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How To Start Your Real Estate Career

Ryan FitzgeraldRyan Fitzgerald
Oct 18, 2022 • 9 min read
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How To Start Your Real Estate Career
Chapters
01
Obtain Your License
02
Join A Brokerage
03
Join A Team
04
Join Associations
05
Lead Generation
06
Start Your Own Team
07
Maintain Personal Development 
08
Hire An Assistant
09
Create An Online Presence
10
Use A CRM
11
Form Partnerships
12
Events
13
Are You Ready To Take The Following Steps?

How To Start Your Real Estate Career

Are you ready to grow your real estate business? This is what you need to do to become a successful realtor!

So, you've got your real estate license, and now you wonder where to go from here and how to get started so you can begin making money as an agent. While starting and growing your real estate career can seem slow and costly, there are many ways to help you further. In this article, we're going to discuss the different ways that you can help yourself grow, including:

Person holding keys and a house

Obtain Your License

Getting your license is the first step in starting your real estate career and is one of the costs to consider before becoming a realtor. This process can be done on your own time and can take anywhere from a few weeks to six months or more. To get your license in North Carolina, you must take a 75-hour prelicensing course that sets you up to take the North Carolina state licensing exam. Once you have passed the prelicensing course, passed the state exam, and the commission has reviewed your character, you will be issued your real estate license!

Here is an overview of the steps it takes to obtain your license:

  • The applicant completed North Carolina's 75-hour prelicensing course
  • Applicant submits a license application with the application fee and required documentation
  • Commission determines the applicant's eligibility for licensing examination. The commission sends a "notice of examination eligibility if the applicant is deemed qualified."
  • Applicant contacts testing service to schedule examination and pay the examination fee
  • After the applicant passes the examination, the commission determines whether the applicant possesses the requisite "character" for licensure.
  • Commission issues license to the qualified applicant

Once you have obtained your license, you can now start the process of growing your career! Let's explore how you can become a successful real estate agent! Make sure you understand the requirements and laws

Join A Brokerage

When you first obtain your license, it is issued an inactive provisional status. In this case, you must join a brokerage and be under the supervision of a broker-in-charge to legally practice real estate. Although you are on active "full broker" status, you may still choose to be affiliated with a brokerage. Joining a brokerage allows you to grow as an agent, work with other agents, access beneficial tools, and receive guidance and support.

The benefits of your brokerage depend on how they operate. Still, most will provide new agents with branded marketing materials like business cards, mailers, A-Boards, for-sale signs and directionals, and much more. Branded marketing materials can help new agents get their names out there and become recognizable in the industry. Brokerages can also offer lead generation services. Many well-known brokerages will work with lead generation services that they then provide to their agents for a percentage of the commission. In the long run, this commission split seems relatively tiny compared to all that you are being offered.

Overall, joining a brokerage is an excellent way for new agents to get started and grow their businesses. Brokerages provide many benefits with high-income potential and training. Remember that some brokerages charge a fee upon joining and require a commission split.

People talking and working on a computer

Join A Team

Many well-known brokerages can be extremely large, often having thousands of agents. If you find yourself in a situation where you're a part of a large brokerage and would like to receive more one-on-one guidance, consider joining a real estate team! A real estate team is a smaller group of agents within your brokerage who work together and share commissions. This is usually a good choice for newer agents because you get to benefit from the experience, knowledge, and skills of other agents while also focusing on building your career.

When joining a team, one team leader typically handles all overhead responsibilities like lead generation and managing listings, along with several agents who reap the benefits. Joining a team can lead to exponential growth in your real estate career. For starters, you can get to learn from and network with other agents who have the same goal as you.

When working in a minor team, you have more opportunities to become close with these agents and share ideas and marketing efforts. As a newer agent, it's essential to learn the ins and outs of marketing to find the best ways to establish yourself. The income is also a lot more stable. This is due to the better predictability of real estate leads and the benefits of working with others.

Join Associations

Joining an association opens you up to countless opportunities. One of the best benefits is the ability to network. Networking is vital in real estate and one of the most profitable ways to grow your career. The growth opportunities are endless when meeting other agents in a professional setting. You can gain referrals, receive advice and tips, and significantly advance your career. Whether you're a new or seasoned agent, networking is always a good idea.

Another way joining an association can grow your career is by getting you in front of your community. It's common for associations to be active in their community, often by hosting events and volunteering. Community involvement allows you to be a part of the change in your community while also giving you a chance to promote yourself and your services. Joining an association also shows clients that you are credible, trustworthy and an active industry member. One association you should consider joining is your local association of REALTORS.

