Real estate agents earn much of their income from commissions, and this figure can vary depending on the number of sales they close. The average commission for a home sale is between 5 and 6 percent of the total sales price. In addition to this base salary, real estate professionals may also earn money from additional side jobs or other sources of income, such as completing broker’s price opinions (BPOs) on behalf of a bank in foreclosure proceedings.
A real estate agent’s earning potential can be greatly increased by pursuing professional development, focusing on sought-after skills, and working in lucrative markets. For example, a new real estate agent in New York City can boost their income by earning their New York broker license. Adding this credential to their portfolio can help them to secure more high-end listings and sales, which in turn, could lead to higher annual earnings. Also read https://www.whiteacreproperties.com/selling-a-house-in-divorce-massachusetts/
In addition to gaining a broker’s license, new agents can increase their earning potential by choosing a supportive brokerage and shadowing a mentor in the industry. This can help them to quickly gain the experience and expertise necessary to compete with more experienced agents.
The earning potential of a real estate agent is also influenced by the types of properties they sell, as well as the location in which they work. In general, commercial and luxury property sales offer the highest earnings because they usually sell at higher price points than traditional homes. Moreover, the earning potential of a real estate agent can be further increased by specializing in a particular type of property.
For example, if an agent specializes in the sale of luxury condominiums, they will likely earn more than an agent who specializes in the sale of suburban homes, because luxury condos generally sell at higher price points and are more in demand. Similarly, an agent who specializes in residential leases will often earn more than an agent who specializes in commercial leases, because the process of closing a residential leasing deal is typically more efficient than that of closing a commercial selling or purchasing transaction.
Lastly, the earning potential of a real estate is further impacted by the amount of time an agent spends in the field. This is because, unlike salaried employees, most real estate agents are independent contractors, and therefore must pay their own taxes. For this reason, it’s important for new real estate agents to plan ahead by setting aside a portion of their income for tax payments.
While the earning potential of a real estate agent varies widely, it’s not impossible for an experienced professional to reach their goal. By seeking out professional development opportunities, focusing on sought-after skills, working in lucrative markets, and dedicating themselves to the business, experienced real estate agents can significantly increase their earning potential. As such, this career is certainly a worthwhile pursuit for those who want to pursue a path of financial independence and professional growth.