Making $100,000 your first year in real estate is possible—but it doesn’t happen by accident. Agents who reach six figures early treat real estate like a business, focus on income-producing activities, and follow a clear plan from day one.
To gross $100,000 before expenses and taxes, most agents need roughly 12–15 closed transactions, depending on average commission. That means consistently generating opportunities, not chasing every idea that comes along.
Successful first-year agents usually master one primary lead source instead of trying to do everything at once. This could be open houses, referrals from friends and family, online buyer leads, rentals that convert into purchases, or social media content focused on a specific local area. Depth beats variety.
Open houses remain one of the most effective tools when done correctly. Top agents actively invite neighbors, follow up with every visitor, and aim to book buyer consultations within days. One strong open house per weekend can build a pipeline that compounds quickly.
Follow-up is where most deals are won or lost. Agents who hit six figures respond fast, follow up multiple times over several weeks, and stay consistent even when leads go quiet. Skill in conversion matters more than personality.
Keeping expenses low is just as important as generating income. In the first year, avoiding unnecessary branding costs and focusing spending on leads and education preserves cash flow.
Finally, surrounding yourself with productive agents accelerates growth. Mentorship, accountability, and proximity to producers shorten the learning curve dramatically.
Making $100,000 your first year in real estate requires discipline, consistency, and effort—but few careers reward focused work as directly.
Thinking about buying, selling, or starting in real estate?