Are you a U.S. military veteran considering a career in real estate? Before we continue our discussion of transitioning from your military career – thank you for your service. Keep reading to understand how the skills you developed as an active-duty military member will help you transition to a real estate career. We’ll also outline the general requirements on how to become a veteran real estate agent and share resources to help you get started.
Key Takeaways
- Transferable Military Skills Benefit Real Estate Success: Veterans bring discipline, leadership, communication, and networking skills essential for a thriving real estate career. Their firsthand knowledge of VA benefits also positions them to serve fellow veterans.
- Step-by-Step Licensing Process: Becoming a real estate agent requires completing state-specific pre-licensing education, passing a licensing exam, and joining a brokerage. Some states offer benefits to veterans, such as reduced fees or expedited licensing.
- Financial Considerations & Business Planning: The cost of becoming a real estate agent ranges from $500 to $3,000, covering courses, licensing fees, and business expenses. Veterans should budget for marketing, brokerage fees, and association dues while building their client base.
- Leveraging Military Experience for a Niche Market: Veterans can specialize in military relocation and VA loans, using their experience to connect with military clients. Earning a Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certification can further enhance their credibility in this niche.
Assessing the Suitability of a Real Estate Career
Is real estate a promising career in today’s market? Is it the right industry for you? Do you have what it takes to succeed as a real estate agent? You must answer these critical questions before beginning the licensing process.
Overview of the real estate market
Is this the right time to become a real estate agent? Consider this data:
- Current Real Estate Professionals Have a Positive Outlook: 92% of REALTORS® said they were “very certain” or “somewhat certain” that they would remain active as a real estate professional in the next two years. (NAR Member Profile)
- High Average Income: Real estate agents in the U.S. earn an average income of $100,302. (Indeed, February 2025)
- Positive Market Outlook: Industry experts anticipate a more stable housing market in 2025, with increased inventory, stable mortgage rates, and continued job and income growth paving the way for more Americans to achieve homeownership. (NAR, December 2024)
Key responsibilities and daily activities of real estate agents
Is this the right industry for you? Regardless of all the images you see online, real estate agents do more than hand keys to new homeowners. Here are a few of the responsibilities of residential real estate agents.
- Client Representation: Assist buyers, sellers, and renters throughout transactions.
- Market Research: Analyze market trends and property values.
- Listing & Marketing: List properties, create marketing materials, and host open houses.
- Buyer & Seller Consultations: Advise clients on pricing, financing, and the transaction process.
- Contracts & Paperwork: Prepare and manage real estate agreements.
- Negotiation & Closing: Negotiate offers, handle contingencies, and coordinate closing.
- Networking & Lead Generation: Build a client base through referrals and marketing.
- Education & Compliance: Stay updated on laws, market trends, and licensing requirements.
Please note that licensed real estate agents can also work in property management or commercial real estate. Some licensed professionals also get jobs in related industries.
Related Article: Duties and Responsibilities of a Real Estate Agent
Evaluating transferable military skills
Do you have what it takes to succeed as a real estate agent? Every new profession comes with a learning curve, and real estate is no exception. It takes time to master contracts, marketing strategies, and the essentials of running your business. However, your real estate courses and brokerage will provide the knowledge and support you need to succeed.
The good news is that as a veteran, you already have the skills to help you become an effective real estate agent.
- Discipline: Military service instills discipline, a critical trait for real estate success. Agents must be self-motivated, organized, and skilled at time management to grow their business and client base.
- Leadership: Veterans gain leadership experience by managing teams and operations. In real estate, this translates to confidently guiding clients through transactions and negotiations.
- Communication: Both the military and real estate require clear, concise communication. Veterans excel at conveying critical information, making them effective in client interactions and deal management.
- Networking: Frequent relocations in military life enhance networking skills. Veterans and their spouses excel at building connections, a key asset in expanding a real estate business.
- Knowledge of VA Benefits: Veterans have firsthand experience with benefits like VA home loans, making them trusted advisors for military clients navigating homeownership.
