Find out how to get your real estate license and start working as an agent.
Licensing requirements and how long it takes to get your real estate license can vary by state.
Find real estate schools in your area, check out real estate schools listed by state, or take an online course from our partner, The CE Shop.
Some states require you to take the exam within a certain window of time after you’ve completed your education. Other states require a background check and fingerprinting before taking the exam. The details will be addressed within your state’s real estate regulatory commission.
If you don't pass on the first try, don't worry—you can take it again. Make sure to reschedule right away while the info is still fresh. Once you've passed, you can apply for your license.
You’ll need to submit an application including any required documents and fees to your state’s real estate agency.
Once you've received your real estate license by mail, your next step is to find a brokerage that’s right for you. Redfin offers a variety of roles for licensed real estate agents, including full-time and contract positions. No matter how you work with Redfin, you can start earning income from day one.
If you work with us, we'll tell you which MLS and REALTOR® memberships you need. We reimburse our full-time agent employees for these costs if they're incurred after joining Redfin.
See popular schools, time requirement, and typical costs for becoming a real estate agent in your area.*
Select stateCoursework time requirement
60 hours
Upfront costs
Coursework, exams, licensing: $500-$600
Recurring costs
MLS + association dues: $600–$1,800 yearly
Lockbox key (for accessing homes): Varies
Lead Agents are Redfin employees who help customers buy and sell homes. They can earn $100K+ after the first year and get the tools and training to become a top producer. Learn more
Agents on our Support teams work behind the scenes to drive demand and make sure deals go off without a hitch. They work a consistent schedule and earn an hourly rate plus uncapped bonus potential. Learn more
Associate Agents show homes, attend inspections, and host other events in the field. As independent contractors, they set their own hours and earn competitive pay for every event. Learn more
Check out the Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about becoming a Redfin Agent:
Like any other industry, there are some real estate agents that stand out from others. So what makes a successful real estate agent? Someone who is determined, tech savvy, personable, trustworthy, knowledgeable, detail-oriented, a problem solver, passionate, and has an ability to negotiate are just some of the top qualities in a real estate agent.
As a real estate agent, you have the option to choose your own schedule, have unlimited income potential, and you get to help your clients buy or sell their home.
While the pros often outweigh the cons, it’s important to still consider the disadvantages that could come with being a real estate agent. At times, you may need to work longer hours in order to meet the requests of your clients. Becoming a successful real estate agent requires patience and you’ll have to get used to rejection, the job can be competitive at times.
Redfin offers real estate agent opportunities in over 80 markets across the U.S. and Canada. There are several ways you can use your license at Redfin whether you prefer to be on the front lines working directly with customers in the field or you prefer providing back office support to customers on transactions. We offer full-time opportunities for Agents who are pursuing real estate as a career, support opportunities for agents who prefer a fixed schedule and predictable hours, and flexible opportunities for candidates who are pursuing real estate part-time and need full control over their work schedules. If you hold an active real estate license, visit Redfin.com/careers for a complete list of current openings.
An active real estate license is required for Redfin Agent roles. If you're interested in a Redfin Agent role, but not currently licensed, accredited pre-licensing courses are available through our partner, The CE Shop>. Licensing requirements vary from state-to-state, but all states require completion of real estate courses and passing a real estate exam and background check. Check with your state’s department of licensing for complete details on licensing requirements.
Because Redfin agents are considered employees rather than independent contractors, they do get benefits. Redfin spends about $25,000 per agent per year for benefits and business expenses. This includes medical, dental, and vision plans for themselves and their families, paid vacation and parental leave, and disability insurance. Redfin Agents can enroll in 401(k), the stock purchase program, healthcare, dependent care flexible saving accounts, and coverage for fertility treatments.
Yes! Redfin covers traditional costs of being an agent, like MLS, license renewal and association fees, mileage, mobile phone service, training, marketing materials, and more.
Redfin agents earn a base salary and bonuses for every home purchase or sale they close. In the first year working at Redfin, a real estate agent's salary is typically 30% of their base salary and 70% from their bonus pay.
Instead of spending time and money finding leads as you would at a traditional real estate brokerage, Redfin provides customer leads to its agents through the website.
Yes! As an Associate Agent contractor, you can show homes, attend inspections, and more. You earn a competitive pay for every event, have the ability to choose your own schedule, and grow your career. A real estate license is required.
Redfin provides a four week local training program for all new hires. And, to continuously advance their career, agents also receive personalized coaching and a wide-range of mentorship and professional development opportunities by team managers and the internal training team.
The specific requirements, timeframes, and deadlines vary by state. However, every state requires a certain number of course hours completed in a certain period of time to maintain your license in the state you operate in. You can find continued education courses on ceshop.com.
The day-to-day life of a Redfin Agent is a little different from that of a traditional agent. Redfin Agents can spend more of their time focusing on their clients and writing offers because they have Redfin.com to bring them customers and a support team to handle administrative tasks.
At Redfin, there are several opportunities for career growth through Redfin’s wide range of training and continuing education. In fact, over 50% of our real estate managers and directors started in agent or support roles. Learn more about different career paths real estate agents can take at Redfin.
Redfin Agents earned a median income of $112,200 in 2020, more than double the median that traditional agents make in a year, according to data from the National Association of Realtors. In their first year at Redfin, real estate agents earned an average of $63,000, $13,000 more than the annual agent income reported by the National Association of Realtors.
*Redfin provides this information as a resource, and does not endorse or guarantee the schools mentioned. Information may be incomplete and should be independently verified. Licensing and membership requirements are determined by law and local associations and are subject to change; amounts provided are estimates.
Discover Redfin's Agent Resource Center to find articles for aspiring agents and real estate professionals.
