A career in real estate offers unique opportunities for those with the right mix of skills and interests. Despite changing market conditions, the profession continues to appeal to people of all ages and life experiences.

According to the National Association of REALTORS^® (NAR), there are nearly 1.5 million REALTORS^® in the U.S. In Wisconsin, more than 16,000 dedicated REALTORS help buyers and sellers with their real estate needs.

“Working in real estate comes with many benefits that aren’t found in other careers,” says Sarah Cole, 2024 board chair for the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS (GMAR^®). “Like any career, success is a result of hard work, as well as an aptitude for the business.”

What it Takes

The pillars of real estate include the ability to remain flexible and respond quickly along with ambition and self-discipline.

“Self-motivation and a high comfort level to work as an independent contractor indicate a good career match,” says Tina Balaka, a REALTOR^® and sales director with Shorewest’s South Metro Team. “A REALTOR^® also needs to enjoy solving problems and meeting clients’ needs.”

Abby Hauke, regional sales manager for First Weber, agrees.

“Real estate transactions are complicated and emotions often run high,” she says. “Active listening skills, sensitivity and emotional intelligence help a REALTOR^® manage conflict that can arise between the parties involved.”

A love of houses, a knack for negotiating and interest in continuous learning round out other attributes that make a successful REALTOR^®.

Advantages of Becoming a REALTOR^®

“Working as a REALTOR^® can change someone’s life in ways a traditional career can’t,” says Balaka. “The agent is in the driver’s seat for where their practice goes.”

Success means different things to different people, but REALTORS^® define for themselves what it looks like. And, according to Hauke, there are no glass ceilings in real estate.

Autonomy and schedule flexibility that come with being a REALTOR^® lead the list of reasons people choose to pursue a real estate career. The inherent variety of clients, properties, locations and transactions also attracts people who thrive on continuous change.

Career Drawbacks

Numerous moving parts and pieces in a transaction mean that a REALTOR^® has to be available and ready to go at a moment’s notice. New REALTORS^® usually put in long hours during the first two to five years of building their real estate business.

“It takes time to develop enough contacts to sustain a practice,” says Balaka. “REALTORS^® who are starting out should also be prepared to weather inconsistencies and slowdowns in the market.”

Hauke points out that schedule demands, along with clients’ high expectations, present challenges for REALTORS^®.

“Self-employment is dreamy but requires a REALTOR^® to hold themselves accountable,” she says. “Exceptional boundaries and a lot of effort behind the scenes keep things on track.”

Training and Licensure

People who are up for the challenges and opportunities that come with being a REALTOR^® start the process with training. Wisconsin requires the completion of 72 hours of approved education and a passing score on the licensing exam. Many options exist for getting the training needed to learn the ins and outs of being a realtor and to earn a real estate agent license.

“Everyone’s learning style is different so it’s important to choose a training program that matches an individual’s needs,” Hauke says. “As long as the program is approved by the State of Wisconsin, and solid effort is put in, most people pass the exam the first time.”

Where to Train

There are a variety of resources for would-be REALTORS^®.

• The Wisconsin Realtors Association (WRA) offers state-approved online courses at wra.org, live classroom sessions and study tools that help with exam preparation.
• MATC has a six-month training program.
• Some brokerage firms offer training that includes exam preparation.
• For independent learners, there are study books and audio recordings.

In addition to learning the subject matter, which covers vocabulary, terms and Wisconsin laws, knowing what to expect improves exam readiness.

What to know about the Wisconsin’s real estate exam:

• The test consists entirely of multiple-choice questions.
• The exam takes place at a testing facility.
• Up to four hours are allowed for completion.
• To pass, a score of 75% or higher is needed.
• Results are available upon completion.
• The exam can be taken up to three times.
• If a passing score isn’t obtained, the 72-hour course must be repeated.

Becoming a REALTOR^® remains a popular choice for go-getters who love working with people and welcome the variety that comes with every deal. The many training options available make getting a Wisconsin license attainable for those willing to put in the time and effort.

The REALTOR^® Advantage

A REALTOR^® is a member of the National Association of REALTORS^®, is committed to a Code of Ethics and has the expertise to find the right home for everyone. Look for the “R” to determine if your agent is a REALTOR^®.

Locally, the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS^® is a 5,500-member strong professional organization dedicated to providing information, services and products to help REALTOR^® help their clients buy and sell real estate. Visit gmar.com for more information.