How to Get into Real Estate with No Experience in 2025

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Entering the real estate industry involves various legal, educational, and financial considerations that may differ by state or individual circumstances. While we aim to provide helpful insights and up-to-date guidance, we recommend consulting with a licensed real estate professional, broker, or career advisor before making any decisions. Your success in real estate may vary based on your actions, market conditions, and other factors beyond the scope of this article.

Starting in real estate without a track record can feel intimidating; we get it. 

We’ve worked with plenty of people starting from zero: no big network, no industry background, just the drive to make it happen. And we’ve watched them land their first roles faster than they ever expected.

The opportunity is real. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be about 46,000 openings for real estate brokers and agents each year through 2033. And many of those are built for newcomers ready to jump in.

But standing out without years of experience isn’t about luck; having a strategy is the key.

You need to know which skills hiring managers care about, where to focus your energy, and how to start building credibility from day one.

If you’re ready to break into the industry, this guide will walk you through practical steps that work. Because we’ve seen them open doors for people starting exactly where you are now.

Let’s begin!

TL;DR

🔍 Explore Entry Points into Real Estate

• Follow traditional roles – Become a licensed agent, work as a real estate assistant, leasing consultant, or sales support staff to gain structured experience.
• Or, try unconventional paths – Consider wholesaling, virtual real estate roles, content creation, networking through volunteering, or starting with small real estate investments.

🔑 Leverage Transferable Skills for Success

• Use sales & customer service skills – Experience in retail, hospitality, or negotiation can be an advantage.
• Apply marketing & social media expertise – Use Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok to build a brand and attract clients.
• Develop project management & organization – Handle transactions, scheduling, and deal coordination efficiently.
• Improve tech proficiency – Learn CRM systems, market analysis tools, and digital marketing to stand out.

🤝 Build a Network Without Experience

• Attend open houses & industry events – Meet agents and professionals to gain insights and connections.
• Engage with social media communities – Connect with industry professionals online, share insights, and grow your network.
• Volunteer or offer assistance – Help real estate professionals with social media, event organization, or marketing materials.
• Join real estate associations – Gain access to mentorship programs and networking opportunities.
• Follow up with contacts consistently – Strengthen relationships over time to create opportunities.

🤖 Use Technology to Get Ahead

• Create an online presence – Use LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook to showcase your expertise.
• Learn from real estate apps – Use Zillow, Redfin, and DealMachine to understand the market.
• Organize contacts with CRM systems – Tools like HubSpot and Zoho help manage connections and follow-ups.
• Take online courses for faster learning – Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and YouTube offer real estate fundamentals.
• Master digital marketing strategies – Run social media ads, create content, and use marketing tools to stand out.

👻 Follow Expert Advice for Beginners

• Get educated & licensed – Complete courses and exams to gain credibility.
• Find a mentor or internship – Learn from experienced professionals to accelerate success.
• Select the right brokerage – Look for training, support, and growth opportunities.
• Apply your existing kills – Use strengths in sales, tech, and communication to your advantage.
• Stay proactive & adaptable – Keep learning, networking, and tracking market trends.

Many Doors of Real Estate: Which Will You Open?

Most people hear “real estate” and picture agents showing homes, negotiating offers, and sealing deals. 

Yes, that’s a huge part of the business. But it’s only one piece of the puzzle.

This industry runs on creating value in all kinds of ways: buying and selling properties, managing rentals, marketing listings, or supporting the pros who handle those transactions. 

And the best part? Plenty of these roles are wide open to people with no prior experience.

Source

Here are just a few examples of entry points that can get you in the game fast:

• On-demand property management
• Landlord representation
• Property management marketing
• Real estate marketing
• Investment analysis
• Administrative support

Each one gives you a front-row seat to how the industry works, while you build knowledge, contacts, and a track record that opens doors to bigger opportunities.

We’ve seen people start as leasing assistants and work their way up to managing entire property portfolios. 

Others began in marketing, crafting campaigns for agents, and later moved into investment or development roles.

