A real estate license opens up a world of career possibilities beyond the typical real estate broker role. You can pursue traditional careers, branch into specialized roles, or explore non-traditional fields that leverage real estate expertise. This article will answer the question, “What can you do with a real estate license?” The answers may surprise you.
Benefits of Having a Real Estate License
The most obvious benefit of having a real estate license is that it allows you to practice real estate – a lucrative career path that will enable you to be your own boss. However, like any field, you won’t know if you’ll like working in real estate until you try it. So, are there any other benefits of having a real estate license if you decide you’re not suited to the career?
Here are the benefits of having a real estate license.
Enhanced industry knowledge
Taking real estate classes increases your understanding of the real estate market and laws, allowing you to operate confidently as a broker. However, this deeper industry knowledge also benefits investors, property managers, real estate photographers, appraisers, content creators, and real estate consultants, should you choose another career path once licensed.
Increased earning potential – even if you decide not to work as a broker
Real estate brokers in Washington typically work on commission, giving them the potential to earn high incomes, especially with experience and market expertise.
However, if you decide not to work as a broker, you’ll still have the knowledge you need to do well in real estate – perhaps as a real estate consultant or through your own real estate investments.
Offers flexible career options
One of the primary advantages of having a real estate license is the freedom to choose how you apply it. You can work in different roles, such as a broker, property manager, or consultant, and decide whether to work full or part time. Some license holders choose real estate as a side gig or as a transition from other industries.
Traditional Career Paths in Real Estate
We think you’ll like working as a real estate broker. People working in the industry report having excellent job satisfaction. According to the 2024 NAR Member Profile Highlights, 73% of respondents were certain (and 19% somewhat certain) that they would remain active in the real estate profession for the next two years.
However, if you don’t enjoy working as a real estate broker after becoming licensed, you have plenty of other options. We’ll explore some of those alternative career options later in this article. For now, let’s look at traditional career paths in real estate.
Real Estate Broker
The entry-level real estate license in Washington is the broker license. Brokers represent buyers or sellers in property transactions. Real estate brokers typically are paid solely on commission, which is based on a percentage of the value of the property sold. Brokers often specialize in a niche or market. The license is a foundation for those aspiring to other real estate careers.
Real Estate Managing Broker
After a required three years of experience as a full-time broker, you may consider upgrading to a managing broker license. This license will allow you to take on additional responsibilities and operate independently. You can even own your own real estate business with a managing broker license. A higher income typically comes with this increased responsibility.
Learn how much real estate brokers make in Washington by downloading our 2025 salary guide.
Property Manager
Some earn their real estate license to become property managers. Property managers oversee rental properties for landlords, handling tasks like tenant relations, rent collection, and maintenance coordination. A career in property management requires strong organizational and communication skills. Property managers are typically paid a salary with bonus income based on specific metrics.
Alternative Career Paths in Real Estate
Maybe you’ve spent time as a broker or property manager and decided the career wasn’t for you. (Some people struggle with commission-based income or having too much unstructured time.) Here are some options if you still like parts of the industry but need another career path.
Real Estate Investor
Licensed real estate investors gain access to MLS listings and deeper market insights. Instead of helping clients expand their real estate portfolios, you may decide to invest independently. Investors may buy, renovate, and sell properties for profit or purchase properties for long-term rental income. (If you live in a popular tourist destination, consider investing in a property to use as a VRBO!) Understanding the risks and rewards associated with this income strategy is essential. However, many find real estate investing highly lucrative.
Real Estate Appraiser
If your favorite part of being a real estate agent is looking at properties, consider becoming a real estate appraiser. Real estate appraisers estimate property values, providing crucial information for buyers, sellers, and lenders. You’ll need another certification to become an appraiser. But, just like your qualifying courses for your broker license, you can also take appraiser classes online.
Real Estate Consultant
Why not dream big? Instead of overseeing the sale of individual properties, you could become a real estate consultant and play a crucial role in real estate developments. Large corporations, investment firms, and developers often hire real estate consultants. Consultants analyze trends, conduct market research, and provide guidance on property investments or sales.
Niche Roles within Real Estate
Working as a residential real estate broker may require too many evenings and weekends. Consider one of these niche roles if you’re ready for a real estate career with more traditional hours.
