What Should You Do After Getting Your Real Estate License?

Earning your real estate license is a major milestone that marks the beginning of an exciting and potentially rewarding career. But once you have that coveted piece of paper in hand, what comes next? The journey from licensed agent to successful real estate professional involves more than just knowing the rules—it requires strategic steps to build your reputation, expand your network, and develop practical skills.

Navigating the early stages after licensure can feel overwhelming, as the real estate industry is both competitive and dynamic. Whether you’re eager to jump into transactions or still figuring out how to establish your footing, understanding the essential actions to take immediately after getting your license is crucial. This phase sets the foundation for your growth and long-term success in the field.

In the following sections, you’ll discover key considerations and practical advice to help you transition smoothly from newly licensed agent to confident real estate professional. From building relationships to honing your expertise, the path ahead is filled with opportunities—if you know where to focus your energy first.

Choosing the Right Brokerage

After obtaining your real estate license, selecting the right brokerage to affiliate with is a critical step. Brokerages provide the infrastructure, mentorship, and resources necessary for your initial success. When evaluating potential brokerages, consider factors such as commission splits, training programs, office culture, technology tools, and support for new agents.

Look for brokerages that offer comprehensive onboarding, marketing assistance, and access to a strong network of experienced agents. Additionally, some brokerages specialize in certain types of real estate or markets, so aligning with one that matches your professional goals will enhance your growth opportunities.

Here are key considerations when choosing a brokerage:

Commission structure: Understand how splits, fees, and caps work.
Training and mentorship: Access to ongoing education and guidance.
Brand reputation: The brokerage’s standing in your target market.
Technology and marketing tools: Availability of CRM systems, listing platforms, and promotional resources.
Office environment: Collaborative vs. independent culture.

Brokerage Feature	Why It Matters	Questions to Ask
Commission Split	Determines your income share from each sale	What percentage will I keep? Are there fees or caps?
Training Programs	Supports skill development and confidence building	What ongoing education is provided? Is mentorship available?
Office Culture	Influences collaboration and motivation	Is the environment competitive or supportive?
Technology Tools	Enhances efficiency and client management	Do you provide CRM, marketing automation, or listing tools?
Brand Recognition	Affects lead generation and trust with clients	How well-known is the brokerage in my market?

Building Your Professional Network

Networking is essential to establish a strong presence in the real estate industry. Start by connecting with fellow agents, mortgage brokers, home inspectors, contractors, and other professionals related to the buying and selling process. These relationships can lead to referrals, shared knowledge, and collaborative opportunities.

Participate in local real estate associations, chambers of commerce, and community events to increase visibility. Online platforms such as LinkedIn and industry-specific forums are also valuable for expanding your network beyond your immediate geographic area.

Tips for effective networking include:

Attend open houses and industry mixers regularly.
Join real estate groups and committees.
Volunteer for community initiatives to build goodwill.
Follow up promptly with new contacts.
Maintain a contact database for ongoing communication.

Developing a Marketing Strategy

Creating a comprehensive marketing plan is vital to attract clients and generate leads. Focus on establishing your personal brand and demonstrating your expertise in the local market. A multi-channel approach combining digital and traditional marketing will yield the best results.

Key marketing components to implement include:

Professional website: Showcase your listings, testimonials, and services.
Social media presence: Engage followers with relevant content on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Email campaigns: Send newsletters and market updates to your contacts.
Print materials: Use business cards, flyers, and postcards strategically.
Open houses and community events: Increase your exposure through direct interaction.

Effective marketing requires consistent effort and tracking. Utilize analytics tools to measure campaign success and adjust strategies accordingly.

Continuing Education and Skill Development

The real estate industry is dynamic, with frequent regulatory changes and evolving market conditions. Staying informed through continuing education is necessary not only to maintain your license but also to enhance your competencies.

Many states mandate a minimum number of continuing education hours. Beyond that, pursuing certifications or designations such as Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) or Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) can differentiate you from competitors.