Bottom line: every role adds to your skill set and moves you closer to where you want to be. The more you get involved now, the more options you’ll have down the road.

Entry Points into Real Estate

There’s no single doorway into this business, and that’s the beauty of it. 

You can go the well-trodden, traditional route or carve out your own path. Either way, there’s room for newcomers who are ready to bring value.

The trick is finding the entry point that plays to your strengths and gets you moving fast.

Let’s look at some of the most effective ways to kickstart your career, no matter where you’re starting from.

Conventional Entry Points

If you want a route with clear steps, built-in training, and a reputation that carries weight in the industry, the traditional path is your friend. 

These roles offer structure, steady learning curves, and a direct line to long-term growth:

1. Becoming a licensed real estate agent

Source

This is the classic starting point for a reason. Take a pre-licensing course, pass your state exam, and sign with a brokerage. 

Yes,  becoming a licensed real estate agent implies an upfront investment. But the payoff is the chance to earn commissions and start building your book of business from day one.

2. Working as a real estate assistant

Think of this as your front-row seat to the industry. 

You’ll keep things running for seasoned agents (handling admin work, scheduling, and transaction details), while soaking up the kind of knowledge no course can teach. 

It’s also a fast track to building connections that matter.

3. Leasing consultant or property manager

If you want to work directly with people and properties, this is it. 

You’ll deal with tenants, landlords, and owners, gaining experience in contracts, negotiations, and service; all skills that translate across the industry.

4. Starting in real estate sales support

This is where you see the engine of real estate up close. 

From marketing campaigns to transaction coordination, you’ll learn how deals take shape and close. All while sharpening skills that make you valuable in any role.

Unconventional Entry Points

Not every career starts with a real estate license and a brokerage. Some of the fastest ways in are the ones most people overlook. 

These roles call for creativity, hustle, and a willingness to learn while you work. Also, they can put you on the map faster than you think:

1. Real estate wholesaling

Find properties at a discount, connect sellers with buyers, and collect a fee for making it happen. 

Source

You don’t need a license or a big upfront investment, but you do need persistence and strong networking skills to make it work.

Did You Know? Assignment fees (the wholesaler’s payday) typically range from $3,000 to $20,000 per deal, and seasoned pros can pull in even more on the right property.

2. Virtual real estate roles

Remote jobs in the industry are booming; think virtual assistants, online marketing managers for brokerages, or social media managers for agents. 

You can start building industry knowledge from anywhere with a laptop and an internet connection.

Key Insight: 45% of real estate agents work primarily from home, and 63% say remote work has helped them connect with more clients outside their local area. This proves that going virtual can expand your reach from day one.

3. Real estate content creation or photography

Agents can’t sell what buyers can’t see,  and that’s where great visuals come in. 

If you’re handy with a camera, good at editing, or know how to grab attention online, there’s a market for your skills.

And if you’re into real estate drone photography, even better. Aerial shots are one of the hottest trends right now and can instantly make a listing stand out.

Key Stat: 61% of realtors already use drones in their listings, and 43% of them hire professionals to operate them. This means there’s still plenty of opportunity for skilled newcomers to stand out.

4. Networking through volunteering or freelance work

Offer your time or skills to help with open houses, marketing materials, or event planning for real estate pros. 

These small gigs can get your foot in the door and lead to bigger opportunities.

5. House flipping or investing

Got some capital and a sharp eye for potential? Start small with fixer-uppers or partner with experienced investors to learn on the job. 

Crowdfunding platforms also make it possible to invest with minimal funds and still get real market experience.

@beautyandabuilder No risk, no reward! Let’s flip this home🙌🏽  #homeflip #houserenovation #houseflip #realestateinevsting #homeremodel #diyhomeprojects ♬ Blue Blood – Heinz Kiessling

These entry points might not be traditional, but they work. Pick one that matches your strengths and resources, take the leap, and you’ll start building the experience and connections that fuel a long-term real estate career.

