Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Real Estate Agent
What real estate agents actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Check new listings on the MLS and follow up with three buyer leads. From there, the day usually includes prospect for buyers and sellers and build a referral network, prepare comparative market analyses to price homes, and list and market properties online and in person. Flexible but irregular. Many showings and calls happen evenings and weekends. Many agents are independent contractors who set their own hours.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a real estate agent working full time.
- Check new listings on the MLS and follow up with three buyer leads.
- Prepare a comparative market analysis for a listing appointment.
- Meet sellers, walk the home and present pricing and marketing plans.
- Show four homes to first-time buyers after reviewing their buyer agreement and pre-approval.
- Write an offer, review contingencies with the buyers and send it to the listing agent.
- Negotiate a counteroffer by phone and update the transaction timeline.
Where real estate agents work
Agents work from brokerage offices, home offices, cars and clients’ properties. The job involves driving, evenings and weekends, and lots of phone and online communication.
Hours and schedule
Flexible but irregular. Many showings and calls happen evenings and weekends. Many agents are independent contractors who set their own hours.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Prospect for buyers and sellers and build a referral network
- Prepare comparative market analyses to price homes
- List and market properties online and in person
- Show homes and hold open houses
- Write, present and negotiate offers
- Coordinate inspections, appraisals, financing and closing
- Follow fair housing, disclosure and agency laws
Tools you’ll use every day
- Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
- CRM software
- E-signature platforms
- Transaction management software
- Social media and listing photography
- Lockbox systems
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Fast entry: licensing in weeks to months
- High earning potential with no income cap
- Flexible schedule and independence
- Helping people with major life milestones
What’s hard
- Commission-based, unpredictable income
- Evenings and weekends
- Business expenses such as fees and marketing
- Market cycles affect sales
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love meeting and talking with people
- I’m self-motivated without a boss watching
- I can handle variable income
- I’m comfortable negotiating
- I’m OK working evenings and weekends
- I want unlimited earning potential
Not sure? Take the free Real Estate Agent fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow agent safety practices for showings and open houses
- Comply with fair housing laws in every interaction
- Protect clients’ financial information and watch for wire fraud
- Disclose material facts as required by state law