Real Estate Agents: How They Work, What They Earn, and How to Choose One

When you’re buying or selling a home, you’re not just dealing with a piece of property—you’re dealing with a real estate agent, a licensed professional who helps buyers and sellers navigate property transactions. Also known as a property salesperson, they’re the ones who show homes, negotiate offers, handle paperwork, and keep deals moving forward. Not all agents are the same. Some call themselves Realtors, a term that means they’re members of the National Association of Realtors and follow a strict code of ethics. Others are brokers, who’ve passed extra exams and can run their own teams. Knowing the difference helps you pick the right person for your job.

Getting licensed isn’t cheap or easy. In places like Florida, you’re looking at over $1,000 just to get started—fees for classes, the state exam, background checks, and application costs. And that’s before you even start working. Most new agents don’t make much their first year. In fact, many quit because they didn’t realize how much effort goes into building a client list. But the ones who stick with it? Some earn six figures. It all depends on how hard they work, where they’re located, and how many deals they close. The agent salary, the income a real estate agent takes home after commissions and expenses isn’t a fixed paycheck. It’s a percentage of each sale, usually 5-6% split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents. That means your agent’s success is tied directly to yours.

Behind every good agent is a solid grasp of numbers. They use math every day—to calculate mortgage payments, figure out property values, compare rental yields, and spot market trends. A small mistake in math can cost a client thousands. That’s why the best agents aren’t just good talkers—they’re sharp with numbers and data. Whether you’re buying your first home or investing in commercial space, you need someone who can read the market, not just recite listings.

So how do you pick the right one? Don’t just go with the friend of a friend or the agent with the flashiest billboard. Look for someone who answers fast, explains things clearly, and has real experience in your neighborhood. Ask how many homes they sold last year. Ask who their clients were. Ask what their process looks like from start to finish. The right agent doesn’t just sell houses—they guide you through one of the biggest decisions of your life.

Below, you’ll find real answers to the questions people actually ask: how much agents really make, what it costs to get licensed, the difference between agents and Realtors, and why math matters more than you think. No fluff. Just what you need to know before you sign anything.