Real Estate Broker

As a property broker, you will be focusing on only one part of the residential real estate agent’s job. You will be doing the basic research rather than carrying out the entire process through to closing. You will develop a range of choices based on the buyer interview. This gives the agent and the buyer an opportunity to plan, clarify wants and needs, and consider the financial implications. It is especially reassuring for families making transcontinental moves to know what choices are available to them within their price range, general preferences for neighborhood type, and so on. Your job, essentially, is to match your clients to their perfect home. You’re different from a relocation specialist in that your territory is limited to your own immediate community. You provide information on the homes in your geographic area as opposed to helping clients relocate elsewhere around the country.


Start-up costs could be as low as $500, but marketing efforts will be ongoing unless referrals or subcontracting can bring you adequate business. You could earn $25,000 to $100,000 annually.


You will need to continuously prove that your services add value and don’t threaten other agents but rather augment their services. Keeping good records of your effectiveness will support your marketing efforts. Projecting an enthusiasm for your local area, its different communities, and its varied attractions, will enhance your work. This is a good choice for someone who loves houses and enjoys thinking about what type of family would choose each one, but who finds the sale process unappealing. Not everyone wants to spend all weekend showing picky buyers house after house, only to see the sale evaporate. Acting essentially as a home researcher, you can create a service that suits you as well as it does your clients. You will send them links to online photos and tours of homes in their price range, and then connect them with either the listing agent or the Realtor of their choice.

Approx. cost of start-up: $500 to $1,000


Approx. potential earnings: $25,000 to $100,000


Typical fees: 20 to 30 percent commission


Where to promote: Yellow Pages, memberships in local business and charitable organizations, local newspapers, Web site with link to Multiple Listing Service and a showcase area for your own current listings


Qualifications: Real estate license


Things needed: Cell phone, computer with Internet access, printer, fax, copier, business cards, letterhead, envelopes


Required staff:No


Hidden costs: Travel, marketing, subscription to online Multiple Listing Services, franchise fees