Areas to focus on for ongoing learning include:

Contract law and ethics
Negotiation tactics
Marketing and technology trends
Local market analysis
Customer service excellence

Setting Up Your Business Operations

To operate efficiently, establish the administrative and financial systems necessary for your real estate practice. This includes choosing a business structure, setting up accounting processes, and organizing client records.

Important operational tasks to complete:

Register your business entity (if applicable).
Obtain any required local permits or tax IDs.
Set up a dedicated business bank account.
Implement bookkeeping software or hire an accountant.
Develop a system for managing contracts, leads, and appointments.

Consider investing in a customer relationship management (CRM) system to automate follow-ups and track client interactions systematically.

Planning Your Financial Goals

Real estate income can be variable, especially when starting out. Planning for financial stability involves budgeting, forecasting commissions, and managing expenses prudently.

Create a financial plan that includes:

Monthly personal and business expenses
Estimated income based on realistic sales projections
Emergency savings to cover low-income periods
Marketing and education budgets
Tax planning and estimated quarterly payments

Expense Category

Estimated Monthly Cost

Notes

Office Fees and Desk Rent

$200 – $800

Depends on brokerage and location

Marketing and Advertising

$300 – $1,000+

Includes online ads

Begin Building Your Professional Network

Establishing a strong network is crucial for long-term success in real estate. After obtaining your license, focus on connecting with industry professionals, potential clients, and mentors who can support your career growth.

Join a Brokerage: Select a reputable brokerage that aligns with your goals. Brokerages provide essential resources such as training, leads, and marketing support.
Attend Industry Events: Participate in local real estate associations, open houses, and networking events to meet other agents, lenders, inspectors, and attorneys.
Find a Mentor: Seek guidance from experienced agents who can offer advice, share strategies, and help navigate challenges in your early transactions.
Connect with Local Vendors: Establish relationships with mortgage brokers, home inspectors, contractors, and title companies to create a reliable support system for your clients.

Develop a Comprehensive Business Plan

A clear, actionable business plan will guide your activities and help measure progress. This plan should outline your goals, strategies, and budget.

Component	Details
Target Market	Define your ideal client demographics, locations, and property types
Marketing Strategies	Social media campaigns, direct mail, open houses, referrals, and online advertising
Income Goals	Set monthly and annual commission targets based on average transaction values
Budget	Allocate funds for licensing fees, marketing, technology, and continuing education
Training and Development	Plan for ongoing education and skill-building opportunities to enhance expertise

Establish Your Online Presence

In today’s digital environment, a professional online presence is essential for attracting clients and building credibility.

Create and optimize your profiles on real estate platforms such as Zillow, Realtor.com, and local MLS directories. Use professional photos and detailed bios to highlight your expertise and unique value proposition.

Build a Personal Website: Showcase your listings, client testimonials, and contact information. Incorporate lead capture forms to generate inquiries.
Leverage Social Media: Maintain active accounts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter to share market updates, success stories, and community information.
Content Marketing: Publish blog posts, videos, or newsletters that educate buyers and sellers about the real estate process and local market trends.

Complete Required Post-Licensing Education

Many states mandate post-licensing courses within a specified timeframe after initial licensure. Completing these courses ensures compliance and reinforces your knowledge base.

Review your state’s regulatory requirements to determine the number of hours and subjects needed. Typical topics include contracts, ethics, agency law, and state-specific regulations.

Utilize accredited providers offering online or in-person classes to fulfill these requirements efficiently. Staying current with continuing education also prepares you for the licensing renewal process.

Implement Effective Lead Generation Techniques

Generating consistent leads is vital for establishing a pipeline of potential clients. Employ a multi-channel approach to maximize your reach.

