Real Estate Careers: Evolving or Going Extinct?

Richard Montgomery on Sep 23, 2025

Reader Question: I recently read an article suggesting that real estate agents are like dinosaurs. I am considering a career in real estate. The article scares me because I am pretty young, and I didn't realize the industry was in such tough shape. Do you agree, or not?

Monty's Answer: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that real estate agents and brokers typically need only a high school diploma (or equivalent), plus licensing, while many also hold college degrees in business, finance, marketing, psychology or communications to gain a competitive edge. Learn more at the Bureau of Labor Statistics website. Licensing remains nonnegotiable, as pre-licensing coursework and passing a state exam are required of all aspiring agents. While no degree is mandatory, a business, finance, real estate or marketing background can help you stand out.

Beyond traditional paths, "proptech" firms, real estate technology companies, seek talent who can navigate both property markets and digital tools. Recruitment guides emphasize tailoring your resume to highlight applicable skills, such as data or tech fluency, product exposure, and real estate knowledge, all of which count. A forward-looking real estate or proptech company might hire for roles in product development, data analysis, customer success or solutions engineering, many of which require specific technical or analytical skills. Learn more at the Direct Recruiters website. For example, specializations can be valuable when pursuing roles in real estate technology or development.

If you're merely considering, not yet committed, here are some clear paths and options to research:

No. 1: Traditional Agent/Broker: To gain local licensing, work under a broker and build a client base. High school graduation and a license; a degree in business, marketing, finance, communications, or real estate enhances credibility.

No. 2: Commercial Real Estate Analyst: To gain analytical roles in commercial deals and investment analysis. A bachelor's degree in real estate, business, finance or MBA; financial analysis skills; Chartered Financial Analyst or commercial real estate credentials help.

No. 3: Proptech Roles: Working in forward-thinking companies that blend real estate and tech. Background in real estate and tech fluency, software understanding and data literacy; tailor your resume accordingly.

No. 4: Graduate Real Estate Degrees: Strategic, development or policy roles intersecting real estate and tech. Advanced training in law, finance, development and planning; ideal for strategic roles in development firms or tech startups.

Reddit discussions and career forums often push back against rosy proptech hype. Some argue that startups overpromise and rely on venture money instead of sustainable revenue or wonder why agents still exist. However, others say that proptech companies require candidates with product or tech backgrounds to be pivot-ready. These platforms emphasize efficiency, homeowner empowerment and alternative commission structures. Checking them out can show you where the industry is heading. If you're exploring, start with the licensing basics. Even without a commitment, you'll gain a better understanding of entry-level expectations. Complement that with coursework or certifications in business, data or real estate strategy. Monitor profiles like Houzeo, Orchard and Propbox (Dear Monty has a financial interest in Propbox) to see their staffing patterns and required skills. And keep your ear to the ground on forums for candid perspectives on where opportunity meets reality.

Finally: Real estate isn't extinct, but the old models are evolving fast. Educate yourself, stay curious, and you may lead the next generation of agents and avoid becoming a fossil.

Richard Montgomery is a syndicated columnist, published author, retired real estate executive, serial entrepreneur and the founder of DearMonty.com and PropBox, Inc. He provides consumers with options to real estate issues. Follow him on Twitter (X) @montgomRM or DearMonty.com.

----