Is a Career in Real Estate Suitable For You? Let's Look at the Pros and Cons.

Pros and Cons of a Real Estate Agent Career. Is this career suitable for you?

Many people believe that becoming a successful real estate agent is easy.

This assumption often comes from the relatively short licensing course required to enter the industry, especially when compared to professions that demand years of formal education.

Another reason is survivorship bias—we tend to hear stories only about agents who succeed, while those who leave the industry quietly fade from view.

The reality is that a real estate career involves far more effort, discipline, and resilience than it may appear on the surface.

Like any profession, there are clear advantages and challenges.

Understanding both sides will help you decide if this career truly suits you.

Running Your Own Real Estate Business

Pros:

As a real estate agent, you operate largely independently. You don’t report to a boss, and you have full control over how you run your business.

This freedom is especially attractive to individuals who dislike micromanagement and prefer making their own decisions. For many, independence is one of the most valuable non-financial benefits of the role.

Cons:

In most cases, real estate is a one-person business, particularly in the early stages.

You are responsible for everything—lead generation, client relationships, marketing, paperwork, follow-ups, invoicing, and renewals.

When all responsibilities rest on your shoulders, the workload can become overwhelming.

Many new agents underestimate how much consistency, structure, and self-discipline are required to succeed. Even experienced agents eventually need to outsource or delegate tasks to sustain growth and avoid burnout.

Flexible Schedule: Freedom with a Catch

Flexibility is one of the biggest draws of a real estate career.

Pros:

If you dislike being confined to a desk from nine to six and enjoy interacting with people, this profession may appeal to you.

You can plan your day around family commitments, personal goals, or preferred working hours.

Agents are rewarded for results, not time spent.

Some part-time agents who work four focused hours a day outperform full-time agents who lack structure. During busy periods, you can also rely on teammates or partners to assist with viewings.

Cons:

Flexibility does not equal free time.

Without boundaries, you may end up working longer hours than you ever did as an employee—especially if you are highly driven.

While this can be fulfilling, it also requires balance.

Evenings and weekends are often peak working hours, as clients are usually available outside their office schedules. This may mean arriving late to social gatherings or stepping away from family events for viewings.

Strong self-discipline is essential. When no one is watching, it is easy to procrastinate over silly TikToks instead of staying productive.

Income Potential: High Rewards, High Risk

Pros:

During strong market conditions, real estate can be extremely rewarding.

There is no fixed salary, but commissions can be substantial—sometimes exceeding what others earn in a year of salaried work.

This uncapped income potential allows successful agents to enjoy financial flexibility and lifestyle upgrades.

Cons:

A real estate agent’s income is based on commission which means that you don’t have a fixed income or lifeline.

Some months, despite significant effort, you may close no deals at all. Even top-performing agents experience dry spells. This unpredictability is part of the business cycle.

At the same time, there may be months when multiple deals close in quick succession.

Having the right mindset helps you stay consistent during slower periods and avoid complacency during busy ones.

New agents must also invest upfront in marketing platforms, property portals, digital advertising, websites, and lead generation. Since commissions may take weeks—or even months—to be paid, strong cash-flow management is essential.

Being Seen as a Property Expert

Pros:

As an agent, you play a meaningful role in some of the biggest financial decisions in your clients’ lives.

You help families find homes, guide sellers through major transitions, and advise investors on long-term strategies. Over time, you become a trusted adviser who can cut through market noise and provide clear, informed guidance.

Many agents also become savvy property investors themselves, applying the same principles they share with clients.

With no mandatory retirement age, some agents continue working well into their later years simply because they enjoy staying active and helping others.. In fact, our team has agents even in their 80s who continue to serve their family and friends as they enjoy being active and able to contribute to others even when building wealth is no longer their priority in life.

Cons:

Property transactions are high-stakes and emotionally charged.

Clients place immense trust in your advice, often involving their life savings. This creates pressure to perform and a constant need to reassure worried buyers and sellers.

Managing stress and emotions—both yours and your clients’—is critical for long-term success. Those who handle this well often earn deeper trust and long-lasting referrals.

Wearing Multiple Hats

Pros:

A real estate agent’s role goes beyond buying and selling.

Clients often seek guidance on financing, stamp duties, timelines, and transaction planning.

Over time, your role evolves into that of a holistic adviser who provides end-to-end solutions.

Cons:

Being trusted also means being asked for help—even when there is no financial reward.

Clients may request opinions on properties they are not purchasing through you or ask for advice on behalf of family members.

While unpaid, these moments build goodwill and demonstrate genuine care.

Final Thoughts

A career in real estate can be deeply rewarding—but it is not for everyone.

If you value stable income, fixed hours, employee benefits, and predictable routines, this profession may not be the right fit.

However, if you are comfortable with uncertainty, enjoy autonomy, and find fulfilment in serving others, real estate can offer both personal and professional growth.

Like any career, success comes from understanding the trade-offs, embracing responsibility, and committing to continual learning.

Our regular recruitment career talks might also be a great platform for you to meet our veteran leaders and agents who can share much more with you.

Need a 30 min new agent career consultation with Stuart and his team leaders? Schedule one right now.

If you would like to attend our recruitment career talks or are looking for great real estate career mentorship to shorten your learning curve, drop me a message!

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Stuart Chng, Executive Group District Director at Huttons, 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, investor, 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 real estate investments and managing their portfolios actively. Read his clients' reviews here.

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

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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!