If you have a real estate license, and are just starting a new real estate career, here’s how it typically works:

You’re usually not an employee of the broker you work for, but an independent contractor, working on behalf of the company. You are provided with many benefits through your association with a broker, including support through marketing, training and association with an established company.

In the beginning of your career, many “leads” for potential home buyers or sellers may be generated by the broker for you to follow up on. You may also be responsible for “floor time”, in which you are on call at the real estate office to assist walk-in customers. As you gain experience and a wider circle of contacts, you will generate many leads of your own.

Your initial job is to respond quickly and clearly to the needs of these potential customers, and to demonstrate the capability of your company and yourself to represent them. If they agree to work with you, you represent them as either the buyer or a seller in the purchase of a home.