In the bustling world of property sales and acquisitions, a real estate agent resume isn’t just a formality—it’s your personal billboard in the skyline of career opportunities.
Having charm and negotiation skills is going to help you with the clients, but before you can get to them, you need to get the attention of real estate agencies and brokers. And this journey begins with a standout resume.
Prepare your property portfolios and market insights, and let’s craft a real estate agent resume that’s as compelling as a prime real estate listing!
Key Takeaways
The primary formats for real estate agent resumes include chronological, functional, and hybrid formats, with the choice depending on your experience and career field.
A well-structured, one-page resume often stands out, ensuring recruiters can quickly grasp your qualifications.
Use your resume summary or objective to captivate the recruiter's interest, and then do your best to describe your work experience and achievements in the best possible way.
Demonstrate your dedication and thoroughness by submitting a tailored cover letter specific to the real estate position you’re targeting along with your resume.
Real Estate Agent Resume Format
The format of your resume influences its overall effectiveness. There are three common options you can use, and each of them presents your skills, experience, and prior employment in a different way.
The three formats are as follows:
Common Resume Formats
The chronological resume is often the best choice for real estate agents. This format emphasizes your work history, listing your past roles and achievements from the most recent to the oldest. It also allows recruiters to review your professional endeavors and familiarity with property transitions quickly.
The functional resume format emphasizes your skills and qualifications rather than highlighting your employment history or experience. This format is great for people who have a lot of knowledge but lack the necessary experience.
The combination (hybrid) resume format blends chronological and functional styles, emphasizing both skills and work history. Ideal for career changers, it highlights transferable skills and diverse experiences.
Real Estate Agent Resume Layout
The layout of your resume needs to look professional if you want recruiters or hiring managers to consider it. This will ensure that your resume is not only visually appealing but also easy to navigate.
Here are some guidelines to help you craft a real estate agent resume layout that stands out:
Resume Format Tips
Font style. Opt for a professional font that’s easy to read for both humans and ATS software. Fonts such as Helvetica, Cambria, and Arial are always solid choices. Steer clear of overly decorative fonts like Comic Sans or Papyrus.
Font size. For the main content, a font size of 11–12 pts is going to be ideal. For headings or section titles, consider a slightly larger size, between 14-16 pts, depending on the font you chose.
Spacing and margins. While it might be tempting to adjust margins or spacing to fit more content, it’s crucial to maintain readability. A cluttered resume can be off-putting, so you should set 1-inch margins on all sides.
Real Estate Agent Resume Sections
Now that you understand the foundation of a solid real estate agent resume, it’s time to learn what goes into the document itself.
It should consist of a few different resume sections that cover everything from your goals to your education and skills. The sections are as follows:
Mandatory Resume Sections
Contact information. This section should include all of the information a hiring manager or recruiter needs to contact you.
Resume objective or summary. It’s a brief introduction highlighting your career goals or summarizing your experience.
Work experience. This section lists your roles in reverse-chronological order, detailing your responsibilities and achievements.
Education. It represents your academic background, including any relevant coursework or projects.
Skills. This part lists specific abilities relevant to the real estate field.
These are the mandatory sections a resume should have. However, in most cases, it is recommended to add additional (optional) sections to a resume to provide some more information to the hiring manager. These include:
Optional Resume Sections
Certifications. This could be a list of certifications that you have obtained through online courses, live courses, workshops, seminars, or other educational programs.
Languages. It’s a great option for candidates who apply for roles that require working with international clients.
Real Estate Agent Resume Template
Free Real Estate Agent Resume Template
Name and Surname
Phone number: 000-000-0000 | Email: namesurname@gmail.com | Location: City, State
[Adjective] [your job title] with [years of experience, if applicable] in [your area of expertise, if applicable] looking for a [position] job at [company name]. Eager to apply [relevant skills] gained through [work/volunteer/other experience] to help [company name] [mention what you can do for the company].
Work Experience
Most Recent/Current Job Title
Company City, State
[Start date] — [End date]
For recent jobs, use 5-6 bullet points to list your top achievements and responsibilities
Use action verbs to make your responsibilities and achievements stand out
Add numbers to quantify your achievements
Previous Job TitleCompany City, State
[Start date] — [End date]
For recent jobs, use 5-6 bullet points to list your top achievements and responsibilities
Use action verbs to make your responsibilities and achievements stand out
Add numbers to quantify your achievements
Oldest Job Title
Company City, State
[Start date] — [End date]
For older jobs, use 2-3 bullet points to list your top achievements and responsibilities
Use action verbs to make your responsibilities and achievements stand out
Add numbers to quantify your achievements
Education
[Degree] in [Major]
[University/college name]
[Start date] - [Graduation date]
Skills
Soft Skills
Skill #1
Skill #2
Skill #3
Skill #4
Skill #5
Hard Skills
Skill #1
Skill #2
Skill #3
Skill #4
Skill #5
Additional Sections
Add any relevant additional sections (languages, licenses, publications, hobbies, etc.)