Skills You Didn’t Know Could Launch Your Real Estate Career

One of the biggest myths about real estate is that you need industry experience to get started. 

In reality, plenty of the skills you already have could be your ticket in. And we’ve seen them help candidates land roles and build momentum fast.

Here’s how your existing strengths can translate into a solid start in real estate:

1. Sales and Customer Service Skills

If you’ve worked in retail, hospitality, or any customer-facing job, you already know how to connect with people. 

Real estate is about understanding clients’ needs, offering solutions, and guiding them through decisions.

So, being able to communicate clearly, build trust, and handle objections makes you stand out from day one.

2. Project Management and Organization

Managing multiple projects or working under tight deadlines? That’s daily life in real estate. 

You’ll juggle listings, paperwork, client demands, and schedules, often all at once. 

Being organized, detail-oriented, and good at prioritizing tasks can make you indispensable in any role.

3. Marketing and Social Media Savvy

Marketing is essential in real estate. If you’ve run social media accounts, created content, or worked in advertising, you can use those skills to promote listings, build brand visibility, and reach potential clients. 

We’ve seen candidates gain attention quickly by using platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok to market properties and position themselves as go-to professionals.

4. Problem-Solving and Negotiation

From overcoming financing hurdles to finding creative deal structures, problem-solving is part of the job.

If you’ve ever had to think on your feet, mediate between parties, or negotiate terms, you already have an edge. 

Staying calm under pressure and finding solutions that work for everyone is a major asset in this industry.

5. Tech Proficiency

Lastly, even basic tech skills (spreadsheets, presentations, CRM software) can give you a leg up. 

Real estate relies heavily on technology for market analysis, marketing, and client management. 

We’ve seen candidates come from tech roles, start in support positions, and quickly move into agent roles by using their digital skills to deliver faster, smarter results.

The bottom line here? You don’t have to start from scratch. Look at the skills you already have and think about how they can help you get your foot in the door. 

Chances are, you’re more prepared than you realize.

How to Start Leveraging Your Skills in Real Estate Today

You already have more to offer the real estate industry than you might think. The key is to put those strengths to work right away. 

Here’s how to start:

• Identify your strengths. List the skills you’ve built in past roles and map out how they could apply in real estate.
• Highlight them in your resume. For entry-level roles, showcase transferable skills that make you stand out from other applicants.
• Practice applying your skills. Offer to help an agent with small projects that fit your strengths, like running their social media, organizing client databases, or assisting with marketing materials.

Your experience outside real estate isn’t a drawback; actually, it’s an advantage. Every skill you bring adds value to your future clients and colleagues. 

Use them with intention, and you’ll be on your way to making a name for yourself in the industry.

5 Ways to Build a Network in Real Estate Without a Title

Starting out without a license or a list of closed deals? That’s okay.

You don’t need a business card full of titles to start building real connections. The sooner you grow your network, the faster doors open. 

Here’s how to make it happen:

1. Show up at open houses and industry events

Open houses aren’t just for buyers. Actually, they’re prime chances to meet agents, brokers, and other pros. 

Walk in, introduce yourself, and let them know you’re getting into the industry. Ask smart questions and listen. 

Also, hit local seminars, networking nights, and real estate meetups. Face time matters.

2. Use social media like a pro

LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook can get you in front of the right people before you even step into your first open house.

Follow local agents, join real estate groups, and genuinely engage with their posts. Share your own journey too; even small wins. 

That’s exactly how Jordan, one of our connections, went from posting about his work as a real estate assistant to getting offers from seasoned pros who noticed his drive.

3. Volunteer or offer help

If a paid gig isn’t on the table yet, offer your help. Manage an agent’s social media, assist with open houses, or design a flyer. 

A brilliant example is Sheila, who joined us at Estate Skyline as a young intern with zero experience. Despite that, she jumped right in to handle data entry and client follow-ups. 

Six months later, she was on the payroll full-time. An initiative like that gets noticed.