Lead Generation

When working as an independent contractor in the real estate industry, you know yourself best and what works for you. Coming up with a lead generation strategy is one of the most fundamental ways you can grow your real estate career. While lead generation should not be the only factor in your marketing strategy, it has proven highly beneficial. Lead generation can come from farming, working your sphere, hosting open houses, networking, advertising, and lead generation services!

There are countless ways to generate leads and effectively grow your career by gaining more clients and growing your sphere of influence. If you don't feel comfortable with organic lead generation strategies like cold calling and door knocking, there are many lead generation services you can use for a fee that will send you leads.

Start Your Own Team

Once you've established yourself in the real estate industry, a way to continue growing your career is by starting your own team. If you feel as if you've outgrown yourself and have more leads than you can handle, forming a team can not only benefit you, but it can benefit those agents looking for guidance. With your team, you can delegate leads to reach more clients and increase your sphere by connecting with the clients your agents bring. There are also shared costs with a team, so instead of handling everything yourself out of pocket, you can now split this cost with your team members.

Creating your team and working with a group of professional agents also increases the number of services you can offer. In turn, you'll be able to grow your client list by branching outside of the area you chose to focus on. For example, creating a team and hiring agents can allow you to work with residential, land, commercial, or rental clients instead of one or the other.

Here are a few steps you can take to start the process of creating a team:

  • Get the approval of your broker
  • Create a business plan
  • Decide on a compensation model
  • Develop a lead generation strategy
  • Develop a communication strategy
  • Develop a growth plan
  • Decide on a physical space
  • Choose what "tools" you will offer

Maintain Personal Development 

Although you've already obtained your license, staying up-to-date and educated is important. You can use online programs to take classes, brush up on material, learn new skills, etc. It would help if you were doing this, attending seminars, and completing your required continuing education classes.

Hire An Assistant

Hiring an assistant is an excellent option for agents with an extensive client list who need extra help. You can hire an assistant with you every day in person, or you can hire a virtual assistant. Assistants can be in charge of scheduling meetings, maintaining your website, helping with events, following up on leads, etc. This will give you more time to focus on clients instead of behind-the-scenes work.

Assistant typing on the computer and wearing a striped shirt

Create An Online Presence

The majority of buyers take the first step in their home search online. As a real estate agent, you must have a website or social media page that potential clients can look for and see your services. Along with creating your website, it's essential to have a good search engine optimization strategy. This is crucial to ensure your website comes up with a simple google search. You can also use paid ads to lead potential clients to your website.

Use A CRM

A CRM is a customer relationship management system that helps you organize and maintain your sphere. Using a good CRM can save you so much time and hold you accountable when reaching out to potential clients and staying in contact with your current ones. A CRM can also make your life so much easier. You can set clients up on automated searches, set up campaigns to be sent out to every one of your contacts, schedule phone calls, text messages, etc. A great way to use your CRM is for email campaigns. Campaigns usually consist of newsletters sent out to your sphere with information such as current market trends, available listings, FAQs, or fun things in the area.

Form Partnerships

Forming partnerships can help grow your real estate career exponentially. Increasing your sphere and client list through word of mouth and great connections has proven beneficial for countless agents. Having good relations with title companies, mortgage lenders, home inspectors, and anyone who aids in the home-buying process can help expand your brand awareness and credibility. You can also create partnerships with other agents. You can do this by asking and giving referrals to one another, especially if you live in different areas and specialize in various types of real estate.

Events

Hosting events is a fun and easy way to grow your real estate career. Events can be used to gain new clients, generate referrals, build brand recognition, or show appreciation for your past clients. Hosting events is a great way to expand your business because it allows you to bring people in your community together in a professional yet exciting setting. It's essential to start by creating an engaging invite that will make potential clients want to join you. Other steps include creating a budget, hiring popular vendors, choosing a prime location, and creating branded materials and party favors.

Events allow people from all over to get the chance to come out and meet you, not just your immediate friends and family. Events also create a lasting impression on people so that you can ensure you're in the front of their minds when they think of a real estate agent.

People meeting at an event and networking

Are You Ready To Take The Following Steps?

Obtaining your license is a success, but generating business is the next battle you need to tackle. Real estate can start off feeling like a lonely profession. You've got your license, but now you find yourself lost and unsure how to obtain your first client. Whether you're a new agent or you've been in the industry for years, there are always actions you can take to grow your business. We hope these suggestions were helpful to you and helped light the fire you needed to take the following steps. Contact us today for any of your real estate-related questions!

