Can you start a real estate career remotely? Here’s how to do it

Step 1: Obtain your real estate license

The first step is to obtain your real estate license in the region where you plan to operate. You do this by meeting the legal requirements for real estate in that region.

That said, research your desired location real estate regulatory office website. You can find it at the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials’ regulatory agency directory.

Each state or region has specific requirements for:

• Age
• Education prerequisites
• Prelicensing courses and post-licensing requirements
• Application process and fees
• Exams and exam eligibility
• Background checks and fingerprinting
• Achieving the next level of licensing
• Reporting criminal history and more.

Furthermore, your research can let you know which state has reciprocal licensing agreements with other states. Getting a license in such a state means you can get your license in one state and use it in another without taking an additional license examination.

Step 2: Choose a niche or specialization

Working remotely as a real estate agent means you’re no longer limited by physical location, so you might want to take this opportunity to rethink the market you want to focus on.

For example, instead of trying to appeal to everyone, switching your focus to specific markets such as luxury homes, vacation rentals, or international properties can help position you as a go-to expert for your chosen niche.

Step 3: Invest in technology and tools

The next step is to ensure you have all the necessary technology and tools to work from anywhere. While working remotely certainly has its perks, it is important to guarantee a dedicated space free from distractions.

Consider investing in an ergonomic chair, desk, and any technology or software needed to run your real estate career remotely.

For example, you may need to implement a VoIP phone service, use CRM software for smooth communication and meetings with sellers and potential clients, and use virtual tour tools to showcase properties remotely. You may also need real estate transaction management software to streamline the deal-closing process.

Step 4: Build a website and social media presence

Taking the step of investing in the necessary technology and tools a little further is setting up a website and utilizing social media to market your services.

Platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn can be powerful for networking and showcasing expertise. Don’t get overly excited and rush this step. Take your time to find the perfect platform to bring your website to life. What do you want to achieve with the website? Do you want something simple or to flex those creative muscles and build something unique? Think about these things!

Step 5: Partner with a virtual brokerage

As an individual looking to start a successful real estate career, partnering with a virtual brokerage firm can help. They can provide you with support, resources, and access to listings that rival traditional firms.

Furthermore, partnering with one ensures you follow the required legal and ethical standards. It also adds to your income channel as you can earn a share of the commissions it collects from your real estate transactions.

You may also like: The 9 steps to a successful real estate sale.

Step 6: Network digitally

Building a solid network is essential in the real estate business. This is especially so if you work remotely. Fortunately, the digital world offers numerous opportunities to connect with potential clients and industry professionals.

To grow your network online, expand your reach, build lasting relationships, and position yourself as a knowledgeable and reliable real estate agent, consider doing the following:

• Joining online forums and groups on LinkedIn, Facebook, and specialized real estate forums allows you to engage in discussions, share insights, and establish your presence in the industry.
• Attending virtual real estate events to learn from experts and connect with like-minded professionals.
• Collaborating with other professionals to establish relationships with mortgage brokers, home inspectors, and attorneys who can refer clients and provide valuable resources.

Step 7: Consider becoming a realtor

The terms realtor and real estate agent are generally used interchangeably; however, these terms differ. Though both have similar functions, the key difference is that realtors are members of the NAR (National Association of Realtors) and conform to its strict Code of Ethics.

The NAR is the largest trade association in the U.S., representing over 1.5 million members, including salespeople, property managers, brokers, counselors, appraisers, and other residential and commercial real estate industry participants.

Though becoming a realtor can add to your credibility, membership is optional.

Becoming a realtor gives you access to several resources, including:

• Real estate market data, research, and statistics
• Business tools
• Discount programs
• Educational opportunities

Step 8: Join Properstar global agent program

List your properties on international real estate portals like Properstar to attract foreign buyers. By joining our Global Agent program, a paid subscription, you get access to many benefits.

Your properties will also be published in over 60 countries on 100+ property portals. We also feature language translation so that your target audience can understand your listing; we enhance the features of your listings, provide larger photos, showcase your profile, and place your listings higher in search results.

Properstar Global Agent program is the right platform to get started with your remote real estate career.

As a real estate agent working remotely, managing your clients and market effectively requires leveraging technology and establishing clear communication channels.

Set a daily routine

Carry the same mindset as you would do in a traditional job. Set your alarm. Go through your normal morning habits like you would if you were going into the office. Getting ready for the day can signal you to shift your home environment into your workspace. Setting specific working hours will help you maintain consistency and productivity.

Use a task management system

Take advantage of smartphone technology and productivity apps like Trello or Asana to help you organize tasks, manage leads, and track deal progress so you can adjust your daily and weekly work goals.

Set daily and weekly goals

Establishing clear goals is crucial for staying productive as a remote real estate agent. Start each day by identifying the critical tasks you need to complete. These daily objectives should contribute to a larger weekly goal, such as closing a deal, generating new leads, or updating listings.

For example: Daily Goal: Follow up with five potential clients. Weekly Goal: Secure two property viewings or virtual tours.

This structured approach helps you maintain focus and ensures your efforts align with broader business objectives. Use digital tools like task managers or calendars to track progress and stay on schedule.

Leverage virtual communication

Working remotely as a real estate agent can create more challenges when it comes to learning something new from your colleagues or communicating with clients effectively, as they are not physically present.

However, you can manage this by using different communication tools to keep up to date. Consider investing in video conferencing tools, like Zoom, for meetings with colleagues and clients. Also, use emails and messaging apps to maintain strong relationships.

Designate a home office space

To excel as a remote real estate agent, you must designate an office in a specific area of your home. This will help minimize distractions, foster focus, and reflect professionalism during virtual meetings with clients.

Ensure this space has plenty of natural light and is equipped with necessities like a desk and a comfortable chair. Personalize your space with accessories to keep you energized throughout the day.

Your home office should be a place you like working in. Of course, you should also equip your home office with the necessary equipment and tools, which we’ll go over in the following sections.

Make time for breaks

Working remotely doesn’t mean you should work round the clock. It might feel strange initially, but you must make time for daily breaks while telecommuting.

Be sure to set aside at least five minutes between tasks to step away from your desk and refresh. The freedom to stop, reflect, and reset during your day can help you be less likely to experience burnout.

Flexibility

Having a physical office gives you a good presence in a local area. However, it will also be more difficult to broaden your client and property pool beyond this. Remote working allows you to work from anywhere. It also allows you to expand your geographical focus. For example, you can choose to sell properties across an entire county or state, giving you access to a far bigger market.

Cost-effectiveness

Working remotely means saving on commuting, office attire, maintaining physical office space, and other expenses associated with traditional work. Without the limitations of a physical office, you can rapidly scale your real estate career or business and hire additional real estate professionals without worrying about providing a desk and all the necessary equipment.

Lack of face-to-face interaction

Some clients and colleagues may prefer in-person meetings, which can make building relationships more challenging.

Self-discipline required

Remote work demands strong time-management skills and the ability to stay motivated without direct supervision. Furthermore, not everyone finds their home to be the ideal work environment. For some people, home is too full of distractions and other responsibilities for them to focus on work fully.

Potential tech issues

Dependence on technology means that any technical problems can disrupt your workflow.

The estimated total pay for a Real Estate Agent in the U.S., according to Glassdoor, is $239,348 per year, with an average salary of $148,570 per year.

Although the best local estate agents might get a 5% higher sales price than the best online or hybrid estate agents, the income potential for remote real estate agents can be comparable to or even exceed that of traditional agents because leveraging technology and a global network, gives them access to a broader market and close more deals.

However, success in remote real estate depends on market knowledge, client relationships, and effective time management.