4. Join local associations

Real estate boards and associations often welcome aspiring professionals. Many have discounted memberships, training sessions, and mentorship programs. You’ll get access to rooms (and people) you wouldn’t meet otherwise.

5. Stay consistent and follow up

Networking isn’t about collecting contacts. In reality, it’s about staying on people’s radar. 

Send a quick email or LinkedIn message after you meet someone. Thank them for their time and let them know you’re serious about real estate. That small touch can turn a casual intro into an opportunity down the line.

Your network is your launchpad. The relationships you start building today could be the ones that land you your first role and keep opening doors for years to come.

Your Entry Strategy is Zero Without the Right Tools

No experience? No problem; the right tech can make you look like you’ve been in the game for years. 

Beyond making life easier, the right tools can help you show up like a pro, learn faster, and connect with people who can open doors for you.

Here’s how to use technology to your advantage from day one:

Build an online presence

 Your online presence is your modern business card. Start simple:

• LinkedIn: Connect with agents, brokers, and other pros. Share articles, short tips, or updates about what you’re learning.
• Instagram/Facebook: Post local market trends, your own insights, or quick home-buying tips (you can borrow ideas from colleagues at first).

Here’s a pro move: Beginners who post quick market tips or property insights on Instagram often see agents and clients start following them before they even close their first deal.

Consider the topics above and start recording videos or writing posts about your experience.

Learn the market with real estate apps

You don’t need to spend a dime to start understanding your market. These apps can be helpful:

• Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com: Browse the best global property listing websites, compare property prices, see what’s moving, and learn local trends.
• DealMachine, PropStream: See how investors hunt for deals.

From our experience, spending just 10 minutes a day on Zillow can give you a sharper sense of your market than most newbies have in months.

Keep your contacts organized with CRM tools

The connections you make are useless if you lose track of them. A CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tool can help you:

• Store contact info from events, open houses, or social media.
• Set follow-up reminders so you never let a lead go cold.
• Track your growing network.

Pro tip: Top real estate CRM systems, such as HubSpot or Zoho CRM, offer free versions that are beginner-friendly yet powerful enough to keep you on top of every lead.

Take online courses to learn faster

The internet is full of affordable or free real estate courses that can teach you the basics. There are some great options:

• Udemy, Coursera: Affordable courses on real estate, marketing, and negotiation.
• YouTube: Free tips from experienced pros.

An example of that? One of our contacts learned negotiation entirely online during the pandemic. Now, it’s one of their strongest selling points.

Use digital marketing to stand out

You don’t need a roster of clients to start getting noticed. What you need to do is put yourself out there online:

• Social media ads. Run simple, targeted campaigns on Facebook or Instagram to get in front of local buyers and sellers.
• Content creation. Share quick-hit videos, blog posts, or market insights that show you know your stuff and can help people make smart moves.
• Website. Launch a cleansite that clearly tells people who you are, what you do, and why they should work with you.
• Tools. Test out top real estate marketing tools to streamline your efforts, from creating ads to tracking leads.

A proof that this works: One newcomer we worked with used TikTok to post 15-second home-buying tips. Within months, they’d built a loyal audience and landed a spot at a local brokerage.

Learn virtual tools for property tours

Virtual property tours are quickly becoming a standard in the industry. Knowing how to work with virtual tour software can make you an asset to any team.

Some key tools are:

• Matterport or 3D tour software for property walk-throughs.
• Zoom for virtual client meetings.

The right tech shortens your learning curve, makes you look credible, and connects you with the right people faster. 

Start using these tools now, and you’ll be in the game. Not just watching from the sidelines.

Recommendations from Top Real Estate Experts

If you want to skip years of trial and error, pay attention to people who’ve already done the work. 

These tips come straight from industry pros who know exactly what it takes to go from zero to thriving in real estate:

1. Start with education and licensing

“Immerse yourself in real estate fundamentals through courses, certifications, and relevant literature,” says Leslie Awasom, CRNA.

George Wessberg keeps it simple: “Get educated, get licensed, and get into a reputable brokerage.”