WRITTEN BY
Ryan Fitzgerald
Ryan Fitzgerald
Realtor

Ryan Fitzgerald is a top Realtor®, founder and owner of Raleigh Realty, one of the Triangle’s fastest-growing and most innovative real estate brokerages. Driven by a mission to be the best—not the biggest—brokerage in Raleigh, Ryan has built Raleigh Realty into a firm known for its cutting-edge marketing, high-performing agents, and culture rooted in collaboration, growth, and excellence.

Raleigh Realty

Under Ryan’s leadership, Raleigh Realty has become a top boutique brokerage in Raleigh-Durham, serving clients across Wake County and the surrounding areas. Raleigh Realty stands apart for its:

  • Top-Tier Agents – Every Realtor on the team is hand-selected for their skill, professionalism, and client-first approach. Raleigh Realty isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality.

  • Award-Winning Website – RaleighRealty.com is consistently ranked among the best real estate websites with incredible user experience, cutting-edge IDX technology, and hyper-local guides that help buyers and sellers navigate the market.

  • Inbound Lead Generation – With a strong focus on SEO and digital marketing, the brokerage generates a steady flow of organic leads, giving agents the opportunity to grow thriving businesses.

  • Supportive Culture – Ryan emphasizes mentorship, accountability, and autonomy—no micromanaging, just the right systems and tools for agents to succeed.

  • Community Focus – From neighborhood spotlights to relocation guides, Raleigh Realty is committed to being a resource for both buyers and sellers as they make one of life’s biggest decisions.

The firm continues to expand its reach, with the goal of 100 agents and $1 billion in annual sales volume by 2030—all while staying true to its boutique, client-centered values.

Awards & Recognition

Ryan already has notable public credentials and prestige:

  • He has been featured in outlets such as Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News, among others (as mentioned on the site).

  • Realtor Magazine named him a “Top 30 Under 30” in the country (as noted on his Raleigh Realty page).

  • Raleigh Realty is widely acknowledged in the local real estate community for its digital prowess and thought leadership.

  • The company is consistently ranked among the top real estate firms in Raleigh and is known for having one of the highest-traffic real estate websites in the region.

Community Involvement & Giving Back

Ryan’s leadership extends far beyond the closing table. He has built Raleigh Realty to be a company that actively gives back to the community and invests in making Raleigh a better place to live.

  • The Green Chair Project – Ryan and Raleigh Realty proudly support The Green Chair Project, a local nonprofit that provides essential furnishings and household items to families transitioning out of homelessness, crisis, or disaster. By partnering with this organization, Ryan helps ensure families have the comfort and dignity of a furnished home.

  • Food Donations & Drives – Raleigh Realty regularly organizes and contributes to food donation efforts, partnering with local pantries and organizations to help fight food insecurity across Wake County. These efforts bring agents, clients, and neighbors together to support those in need.

  • Local Events & Client Appreciation – Raleigh Realty hosts family-friendly gatherings such as pumpkin patch outings, coffee + donut socials, and seasonal celebrations designed to strengthen neighborhood bonds.

  • Supporting Schools & Youth Programs – Ryan partners with local schools and youth organizations to provide resources, sponsorships, and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that the next generation has access to growth and guidance.

  • Small Business Advocacy – Raleigh Realty proudly highlights and partners with local small businesses, amplifying their visibility and reinforcing Raleigh’s reputation as a vibrant place to live and work.

For Ryan, success is measured not just in sales, but in the lasting relationships and community impact Raleigh Realty leaves behind.

AgentLoft – Powering the Next Generation of Realtors

Ryan is also the visionary behind AgentLoft, a SaaS platform designed to help Realtors nationwide build their brand and generate leads. AgentLoft websites combine IDX technology, SEO expertise, and AI integration to give agents the competitive edge they need.

Personal Mission

As a proud father to his daughter Emma, Ryan’s mission is bigger than business. He’s dedicated to building a brokerage and a platform that create opportunity and stability for families, clients, and agents alike. His approach blends entrepreneurship with empathy—ensuring that Raleigh Realty continues to grow not just in sales volume, but in reputation, trust, and impact.


👉 Whether you’re buying or selling a home, or you’re a Realtor looking for the right brokerage to grow your business, Raleigh Realty—under Ryan Fitzgerald’s leadership—offers the expertise, technology, and community-minded culture to help you succeed.

Chapters
01
Obtain Your License
02
Join A Brokerage
03
Join A Team
04
Join Associations
05
Lead Generation
06
Start Your Own Team
07
Maintain Personal Development 
08
Hire An Assistant
09
Create An Online Presence
10
Use A CRM
11
Form Partnerships
12
Events
13
Are You Ready To Take The Following Steps?
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