Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Real Estate Broker
What real estate brokers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a real estate broker?
Review new listings and pending transactions. From there, the day usually includes represent buyers and sellers, list and market properties, and negotiate offers and contracts. Hours are flexible but often include evenings and weekends.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a real estate broker working full time.
- Review new listings and pending transactions.
- Train new agents on contract writing.
- Show homes to buyers.
- Review an agent’s offer before submission.
- Negotiate a counteroffer for a seller.
- Review trust account records.
- Hold a listing presentation with a homeowner.
Where real estate brokers work
Brokers work in offices, homes for sale and the field, driving to showings and meetings.
Hours and schedule
Hours are flexible but often include evenings and weekends.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Represent buyers and sellers
- List and market properties
- Negotiate offers and contracts
- Supervise and train agents
- Review transaction documents
- Manage escrow and trust accounts
- Ensure compliance with real estate laws
Tools you’ll use every day
- MLS systems
- Transaction management software
- CRM tools
- E-signature platforms
- Marketing tools
- Accounting software for trust accounts
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Higher earning potential than agents
- Independence
- Run your own business
- Help people with big decisions
What’s hard
- Income depends on sales
- Responsibility for agents’ compliance
- Evenings and weekends
- Market cycles
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I’ve worked as a real estate agent
- I want to lead agents
- I enjoy negotiating
- I like running a business
- I can handle irregular income
- I want more earning potential
Not sure? Take the free Real Estate Broker fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow fair housing and real estate laws
- Use showing safety practices
- Protect client funds and data
- Supervise agents carefully