Takeaway: Learn the basics, choose one of the best real estate schools, and get that license so you can start making moves.

2. Get hands-on through apprenticeships or internships

“Apply for an apprenticeship with a top-producing real estate agent,” advises Mark J. Hamilton. “You’ll be thrust into many transactions and learn from real-world experiences.”

Waliur Rahman agrees: “If you have no experience, consider an internship.”

Takeaway: Shadowing someone who’s already killing it will teach you more in six months than you could learn alone in two years.

3. Build a strong network early

“Networking is crucial,” says Kelly Turner. “Attend industry events, join local associations, and meet people.”

Meanwhile, Marilyn Bostick advises new agents to leverage their networks, starting with family, friends, and local professionals.

Takeaway: Relationships drive this business. Every handshake, coffee chat, and DM could turn into a deal.

4. Pick your brokerage wisely

Marquise McDuffee notes: “Take your time when choosing a brokerage. Look for training, team opportunities, and the reputation of the firm.”

Marilyn Bostick echoes this: “Don’t just chase high splits; compare what companies offer in terms of training, tools, and support.”

Takeaway: The right brokerage can launch your career, and the wrong one can stall it. So, choose carefully.

5. Leverage tech and build your online presence

Leslie Awasom points out: “Every previous experience you bring can be valuable, especially communication and analysis skills that can shine online.”

Takeaway: Use social media, websites, and CRM tools to look like a pro and make it easy for people to find (and trust) you.

6. Find mentors and learn from them

“Seek a mentor in the real estate sector for guidance and advice,” suggests Leslie Cidale.

George Wessberg adds: “Join a team or group of agents to share insights and learn best practices.”

Takeaway: Having someone in your corner who’s been where you’re going can cut your learning curve in half.

7. Stay informed and proactive

Mark J. Hamilton says: “Help a top producer grow, and they will teach you what you need to know.”

Leslie Cidale adds: “Stay informed about market trends, analysis, and news.”

Takeaway: Don’t wait for opportunities to land in your lap. Stay ahead of market changes and find ways to add value wherever you are.

The biggest takeaway? Every expert you see now once started as the “new person” with no experience. 

If you take action on even a few of these tips, you’ll be stacking wins and building momentum before you know it.

How Estate Skyline Can Help You Get Started in Real Estate Without Prior Experience

Breaking into real estate is a lot easier when you’ve got someone in your corner who knows the industry inside and out.

That’s where Estate Skyline comes in – a real estate recruitment agency dedicated to helping aspiring agents find their footing and launch their careers with confidence.

We connect you with the right opportunities, the right people, and the right guidance to help you start strong:

• Career preparation and interview support: From crafting a standout CV to preparing you for interviews with top brokerages, we’ll make sure you’re ready to impress and land the right opportunity.
• Matching you with the right brokerage: We’ll help you find a team and company that fits your goals, values, and working style, so you can grow in an environment that sets you up for success.
• Mentorship and career coaching: We’ll connect you with experienced professionals who can show you the ropes, share insider advice, and help you avoid common rookie mistakes.

With Estate Skyline in your corner, you’re not just stepping into real estate, but you’re stepping into it with purpose, direction, and the right connections to make your mark from day one.

Ready to launch your real estate career? Let’s make it happen; contact us today!

Final Thoughts: This Is How You Get Started

Breaking into real estate with no experience isn’t a long shot. In reality, that’s how many successful careers in this industry start. 

We’ve seen people come in with no connections and zero deals. Within months, they started building a network, closing transactions, and carving out their place in the market.

The formula is simple: get the right guidance, focus on building relationships, learn your local market, and stay consistent. Every open house you visit, every agent you meet, and every skill you sharpen puts you closer to landing that first big win.

At Estate Skyline, we’ve helped countless newcomers turn ambition into action. And we know that with the right steps, you can do the same. 

The opportunities are there; it’s just a matter of going after them.

Your first move? Start today. The sooner you step in, the sooner we can help you build the career you’re aiming for.