- Built-in Niche: Many veteran real estate agents specialize in military relocation and VA loans. Their shared experiences and connections position them to serve this market exceptionally well.
Educational Requirements and Licensing Process
Real estate is a fantastic career option for retired military members! Here’s what you need to know regarding how to become a veteran real estate agent.
Step 1: Enroll in state-specific pre-licensing education.
You must have a state-specific license to work as a real estate agent in every state. The licensing process differs for every state, but each requires you to complete real estate coursework to earn a license.
The number of course hours varies by state. For example, Texas requires licensees to complete a 180-hour course, and New York requires a 45-hour class. No state requires a college degree for real estate agents.
Once you know where you’ll be located post-retirement, research the licensing requirements for your state. Many licensed agents complete their course requirements online.
Step 2: Complete an application and background check.
The licensing process varies by state, but you’ll be required to submit an application to your state’s real estate licensing department at some point. A background check is also required to work as a real estate agent, as you’ll have access to properties and information.
Pro Tip: Some states offer benefits to military members, veterans, and their spouses, such as reduced application fees or expedited processing.
Step 3: Pass your state’s real estate licensing exam.
Each state requires real estate license applicants to pass a licensing exam. Some states require that you go to a testing center and show several forms of ID before taking the test.
The test covers topics you learn during real estate school. You’ll need to prepare for your test, so look for a real estate school that provides quality exam prep materials.
Pro Tip: You may be able to use your GI Bill benefits to get reimbursed for your exam fees and courses.
Step 4: Find a real estate brokerage.
You’ll need to work under the supervision of a more experienced real estate professional, so you must sign on with a brokerage to provide real estate services. Talk with several brokerages before making your decision.
Pro Tip: Some states, such as North Carolina and Washington, call entry-level real estate agents “brokers.”
Leveraging Military Experience in Real Estate
You’ll utilize the skills you developed in the military to succeed as a real estate agent, but having a military background can benefit you in additional ways.
Focus on a niche market
As a serviceperson, you understand and can explain military benefits better than civilians. Consider focusing on serving fellow veterans and active-duty military personnel as a real estate agent. You can answer questions about VA loans and military relocation needs.
Pro Tip: Earn your Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certification to better serve military clients.
Leverage military connections for mentorship and networking
As a veteran, you have a built-in camaraderie with others who have served. These connections and relationships you formed while serving in the military will help you when seeking mentors in the industry and building your client base.
Financial Considerations and Planning
Let’s talk money — including the costs of getting licensed and starting your business compared with how much real estate agents earn.
Licensing costs
There are costs involved with getting your real estate license. Depending on your state, those costs range from $500 to $3,000. Prepare to pay for the following:
- Pre-licensing courses
- Application fees
- Background check fees
- Licensing exam fees
The most significant expense for getting licensed is the pre-licensing classes. However, many real estate schools offer financing, and some brokerages will cover some of the costs to get licensed.
Related Article: How Much Does it Cost to Get a Real Estate License in the USA?
Business expenses
Becoming a real estate agent is like running your own business, and with that comes various expenses. You’ll need to budget for association dues, marketing materials, and business tools.
When selecting a real estate brokerage, understand their fee structure, including desk fees, commission splits, and any additional costs for training or technology. Some brokerages cover certain expenses, while others require agents to invest in their own branding, advertising, and client management systems.
Planning for these expenses upfront can help set you up for long-term success in your real estate career. Consider having a financial cushion in place, as it may take time before you earn a commission check.
Income expectations
How much will you make as a real estate agent? Unfortunately, the answer to that question varies a lot and depends on many factors.
According to Colibri Real Estate’s latest Salary Guide, the average yearly income for real estate agents is $153,000. However, your income may vary based on your niche, location, hours worked, and experience.
Learn more about how income varies by diving into our latest salary guide.
If you’ve determined that real estate is the right post-military career for you, turn to Colibri Real Estate School to get started. Colibri Real Estate offers at-your-own-pace online pre-licensing courses that will help you pass your state licensing exam. Financing is available!