Sphere of Influence: Contact friends, family, and acquaintances to announce your new career and ask for referrals.
Cold Calling and Door Knocking: Engage with homeowners and buyers in targeted neighborhoods to identify interested prospects.
Online Advertising: Use Google Ads and Facebook Ads to target specific demographics and geographic areas.
Open Houses: Host events to showcase properties, meet buyers, and collect contact information.
Referral Programs: Create incentives for past clients and business contacts to refer new clients to you.

Organize Your Business Operations and Tools

Efficient management of your daily operations enables you to focus on client service and sales.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software: Use CRM platforms to track leads, communications, and follow-ups systematically.
Transaction Management Systems: Adopt software solutions to streamline contract generation, document storage, and compliance tracking.
Financial Management: Set up separate business bank accounts, track expenses, and plan for tax obligations.
Time Management: Develop routines and use scheduling tools to balance prospecting, client meetings, and administrative tasks.

Professional Guidance on Next Steps After Earning Your Real Estate License

Jessica Martinez (Broker and Real Estate Coach, Martinez Realty Group). After obtaining your real estate license, the most critical step is to join a reputable brokerage that aligns with your career goals and values. This environment provides mentorship, resources, and a client base that are essential for building your confidence and practical skills in the field.

David Chen (Real Estate Marketing Strategist, Urban Property Advisors). Newly licensed agents should immediately focus on developing a strong personal brand and online presence. Leveraging social media platforms and creating a professional website will help establish credibility and attract potential clients in a highly competitive market.

Linda Foster (Licensed Real Estate Instructor and Career Consultant, National Real Estate Institute). Continuing education is paramount after licensure. Enroll in specialized courses such as negotiation tactics, local market trends, and real estate law updates to sharpen your expertise and differentiate yourself from other agents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the first steps to take after obtaining a real estate license?
Immediately seek affiliation with a reputable brokerage, complete any required post-licensing education, and begin building your professional network.

How important is choosing the right brokerage after getting licensed?
Selecting the right brokerage is crucial as it provides mentorship, resources, and market exposure necessary for your initial success and long-term career growth.

What continuing education requirements should new licensees be aware of?
Most states mandate continuing education courses within a specific timeframe after licensure to maintain and renew your license, so stay informed about your state’s requirements.

How can new real estate agents start generating leads effectively?
Focus on building a strong personal brand, leveraging social media, attending networking events, and reaching out to family and friends to establish a client base.

What tools and technology should new agents invest in?
Invest in a reliable customer relationship management (CRM) system, professional website, mobile apps for property searches, and digital marketing tools to enhance productivity and client engagement.

Is it necessary to specialize in a particular type of real estate early on?
While specialization can differentiate you in the market, gaining broad experience initially helps build a solid foundation before focusing on a niche.
After obtaining your real estate license, the next steps are crucial to establishing a successful career in the industry. It is essential to join a reputable brokerage that aligns with your professional goals and offers the support and resources necessary for growth. Additionally, investing time in building a strong network, continuing education, and mastering marketing strategies will help you gain traction in a competitive market.

Developing a solid business plan and setting clear objectives will guide your daily activities and long-term ambitions. Emphasizing client relationships and honing your negotiation skills are fundamental to building trust and securing transactions. Staying informed about market trends and legal regulations ensures you provide accurate advice and maintain compliance.

Ultimately, patience and persistence are key attributes for new real estate professionals. Success does not happen overnight, but with dedication, continuous learning, and strategic efforts, you can build a rewarding and sustainable career. Embracing these foundational steps after receiving your license positions you for growth and achievement in the real estate field.

Author Profile

Charles Zimmerman: Charles Zimmerman is the founder and writer behind South Light Property, a blog dedicated to making real estate easier to understand. Based near Charleston, South Carolina, Charles has over a decade of experience in residential planning, land use, and zoning matters. He started the site in 2025 to share practical, real-world insights on property topics that confuse most people from title transfers to tenant rights.

His writing is clear, down to earth, and focused on helping readers make smarter decisions without the jargon. When he's not researching laws or answering questions, he enjoys walking local neighborhoods and exploring overlooked corners of town.