I'll be honest, I think it's way too easy to get a real estate license.

Some of the negativity around our industry is absolutely warranted. But it's not caused by the best agents. It's caused by the bottom half of the profession.

Only 15% to 20% of agents across the country are true professionals, the ones who treat this like a career, not a hobby. Unfortunately, there's a large portion who are simply chasing an easy paycheck.

The difference shows in communication, professionalism, and the results clients get. That's why choosing your agent carefully matters more than you think.

The Reality: Almost Anyone Can Become an Agent

Here's something most people don't realize: in Texas, you only need about 180 hours of coursework to become a licensed real estate agent. To put that in perspective, that's less time than it takes to become a cosmetologist (1,000 hours).

In Michigan, someone can complete the 40-hour pre-licensure course and exam and have a license "in less than a week". A week.

Compare that to professions like law or medicine, which require years of training and ongoing education. The bar is just too low.

What Happens When the Bar Is Low

When getting licensed is that easy, the industry attracts people of all skill levels, including many who see it as a quick side gig rather than a professional career.

The numbers tell the story:

• The U.S. has roughly 1.5 million Realtors, but only about 4 million home sales per year
• About 50% of licensed agents closed one or no deals in 2023
• The average agent does roughly 10-12 deals per year

When half of all agents aren't even closing deals, errors and uninformed behavior become common. In a national poll, only 11% of respondents said they view Realtors as trustworthy.

That lack of trust? It's earned by the bottom half of the profession.

How This Affects You as a Buyer or Seller

The low barrier to entry creates real problems for people trying to buy or sell a home:

Part-time agents can't keep up. If your agent is juggling another job, they don't have time for showings, paperwork, and negotiations. A part-time agent will most likely lack the time, experience, and patience to provide the full service that clients deserve.

Inexperienced agents make costly mistakes. They may give outdated pricing advice, miss red flags during inspections, or fumble negotiations because they simply haven't done enough deals.

Poor communication becomes the norm. When agents treat this as a hobby, they're slow to respond, forget to follow up, and leave you wondering what's happening at key moments.

The best 5% of agents sell homes about 10% higher in price and twice as fast as the average agent. That's not a small difference, that's tens of thousands of dollars and months of your life.

What Makes the Top 15-20% Different

True professionals stand out in a few key ways:

They treat real estate as a career, not a side hustle. Full-time agents are available when you need them. They can schedule showings quickly, attend inspections, and respond during critical moments. Full-timers can simply devote more time to working for you.

They communicate clearly and proactively. Top agents don't leave you in the dark. They promptly return calls and emails, explain every step of the process, and prepare you for what's next. You never have to chase them for updates.

They have deep local market knowledge. They know local pricing trends inside-out, anticipate problems before they arise, and understand what buyers in your community want.

They invest in continued education. Beyond the basic license, many top agents hold additional certifications and attend workshops on negotiation, pricing, and market trends. They take their professional development seriously.

They're honest, even when it's uncomfortable. A true professional will keep you informed, even with bad news, and work hard for your goals. They'll tell you when your listing price is too high or when an offer isn't in your best interest, even if it means fewer commissions.

Red Flags to Watch For

When interviewing agents, watch out for these warning signs:

Poor or slow communication. If an agent takes days to reply or consistently misses your calls, that's a red flag. Good agents respond promptly, often within hours.

Part-time schedule. Ask directly: "Is this your full-time job?" If they're doing real estate on the side, they can't give you the attention your transaction deserves.

Pushy or self-interested behavior. Beware agents who pressure you to accept an offer or listing price that seems motivated by their commission. Your agent should guide you, not strong-arm you.

Weak market knowledge. Be skeptical if they can't answer basic questions about comparable sales or neighborhood values. Inexperienced agents often give outdated or sloppy advice.

Unable to provide references. If an agent can't provide past client references or has no reviews, that's a warning sign.

Questions to Ask Before You Hire

Before signing with any agent, ask these questions:

"How long have you been an agent, and how many homes do you help buy or sell each year?" Remember, the average is 10-12 deals per year. Significantly fewer could mean inexperience.

"Is this your full-time job?" Full-time agents have the availability and up-to-date knowledge to serve you properly.

"How many transactions have you done in this neighborhood or price range?" You want someone who really knows your market.

"Can I contact past clients or see your reviews?" Treat this like hiring any professional, check references.

"How will you market my home?" (For sellers) A good listing agent should outline a specific plan with professional photos, online listings, open houses, and social media.

Experience Matters

At ML Real Estate Group, we've built our team around the principle that experience matters. Our agents treat real estate as a career, not a hobby. We have 30+ years of combined experience, and we're in the top 1% of Realtors in Northern Virginia and nationwide.

We don't just close deals, we sell 160-170 homes annually and achieve an average sale price of 100.5% of listing price. Our homes sell faster and for more money because we know this market inside and out.

More importantly, we communicate. We're available 24/7 because real estate doesn't happen only during business hours. When you work with our team, you're never left wondering what's happening next.

The Bottom Line

The real estate industry has a reputation problem, and honestly, much of it is deserved. When getting a license takes less than a week and half of all agents close zero or one deal a year, the quality of service suffers.

But here's what you need to know: the top 15-20% of agents are nothing like the bottom half. True professionals deliver better results, stronger communication, and deeper expertise. They sell homes faster and for more money. They make the process smoother and less stressful.

The key is choosing carefully. Don't settle for an agent who treats this as a side hustle. Ask the hard questions. Check references. Look for full-time professionals with proven track records in your area.

When you're ready to sell your home, choose a team that treats real estate like the career it should be, not like a hobby.

Ready to Work With True Professionals?

At ML Real Estate Group, we're your VIP Realtor Team for Life. Our full-time agents are here to handle everything from staging to negotiations, so you can focus on what matters most, your next chapter.

Contact us today at (571) 357-0695 or email [email protected] to schedule your free consultation.