If you’re thinking about becoming a real estate agent in 2025, you’re not alone—and you’re on the right track. Real estate isn’t just about selling houses. It’s one of the few careers where you control your income, your schedule, and your future.
But here’s what most people don’t realize: you can start earning money in real estate way before you close your first deal, and the opportunities go far beyond traditional home sales. Whether you’re trying to pass the exam or you’re already licensed and wondering what to do next, this guide will walk you through how real estate agents make money and how to pass the exam on your first try. Let’s break it down.
How Real Estate Agents Make Money in 2025
Once you’re licensed, the goal isn’t just to sell houses—it’s to build income streams. The top agents understand that real estate is a business, and they treat it like one.
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Here are the main ways agents earn money:
1. Referral Commissions
Even if you don’t want to work with clients directly, you can still get paid. As a referral agent, you send potential buyers or sellers to another agent and earn a percentage of the commission when the deal closes.
This is perfect for:
- Part-time agents
- Agents building a national network
- Those who want a passive income without full involvement
2. Building a Downline (Agent Attraction)
If your brokerage offers revenue share or profit share, you can earn a percentage of every deal closed by agents you recruit. This adds up fast as your team grows. Think of it as building your own sales team within a brokerage. Many successful agents are earning thousands per month just from attracting other agents to their teams.
3. Investing in Real Estate
As an agent, you get early access to listings, market data, and inside deals. That’s a huge advantage. Many agents buy properties, flip them, or hold them as rentals—and earn a commission on the purchase at the same time.
Example: You buy a $300,000 home to flip and make a $15,000 commission as the buyer’s agent. That’s money you wouldn’t get as a regular investor.
4. Becoming a Broker
Once you gain some experience, you can take the next step: become a broker. Brokers can start their own team or company, recruit agents, and take a cut of every deal their agents close. It’s more responsibility, but it also comes with more freedom and higher earning potential.
5. Consulting and Education
If you’ve built systems, mastered social media, or closed dozens of deals, other agents will pay for your knowledge. You can sell:
- 1-on-1 coaching calls
- Templates or buyer guides
- Online courses
- Workshops and masterminds
This turns your knowledge into a scalable, digital product.
How to Pass the Real Estate Exam on Your First Try
Passing the exam is the first step—but it trips up a lot of people because they treat it like something to cram for, not something to actually understand.
Here’s a smarter way to study and pass the real estate exam the first time:
1. Focus on the Big Picture
Don’t memorize random facts. Focus on the core concepts:
- Property ownership types
- Contracts and agency relationships
- Fair housing laws
- Math formulas (like prorations and loan calculations)
Ask yourself: If I were working with a real client, would I understand this concept well enough to explain it to them?
2. Master Vocabulary
There’s a lot of legal and real estate-specific language. Create flashcards and drill key terms daily. Knowing vocabulary helps you understand questions faster on the actual test.
3. Study in Short, Focused Sessions
Instead of cramming for hours once a week, break your study into 30–45 minute daily sessions. Use spaced repetition and keep reviewing topics until they stick. This keeps you from burning out and helps with long-term retention.
4. Understand Why Answers Are Right (or Wrong)
When doing practice questions, don’t just check if you were right—learn the reason why. The real estate exam loves tricky wording, and often, two answers sound correct. If you understand the reasoning behind each question, you’ll be prepared no matter how the test phrases it.
5. Simulate Real Testing Conditions
Take full-length practice exams with a timer. Get used to the format and the pressure. Aim to score 80%+ consistently before you schedule your actual exam.
6. Use a Proven Prep Program
If you want structured guidance, consider a test prep program like the one offered by Colibri Real Estate. It includes:
- Practice exams
- Video walkthroughs
- Interactive lessons
Structure and accountability can make all the difference—especially if you learn best with visual explanations or real-world examples.
7. Prep for Exam Day
When it’s time to take the test:
- Get a full night’s sleep
- Eat a clean, filling breakfast
- Arrive early with your ID and documents
- Pace yourself—don’t rush, but don’t overthink
Confidence comes from preparation, and your mindset matters just as much as your memory.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a real estate agent is one of the most accessible, flexible, and scalable careers out there. You can start small, work part-time, and grow into a full-time business that gives you total freedom.
Once you’re licensed, there are so many ways to make money:
- Referral commissions
- Recruiting agents
- Flipping or renting properties
- Starting your own brokerage
- Selling digital products or coaching
But it all starts with passing the exam—and doing it the right way.
Key Takeaways:
- Treat the exam like a real business foundation, not just a test
- Focus on understanding, not memorizing
- Use tools like flashcards, practice exams, and prep courses
- Once licensed, explore multiple income streams to grow faster