The real estate industry offers more than just flexibility and income potential. It provides the opportunity to build a fulfilling, client-driven career rooted in relationships, local expertise, and strategic thinking.
Whether you are a recent graduate or a professional seeking a career shift, real estate presents a clear path to independence and impact if you are ready to put in the work.
Here is everything you need to know to get started as a realtor in Virginia, from licensing requirements to modern tools that help you stand out in a competitive market.
Steps to Become a Licensed Real Estate Agent in Virginia
To legally represent clients in real estate transactions, you must obtain a license from Virginia’s Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). Here's how to get started.
Meet the Basic Requirements
To begin the licensing process, you must:
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Be at least 18 years old
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Hold a high school diploma or GED
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Pass a background check
Complete Pre-Licensing Education
Virginia requires 60 hours of pre-licensing coursework covering the fundamentals of real estate law, property valuation, contracts, ethics, and financing. These classes are offered through:
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Local community colleges
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Real estate-specific schools
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Online education providers
Pass the Licensing Exam
After completing your coursework, you must pass a two-part exam:
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National portion: Covers general real estate principles
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State portion: Tests your knowledge of Virginia-specific laws and procedures
To prepare, take advantage of practice exams and review guides. A strong test performance gives you the foundation to move forward confidently.
Build Your Brand as a New Agent
Once licensed, your next step is to build visibility. In real estate, your personal brand is your most valuable asset. It communicates your professionalism, personality, and value to potential clients.
Establish a Strong Online Presence
Clients research agents before they reach out. Your digital footprint needs to reflect your professionalism. Focus on:
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A mobile-optimized personal website
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Consistent branding across platforms
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Clear messaging about the communities you serve and your areas of expertise
Use Modern Tools to Network Smarter
In real estate, connections lead to contracts. A digital business card helps you make those connections without missing a beat. Tools like Popl’s digital business card allow you to:
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Instantly share your contact info at open houses and events
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Link directly to your active listings or website
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Track when prospects view your card
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Sync contact data with your CRM
This gives you a seamless, paperless way to expand your network and follow up strategically.
Gain Experience and Expand Your Network
Experience builds confidence. Relationships build referrals. Both are essential to your long-term growth.
Choose the Right Brokerage
All new agents must work under a licensed broker. When choosing where to hang your license, look for a firm that offers:
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Ongoing training and mentorship
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Supportive culture and leadership
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Marketing tools and lead generation systems
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Transparent commission structure and fees
Join a Professional Association
Becoming a REALTOR® gives you access to resources, industry insights, and a national network. To qualify, you’ll need to:
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Hold a valid real estate license
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Join the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) through a local board
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Complete ethics training as part of your membership
Association involvement also opens doors to conferences, certifications, and continuing education opportunities.
Find Your Niche and Stand Out
Real estate rewards specialization. Focused expertise helps you connect with ideal clients and command higher commissions.
Consider exploring one of these areas:
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First-time homebuyers
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Luxury residential properties
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Commercial real estate
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Green or sustainable homes
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Investment and rental properties
Choose a niche that aligns with your strengths, interests, and local demand. Over time, you can build a reputation as the go-to agent in your category.
Develop the Skills That Set Top Realtors Apart
Licensing gets you started, but skills keep you growing. Top-performing agents master these core competencies:
Communication and Negotiation
Real estate is highly emotional and often high-stakes. Strong communication allows you to:
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Explain processes clearly
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Negotiate effectively on behalf of clients
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Set expectations and deliver on promises
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Build long-term trust and client loyalty
Marketing and Lead Generation
You need a steady stream of leads to stay competitive. Effective strategies include:
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Eye-catching property listings with quality photography
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Email campaigns and virtual tours
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Targeted ads on social media platforms
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Asking for referrals and staying top of mind with past clients
Tech Savviness
Today’s realtors need digital fluency. Get comfortable with tools like:
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CRM software for relationship tracking
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E-signature and document-sharing platforms
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Video creation and virtual staging
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Lead capture apps like Popl Event Lead Capture, which help you convert event traffic into qualified leads
Build a Long-Term Real Estate Career
Real estate is a marathon, not a sprint. Success comes from planning, consistency, and the ability to adapt.
Manage Client Relationships
Happy clients become repeat clients. Maintain strong connections by:
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Offering value before, during, and after each transaction
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Sending market updates and resources regularly
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Celebrating milestones, such as move-in anniversaries
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Staying available long after the closing date
Treat Your Career Like a Business
Smart realtors run their practice like a company. That means:
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Creating a business plan with revenue goals
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Tracking marketing performance and lead sources
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Budgeting for lean seasons and growth periods
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Reinvesting in tools and training
Keep Learning and Growing
Markets evolve. So should you. Invest in yourself through:
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Industry events and conferences
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Advanced certifications and designations
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Economic and market research
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Training on new technologies and tools
Build a Real Estate Career That Lasts
Becoming a successful realtor requires more than passing a test. It takes branding, business development, excellent communication skills, and consistent follow-through. The most successful agents embrace new tools, stay connected, and commit to continuous improvement.
Platforms like Popl give you an edge in the moments that matter. From lead capture at open houses to CRM syncing after an event, our tools help you create smooth, stress-free client experiences that set you apart.
Ready to build a career in real estate that’s not just productive, but sustainable and scalable?
Explore Popl's holistic in-person marketing and lead generation feature and discover how modern networking tools can support your growth from day one. Request a free demo to get started.