How to Add Contact Information to Your Real Estate Agent Resume
The top of your resume should feature your contact information. These details need to be clear and concise if you want recruiters to be able to contact you in case they like what they see. They include:
Mandatory Contact Information
Full name
Job title, which should align with the position you’re applying for
Phone number
Professional email address
Optionally, your location, especially if you’re considering positions in different cities or countries
Optionally, your LinkedIn profile or other relevant professional networks.
Remember always to keep this section updated and double-check for any errors. A minor oversight in your contact details can cost you a job opportunity.
Here is an example of what it should look like:
Real Estate Agent Contact Information Example
Jane Smith Real Estate Agent +1 555-123-4567 jane.smith@example.com Los Angeles, CA linkedin.com/in/janesmith-realestate
How to Write a Real Estate Agent Resume Objective/Summary
The initial section of your resume is your resume objective or summary, which are two different things.
They both serve the same purpose, which is to introduce you to recruiters and grab their attention. An objective/summary usually contains one or two of your biggest achievements that prove why you are the best person for the job.
However, which one you’ll use is going to depend on your level of experience.
Real Estate Agent Resume Objective
A resume objective is typically used by individuals with little to no experience in the field they’re applying to. It focuses on your career goals and how you aim to achieve them in the specific role you’re seeking.
This objective is more about your motivation, ambition, and what you hope to bring to the table rather than past achievements.
For instance, an objective in a real estate agent resume with no experience should look like this:
Real Estate Agent Resume Objective Example
A motivated and customer-oriented individual seeking a real estate agent position to leverage strong interpersonal skills and a passion for sales. Eager to provide exceptional service to clients and learn from industry professionals.
On the other hand, here is what you should avoid writing:
Bad Example
Graduate seeking a position in the real estate sector.
The second example is too vague and doesn’t present any skills, which makes the objective seem empty and shallow.
Experienced Real Estate Agent Resume Summary
A resume summary is the best option for real estate professionals. It provides a concise overview of your top achievements, skills, and responsibilities, emphasizes tangible evidence of your success, and showcases your most relevant experiences.
For example, a real estate agent resume summary should look like this:
Real Estate Agent Resume Summary Example
Seasoned real estate agent with over 5 years of experience in residential property sales. Proven track record of consistently exceeding sales targets with an above-average closing rate. Expertise in market analysis, client relationship management, and property staging.
Here is an example of a poor real estate resume summary:
Bad Example
Experienced real estate agent looking for a new opportunity to work in property sales.
This summary is too generic and lacks any specific details about the agent’s experience, achievements, or value proposition.
How to Add Real Estate Experience to Your Resume
The work experience section is the backbone of your real estate agent resume. It’s not just about listing jobs you’ve held—it’s also about showcasing your achievements, growth, and value you’ve brought to previous roles.
The introduction section consists of the following elements:
Mandatory Work Experience Information
Job title. Be concise and avoid overly creative titles—sticking to industry-recognized terms is the best option.
Company name & location. A brief mention is sufficient.
Employment dates. Consistency is key—use a uniform format, such as “[month] [year] – [month] [year].”
Achievements. Highlight a few of the achievements you’ve had while at the company.
General Tips
When it comes to creating a compelling resume, the devil is in the details. Here are some general guidelines to ensure your resume stands out and effectively communicates your expertise:
Resume Tips
Use action verbs. Start your bullet points with strong action verbs that convey your contributions clearly. Using verbs such as served, assisted, and coordinated communicates initiative, hands-on involvement, and a proactive approach to the work you do.
Incorporate KPIs. Key performance indicators (KPIs) provide a quantifiable measure of your success. Mention KPIs that you’ve met or exceeded, like in this example: “Achieved 120% of the quarterly sales target.”
Keep it concise. While it’s essential to provide a comprehensive view of your experience, avoid going into too much detail about the work you’ve done in your previous jobs. Aim for clarity and brevity.
Real Estate Agent With No Experience
If you don’t have much experience working as a real estate agent, you should highlight internships, relevant coursework, volunteer activities, and any real estate-related projects you’ve been a part of.
Recruiters understand that junior candidates may not have extensive experience, but by emphasizing transferable skills and relevant activities, you can still create a compelling work experience section.
Here is an example:
Real Estate Agent Work Experience Example (No Experience)
Work Experience
Real Estate Assistant
Metro Properties Austin, TX
May 2021–August 2021
Collaborated with lead agents during property viewings, gaining insights into client interactions and property presentations.
Assisted in maintaining online property listings, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information for the buyers.
Conducted preliminary research on local property markets, aiding agents in understanding current market trends.
Experienced Real Estate Agent
If you spent years navigating the real estate market, your resume should reflect the depth of your expertise, notable achievements, and the value you’ve brought to your roles.
Recruiters and agencies are on the lookout for seasoned professionals who not only have a track record of successful deals but also possess the skills to mentor junior agents and contribute to the agency’s growth.
Here is a tailored example:
Real Estate Agent Work Experience Example (w/ Experience)
Work Experience
Senior Real Estate Agent
Elite Realty Group San Diego, CA
January 2016–March 2023
Negotiated and closed over 150 property deals, resulting in a total sales volume exceeding $80M.
