Thinking About Getting a Real Estate Licence?5 Important Things to Consider Before You Decide

Becoming a real estate agent has long been one of Singapore’s most popular entrepreneurial career choices. For many, it’s also an appealing mid-career switch—especially for those seeking flexibility, autonomy, and a break from years of routine office work.

There’s no denying it: the real estate industry can be exciting. No two days are ever the same.

And yes, I may be slightly biased—but for good reason.

This profession offers flexibility, attractive commission potential, and the ability to control how you structure your day. That said, it’s far from a walk in the park. If you’re seriously considering joining the industry, here are five realities you should think through carefully before taking the leap.

1. High Income Potential Is Real — But Not Guaranteed

One of the biggest draws of becoming a property agent is the income upside. Your earnings are closely tied to your performance and the market conditions.

Unlike most salaried roles, real estate agents do not receive a fixed monthly income.

You only get paid when a deal is successfully closed.

The upside? A single commission can exceed what many earn in a typical office job over several months. And success isn’t strictly tied to seniority or years of experience.

I’ve seen this firsthand. One of my rookie agents earned over $700,000 in commissions in his very first year. No typo there. And no—he wasn’t a seasoned salesperson before real estate.

Another new agent, previously a school teacher with zero sales background, crossed $300,000 in commissions in her first year by focusing on just two condominium projects.

But let’s be clear—this is not the norm for everyone.

Results depend on many factors, which I’ve written about elsewhere, such as mindset, habits, systems, and consistency. This leads us naturally to the next point.

Results depend on many factors, which I have covered in 5 Qualities of Successful Agents and 5 Habits of Consistent Top Agents.

This leads us naturally to the next point.

2. Zero-Income Months Are Part of the Reality

While six-figure annual or even monthly incomes are possible, the flip side is that there may be months with no income at all.

The property market moves in cycles. There are periods of strong buying and selling activity, and times when transactions slow significantly.

During quieter market phases—especially the first quarter of the year, during global economic uncertainty, or after government cooling measures—transaction volumes tend to dip.

When deals don’t close, agents don’t get paid.

For example, the graph above shows sales of private homes in Singapore's Rest of Central Region for the past 4 years and seasonal spikes in volume can be observed every year during the 2nd to 4th quarters and sluggishness, during the 1st quarter.

Furthermore, during times of global crises or government-imposed cooling measures, it's common for transaction volumes to decrease significantly.

That said, even in slower markets, opportunities still exist. Agents who continue taking action, refining their skills, and maintaining a positive mindset often outperform others.

Property is a basic human need. Whether through rentals or sales, people will always need a place to live.

Success comes down to finding those people and serving them consistently.

3. You’ll Need to Spend Money Before You Make Money

Real estate is a business—and like any business, it requires upfront investment.

This can be a big adjustment, especially if you’re coming from a salaried background or have a naturally risk-averse personality.

Marketing expenses are part and parcel of the job. From online advertising to listing portals and branding, agents need to invest in visibility to generate leads.

Relying solely on friends and family is rarely sustainable unless you already have an extensive network.

Most agents should expect to set aside a few thousand dollars a year for marketing. Top producers often invest tens—or even hundreds—of thousands annually. While that may sound daunting, it’s all relative when commissions can reach six or seven figures over time.

4. Evenings, Weekends, and Public Holidays Are Workdays

Yes, real estate agents enjoy flexible schedules—but flexibility doesn’t mean fewer hours.

In fact, many appointments happen outside regular office hours because that’s when clients are free.

Evenings, weekends, and public holidays are often peak working times.

Most clients work on Monday to Friday from 9AM to 6PM, and they can only engage their agent’s service when they are available - which means after working hours, weekends and public holidays.

It’s not uncommon to conduct viewings early Saturday morning or be finalising paperwork late on a Friday night.

During new project launches, working hours can stretch even longer.

The upside? You’re your own boss. You decide how to structure your time and when to take breaks.

Just remember—more appointments usually mean more opportunities, and ultimately, higher income potential.

5. Competition Is Increasing — And Standards Are Rising

According to the Council of Estate Agencies (CEA), the number of licensed real estate agents has continued to grow in recent years.

Does that mean the industry is overcrowded?

Not necessarily. The increase also reflects confidence in Singapore’s property market and evolving work preferences, including flexible and remote-friendly careers.

However, it does mean agents must continuously adapt. Marketing strategies, technology, and client expectations are changing rapidly.

Choosing the right agency— one with advanced real estate technology and training programmes will be important to help you cope with the increasing pace of change of this era.

Final Thoughts

There’s no such thing as a perfect job.

Every career comes with its own challenges and rewards, and real estate is no exception. What it does offer is a long-term, potentially fulfilling path for those willing to put in the work, stay disciplined, and keep learning.

Many agents eventually find that this career not only provides financial rewards, but also equips them with valuable insights and opportunities to become property investors themselves.

If you’re prepared for the realities—and excited by the journey—real estate might just be the right move for you.

Looking for great real estate career mentorship to shorten your learning curve?

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Get a free 30 min new agent career consultation with Stuart and his team leaders. Schedule one here right now.

Otherwise, drop me a WhatsApp if you would like to start your career with our team or attend our next recruitment career talk!

Like, comment below and share this with your friends who are considering a career in real estate sales!

Stuart Chng, Executive Group District Director of Huttons Asia, is a renowned leader and personality in the real estate industry.

He adores music and can play a few instruments decently without upsetting his neighbours. When not doing so, he enjoys pillow fighting with his son and coming up with silly puns which barely amuses his wife.

Professionally, he is a licensed real estate agent, an avid stocks, options and real estate investor, multiple businesses owner, team leader, speaker and columnist for several property newsletters and blogs and is often quoted in media interviews on 938FM, Channel 8, PropertyReport, PropertyGuru and other publications.

Throughout his career, he has helped many clients grow their wealth through selecting great property investments and managing their portfolios actively. Read his clients' reviews here.

Stuart has also coached many top million dollar producing agents from top real estate agencies in Singapore. Read his agents' reviews here.

P.S. Brand new and interested in the RES Course? Find out how to get your property licence and be a property agent in Singapore!

P.P.S. Passed your RES Exams? Find out what steps to take next to quickly reach your goals!

P.P.P.S. Find out which real estate agency to join after passing your exams!