Starting Your Career in Real Estate
A career in real estate offers flexibility, independence, and the satisfaction of helping clients achieve their goals. Your REALTOR® associations provide tools, training, and support to help you succeed.
For real estate licensing details, contact the Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC) at 573-751-2628.
For Columbia Board of REALTOR® membership info, contact Maline Davis at maline@cbormls.com
Step 1: Decide if Real Estate Is Right for You
Before starting, understand what the job entails. Real estate is rewarding but demanding — beyond showing homes and marketing listings, agents spend most of their time finding clients, negotiating deals, managing inspections and financing, and resolving issues through closing.
You’ll also operate as an independent contractor, handling your own marketing, accounting, and taxes. Talk with current agents about their routines, income expectations, and how they prepared financially.
According to NAR’s 2023 Member Profile, REALTORS® with 2 years or less of experience earned a median income of $8,100, compared to $92,500 for those with 16+ years.
If you’re ready for the challenge and meet MREC’s eligibility requirements, move on to Step 2.
Step 2: Obtain Your Missouri Salesperson License
To become a licensed real estate salesperson (agent) in Missouri, you must first complete two mandatory pre-licensing courses. Missouri REALTORS® offers these courses online, allowing you to take them when and where it works best for you: 48-Hour Missouri Salesperson Pre-Examination Course and 24-Hour Missouri Real Estate Practice Course.
While not required, you may find it helpful to complete a prep course before taking the exam. These provide practice questions to identify areas where your knowledge is strong, or areas you may want to study a bit more. Missouri REALTORS® offers the Exam Prep Edge course (national portion only) or search online for other options.
Next, visit the “Applying for Exam” page on MREC’s website to schedule your exam.
After passing the exam, you can then apply for your real estate salesperson license through MREC. More information can be found on MREC’s website, including the requirement to submit fingerprints and pass a background check.
If you currently hold a valid real estate license in another state, you only need to take the 24-Hour Missouri Real Estate Practice Course and pass the state portion of the real estate license exam.
Step 3: Join a Brokerage
After licensing, you must affiliate with a brokerage. Your broker activates your license with MREC before you can practice.
Agents work under a supervising broker and can’t operate independently. When choosing where to work, look beyond pay structure — consider support, training, technology, and culture.
Ask about:
- Transaction and legal support
- Marketing and lead resources
- Commission splits and fees
- Who owns client data and leads
Choose a brokerage that aligns with your goals and learning style. Early success comes from consistent effort and mentorship, not frequent moves.
Step 4: Become a REALTOR®
What It Means to Be a REALTOR®
While agent, broker, and REALTOR® are often used interchangeably, they’re not the same.
A real estate agent (or licensee) is licensed by the state to help clients buy and sell property.
A REALTOR® is an agent or broker who belongs to a REALTOR® association and follows the Code of Ethics set by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
The REALTOR® Network
Membership works through a three-way structure — local, state, and national.
Your local membership with the Columbia Board of REALTORS® (CBOR) automatically connects you to Missouri REALTORS® and NAR, giving you access to tools, advocacy, and professional development at every level.
Member Benefits Include:
- Legislative and legal advocacy
- Dispute resolution and ethics support
- Standardized contracts and legal resources
- Industry technology and data standards
- Use of the trusted REALTOR® brand
Learn more about state and national benefits at: missourirealtor.org/member-benefits
Learn more about local CBOR membership benefits: https://www.cbormls.com/membership-benefits/
Once licensed in Missouri, contact Maline Davis at maline@cbormls.com to start your journey as a REALTOR® Member with CBOR!