Led and mentored a team of eight agents, achieving a collective sales growth of 15% year-over-year.
Collaborated with marketing teams to launch five successful property campaigns, leading to a 40% increase in property inquiries.
Real Estate Agent Resume Education Section
The education section of your real estate agent resume provides a snapshot of your academic background. The main elements of this section are:
Mandatory Education Information
Your highest degree
The institution name and location
Years of attendance
For example:
Real Estate Agent Resume Education Section Example
Education
Bachelors of Business Administration in Real Estate State University, New York, USA 2016-2020
Real Estate Agent Resume Skills
The skills section should serve as a short overview of the specific abilities you have. However, you need to make sure that the ones you list are an extension of what you’ve already mentioned in the resume summary/objective and experience section.
Before you add any skill to the list, try to integrate it throughout the resume by demonstrating the practical application of it in your professional journey. For instance, you might highlight how you employed skillful communication to bridge clients and senior agents in a previous role as a Real Estate Assistant in your resume summary.
Additionally, you should avoid listing skills that, while valuable, might not be directly related to the role you’re applying for. The best way to figure out which skills you should emphasize is to carefully go over the job description and see what the company is looking for.
Real Estate Agent Hard Skills
Real estate agents require a specific set of hard skills to excel in their profession. These skills don’t only demonstrate your expertise but also ensure you can effectively cater to your clients’ needs.
Here are some vital hard skills for a real estate agent:
Real Estate Agent Hard Skills Examples
Escrow management skills
Negotiation skills
Property valuation
Contract negotiation
Comparative market analysis
Real Estate Agent Soft Skills
While hard skills are important, they are not everything; solid real estate agents need to have a foundation of soft skills as well. These abilities often determine the quality of interactions and the success of transitions, so here are some of the most important ones you should have on your resume:
Real Estate Agent Soft Skills Examples
Teamwork
Communication
Active listening
Patience
Persuasion
Stress management
Resilience
Real Estate Agent Resume: Other Sections
Adding additional sections at the end of your real estate resume can enhance your application by providing a more rounded view of your qualifications and interests.
These sections can be particularly valuable for a real estate resume, as licenses, certifications, and testimonials play an important role in professional growth within the field.
Certifications/Licenses
To work as a real estate agent, you need to have proper certification and a license. This will validate your expertise and adherence to industry standards. For example, certifications like the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) underscore specialization and rigorous training.
On the other hand, real estate licenses ensure compliance with local regulations, building trust with clients and employers.
Here is an example of how you could mention certifications and licenses on your resume.
Certifications & Licences Section Example
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Real Estate Certification Insitute, 2021
Licensed Real Estate Agent, New York State Board of Real Estate, License #123456, 2019
Green Designation, National Association of Realtors, 2020
Languages
Knowing multiple languages can help you connect with a broader range of clients, understand their needs, and navigate cross-cultural nuances with ease.
When adding languages to your resume, you should specify your level of proficiency to give potential employers a clear understanding of your capabilities. This is what this section should look like on your resume:
Languages Section Example
Languages
Spanish: Fluent
French: Conversational
Should You Attach a Cover Letter With Your Real Estate Agent Resume?
A cover letter complements your real estate agent resume and gives you an opportunity to showcase your personality, passion, and drive in a more narrative form. Furthermore, it allows you to better explain specific experiences, career transitions, or unique achievements that might not be evident in your resume.
A well-crafted cover letter should not be too long—you should keep it between 250-400 words or roughly one page long. Additionally, you should tailor it to the specific role and company you are applying to.
It’s also beneficial to address the hiring manager directly in order to create an immediate connection. By doing so, you show your determination and drive to join the company.
4 Best Practices for Crafting a Real Estate Agent Resume
You should have a good idea of how to craft a compelling resume by now. However, to further refine and elevate your application, here are some best practices and tips to ensure it resonates with potential employers:
Real Estage Agent Resume Tips
Proofread it multiple times: Ensure there are no mistakes or spelling errors—your resume should be a reflection of your attention to detail.
Tailor to the job description: Customize your resume for each application to ensure that your skills and experiences align with the specific requirements of the job description.
Clear structure: Organize your resume in a logical manner, with distinct sections for experience, skills, education, and other relevant details. Use consistent formatting throughout.
Conciseness is key: While it’s essential to provide comprehensive information, aim to keep your resume to one page. This ensures that potential employers quickly grasp your qualifications.
To finish off, here is a real estate agent resume example that you can use as a base to help you create your own.
Closing Thoughts
As we conclude this guide on writing a real estate agent resume, let’s not forget that this document serves as a window into your professional journey.
By adhering to the principles and strategies we’ve given you in this guide, you’ll present a compelling narrative of your qualifications, expertise, and unique attributes.
With this newfound insight and a suitable approach, your resume will seamlessly blend professionalism with a touch of personal flair. Hopefully, this combination will capture the attention of recruits and pave the way for your new career milestone!
