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service4.4/5
- Sales and Marketing4.3/5
- English Language3.6/5
- Computers and Electronics3.4/5
- Mathematics3.3/5
- Communications and Media3.3/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Who this job suits
Mostly Enterprising
Leading, persuading and starting things
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.