Commercial Real Estate Broker
Commercial real estate agents specialize in selling and leasing commercial properties such as office buildings, warehouses, and retail spaces. This area of real estate requires a distinct set of skills, including an understanding of commercial leases, market trends, and investment analysis. However, the good news is that you won’t need a different license to buy and sell commercial properties. In other good news, commercial agents often work with higher-value transactions, which can lead to substantial earnings.
Real Estate Marketing Specialist
Marketing is critical in real estate, and a marketing specialist focuses on promoting properties, brokerages, or agents through digital channels, advertising, and social media. This role is ideal for those passionate about marketing and branding who want to work within the real estate industry.
While a real estate license isn’t required for this position, there’s a benefit of having one. You’ll learn the regulations and laws regarding real estate marketing in real estate school. This knowledge is essential for a career as a marketer.
Real Estate Trainer or Educator
Experienced real estate professionals can also pursue careers in education, helping prepare new agents or providing specialized training to those looking to advance in the field. This role might involve teaching real estate classes, creating training materials, or coaching new agents. Trainers often find this role rewarding as they get to share their knowledge with newcomers to the industry.
Non-Traditional Opportunities
Perhaps you were drawn to the real estate industry through TikTok. Or maybe after working in real estate, you’ll learn about cool prop-tech (real estate technology) and decide to focus on all the incredible tools available for brokers. Here are a few non-traditional real estate opportunities you haven’t considered.
Real Estate Content Creator/Influencer
Do you have a favorite real estate influencer? Real estate content creators and influencers use social media, blogs, and video platforms to share insights, advice, and market trends with a broad audience. This career allows professionals to build a brand while monetizing through sponsorships, partnerships, and ad revenue. Many content creators have also successfully built personal real estate brands, attracting clients through their online presence.
Real Estate Tech and Innovation Roles
The rise of prop-tech has brought about new career paths in real estate technology. Professionals in these roles work with emerging technologies like virtual tours, AI-driven property recommendations, and real estate software solutions. Prop-tech careers are ideal for those with a tech background who want to apply their skills to real estate.
Real Estate Photography
Professional photographs are necessary when selling high-end properties. Use your staging, photography, and editing skills to become a real estate photographer or videographer. Become the go-to drone videographer in your area.
Steps to Obtain a Real Estate License
You can become a real estate broker in Washington in four simple steps. Get the nitty-gritty details from this page. Don’t worry – becoming licensed will only take a couple of months and cost around $1,000.
Step 1: Complete your real estate pre-licensing coursework.
To earn your license in Washington, you’ll need to complete two courses—one on real estate fundamentals and the other on real estate practices. Courses can be completed in person, over livestream, or at your own pace online.
Step 2: Pass the Washington real estate exam.
Are you worried about passing a standardized test? Invest in quality pre-licensing coursework – perhaps a program with a Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee.
Step 3: Submit your fingerprints for a background check.
Like many professions, real estate brokers must pass a background check before they’re licensed.
Step 4: Submit your application.
Once you pass the exam, you can apply for your real estate license through the Washington Department of Licensing. You’ll submit your application and pay a $223 application fee.
Once you’ve earned your license, you can work as a real estate broker, property manager, or another role related to the industry.
Continuing Education and Professional Development
As a real estate broker, you must stay updated on trends, laws, and best practices. That’s why you must complete continuing education courses in Washington to renew your license.
The first time you renew your broker license, there’s a heavier lift – as 90 hours of continuing ed is required. However, a standard renewal only requires 30 hours of continuing ed every two years.
Continuing education is required to maintain your license, and CE classes and professional development will also make you a better broker.
Best courses and certifications for real estate brokers in Washington
Along with meeting their continuing education requirements, the best real estate brokers take professional development courses to complete additional certifications. Here are a few certifications to consider:
- Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE)
- Certified Buyer Agent Expert (CBAE)
- Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS)
- Military Relocation Professional Certification (MRP)
- Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES)
- At Home With Diversity Certification (AHWD)
Having one of these certifications can lead you down additional career paths. The possibilities are endless!
With a real estate license, you’re not limited to a single career path; instead, you can explore a wide range of opportunities that align with your interests, skills, and long-term goals. From traditional roles like a broker or managing broker to niche and tech-driven roles, the real estate industry offers something for everyone.
Rockwell Institute in Washington has helped brokers and managing brokers achieve their career goals for over 50 years. We offer flexible course options for our students, backed by a Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee.
