Interested In Becoming A Realtor, But Don’t Know Where To Begin?
Text/Call 773-861-5115
Major Financial & Lifestyle Benefits
Uncapped earning potential Top 10% of agents nationally make $120k–$500k+ per year. The #1 agent in most mid-size markets clears $1M–$3M gross commission. No salary ceiling like almost every other job.
You are truly your own boss Set your own schedule. Work 20 hours or 80 hours — it’s 100% up to you. Many agents work from home, the beach, or while traveling.
Very low barrier to entry Total startup cost under $2,500 and you can be in business in 2–6 months. Compare that to any other six-figure career.
Massive tax advantages (write-offs)
Car mileage or actual vehicle expenses
Home office
Cell phone, internet, marketing, photography, staging, client gifts/meals
Continuing education, MLS fees, lockboxes, signs Many six-figure agents pay effectively 10–15% tax rate because so much is deductible.
Work with people during the biggest financial events of their lives Helping a young family buy their first home or a retiree downsize and cash out $800k tax-free is genuinely rewarding.
Passive & semi-passive income streams open up later
Build a referral database that pays you for life
Create a team and earn overrides on other agents’ deals
Invest your commissions into rental properties with insider knowledge
Many agents retire with 5–20+ free-and-clear rentals
Flexible side-hustle or full-time career Plenty of agents keep their 9-5 and close 5–15 deals a year on nights/weekends for an extra $50k–$150k.
You become the “go-to” person in your social circle Friends, family, and acquaintances will pay you instead of a stranger. One good sphere-of-influence can fund an entire career.
Constant variety – no two days are the same Showing houses, negotiating, solving problems, celebrating closings. Very few desk-job boredom moments.
Equity & wealth-building knowledge You learn exactly how wealth is created through real estate. Most millionaires in the U.S. own real estate — you get a PhD-level education for free.
Lesser-Known but Huge Benefits
Free or discounted access to amazing houses (you get paid to see $2M homes).
Networking with affluent and influential people daily.
Huge resume booster even if you leave the industry (shows sales, negotiation, and hustle).
Many brokerages pay for your marketing, signs, business cards, CRM, and leads.
Ability to move to virtually any city in the U.S. (or dozens of countries) and instantly transfer/reactivate your license.
The Bottom Line
If you’re self-motivated, decent with people, and willing to treat it like a real business, real estate remains one of the fastest paths to six figures and eventual financial freedom available to the average person—no degree required.
The agents who fail are the ones who treat it like a hobby. The ones who succeed often look back in five years and say it was the single best decision they ever made.
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Real Estate Agent (Broker) in Illinois
1. Experience a Day in the Life of a Real Estate Agent to See If It's a Good Fit Before investing time and money, shadow Alec to get a realistic feel for the role. Expect a mix of excitement and hustle.
2. Confirm You Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements
Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or GED.
Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident (no felony convictions that disqualify you—IDFPR reviews case-by-case). No prior experience needed. If eligible, proceed.
3. Complete the Required Pre-Licensing Education (75 Hours Total) Enroll in IDFPR-approved courses from providers like Illinois REALTORS®, Colibri Real Estate, or AceableAgent (online options available, $200–$500). Breakdown:
60 hours: Core "Broker Pre-License Topics" (covers principles, contracts, ethics, finance).
15 hours: "Applied Real Estate Principles" (interactive, case-study focus).
4. Pass the Illinois Real Estate Broker Exam Schedule via PSI Services (their website or app) after course completion ($43 exam fee + $25 registration).
Format: 140 multiple-choice questions (100 national + 40 state-specific), 3.5 hours.
Passing score: 75% national, 75% state (70% overall minimum).
Retakes allowed (wait 10 days, up to 3/year). Study with IDFPR's free handbook or apps like ExamEdge. Pass rate: ~60–70% on first try.
5. Undergo a Criminal Background Check and Fingerprinting Get fingerprinted via an IDFPR-approved vendor (e.g., Identogo, $50–$60). Submit results with your application—ensures no barriers to licensure. Keep your receipt!
Total Cost Breakdown: Education ($200–$500) + Exam ($50–$100) + Background ($50–$60) + Application ($125) + Associations/MLS ($1000-1500) = $1500–$2,000.
Reciprocity: Illinois has agreements with most states—transfer your out-of-state license with a shorter course/exam.
Text/call Alec at 773.861.5115 to see if you’re a good fit or fill out the for below!