Everyone knows that real estate is hyper-local. But that begs the question: What are the best places to be a real estate agent?
You can go to real estate school anywhere. It all depends on where you want to live. But you need to decide which real estate market is right for you before you take your tests and find a real estate broker.
So, let’s look at some of the top cities based on population growth and average income.
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Best Places To Be a Real Estate Agent
1. Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach is a tourist-attracting destination. It has high property values, and properties move fast. Living here is more expensive, but you’ll also make more. It has a nice blend of residential and commercial real estate and is a great place to make a real estate investment.
With a hot real estate market, this is the perfect place for a sales agent looking to cut their teeth.
2. West Palm Beach, FL
Why not get your real estate license in Palm Beach? Florida attracts many different people, from young professionals to retirees. You’ll never run out of opportunities in West Palm Beach, from residential condos to commercial buildings.
The annual median wages are high, as is the average home value, and a Realtor is likely to make more than average as either a buyer’s agent or listing agent. But do keep in mind the housing market is also more competitive here, especially in the metro area.
3. Austin, TX
A decade ago, Austin was up-and-coming. Now it’s clear that the housing market will continue to boom, making it one of the best places to be a real estate agent. With a higher annual median wage and fast-rising industries, Austin is starting to attract many new people.
For agents looking to boost their real estate commission, Austin is perfect. In Austin, you can develop your real estate career with residential real estate in an area that pays high rates.
4. Tulsa, OK
You might not think of Oklahoma when you think of the real estate business. But Tulsa is historically an area of wealth and commerce; it’s where all the most expensive real estate in the state resides.
A new real estate agent can succeed in Tulsa, where there’s less competition than in major cities (such as New York and Los Angeles), and much job growth is available.
5. Denver, CO
A lot of people are moving to Denver. According to labor statistics, there’s decent job growth, it’s one of the healthiest places to live, and it’s also considered one of the most beautiful. A new real estate company will have a lot of competition, but it’ll also have a lot of opportunities.
You’ll see a boost to your average real estate agent salary in Denver, CO because it’s a bustling city. But on the other hand, expect your cost of living to increase, too. The real estate boom is also very real, and the market can be volatile regarding home sales.
6. Dallas, TX
You won’t make the most in Dallas, TX, but you will find a little of everything. With Dallas, the location quotient is really about flexibility. Dallas is one of the largest cities in the country and covers a sweeping area of land. You’ll find just about every type of real estate to represent here.
Still, because it’s Dallas and not New York City, it won’t be a volatile level of competition; there’s still room for new real estate agents to move in.
7. Seattle, WA
People love moving to Seattle. Despite the sky-high housing costs, the general cost of living is low compared to other major cities. Job salaries and job opportunities are both high. It’s a great place for people to get started. And that includes real estate agents.
In Seattle, WA, you can stake a claim in the fast-paced real estate market or start venturing into the heavy-growth commercial real estate industry. Homes and buildings move fast, and you’ll seldom be wanting for work.
8. Washington, D.C.
Do you want to be in the thick of things? Instead of going for NYC or LA, why not consider Washington, D.C.? Washington is very competitive, but there’s a caveat; it’s also very high value, sometimes even higher than the other major cities.
And here’s something interesting; while there is a lot of competition, there might be less than you think. To work in Washington, D.C., you need a specific Washington D.C. license. To get that license, you have to pass an intentionally difficult test.
9. Las Vegas, NV
Would you believe Las Vegas is one of the best places for real estate agents? Based on the number of house sales, median sales price, and real estate employment stats, real estate agents in Las Vegas are making bank — enough to do a little gambling on the side.
Las Vegas, NV, is quirky and not for everyone. But the real estate market moves fast, and it’s eclectic. Many people move in and out of Las Vegas, which is part of what makes it so appealing in terms of real estate. If you’re trying to make money, you want to see a lot of product churn.
10. Vancouver, WA
Vancouver, WA, has been growing quickly. As a suburb of Portland, Vancouver is capturing many people fleeing more expensive areas. And as most real estate professionals know, that hikes up prices and ensures a steady flow of new traffic.
If you want to get into an up-and-coming area that’s not as hustle and bustle as Las Vegas, Vancouver might be the right choice. Alternatively, you could consider Portland — although the dramatic, rising house prices can make the market more finicky.
11. Phoenix, AZ
Ignore the heat, if you will. Phoenix remains one of the best places to live, with a solid and affordable median house price. And because it’s such an affordable place to live, many people are moving in and out at any given time. For the real estate agent who wants to invest in their future, it wouldn’t hurt to do so in Phoenix.
Finding the Right City for You
If you’re considering property values, consider visiting Honolulu, HI, New York City, NY, or Los Angeles, CA. But every real estate agent thinks about that! If you’re going to online real estate school, you have many doors open. But you might not want to go for the obvious choices.
Becoming a real estate professional in these areas is a bit harder. Though there are a lot of high-value real estate sales and extraordinary real estate market health, the market is also more volatile and more competitive.
For a real estate professional (or even real estate investor) looking to cut their teeth, it’s often best to invest in continuing education courses and go to a city with moderate-to-high growth rather than extraordinary growth.
FAQs on Best Places To Be a Real Estate Agent
How do you find the right location for you?
Finding the best places to be a real estate agent is about more than just the median salary or listings on Redfin. It’s about finding the place that you love, too. Look at some popular cities and their houses and find a place you think you’ll fall in love with.
Can a real estate sales agent work in any state?
Real estate agents can only work in a state where they are licensed, though some areas have reciprocity with others. If you’re already in your pre-licensing course or real estate classes in one area, you should decide fast whether that’s the area you want to work in or if you want to move to another market.
How does your location affect your job opportunity?
How much the average real estate agent makes in income is frequently impacted by their location. At the same time, though, living costs are also usually cheaper in areas with lower income earning potential. So, it depends on what you’re looking for.
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