Ultimate Real Estate Agent Job Description Template & Guide
Hiring a real estate agent isn't just about filling a desk. It's about finding a partner for your brand, a driver of revenue, and a steward of your brokerage's reputation. The problem is that most job descriptions are a boring laundry list of "must-haves" that attract generic, uninspired, or—worse—unqualified candidates.
Your job description is a marketing document. It's your first, best chance to sell your ideal candidate on why they should build their business with you instead of the competition down the street.
This article provides a comprehensive, copy-and-paste template. But more importantly, it breaks down the why behind each section and shows you how to customize it to attract the specific type of agent your brokerage needs right now.
Ready to Use Template
Use this as your starting point. Just copy, paste, and fill in the bracketed [ ] information.
Job Title: Real Estate Agent (or Real Estate Associate)
Brokerage: [Your Company Name]
Location: [City, State]
Job Type: Full-Time/Part-Time (Specify), Independent Contractor
Job Summary: Build Your Future with [Your Company Name]
[Your Company Name] is searching for a licensed Real Estate Agent who is a motivated self-starter and eager to build a rewarding, long-term career. We’re not just looking for another agent; we’re looking for a partner. We provide [Mention 1-2 key value propositions, e.g., "a steady stream of high-quality leads," "a 1-on-1 mentorship program," or "a cutting-edge tech stack"] to help you a) serve your clients at the highest level and b) achieve your financial goals.
If you are a results-oriented professional with a passion for helping people and a strong desire to control your own earning potential, we want to talk to you.
What You'll Do (Responsibilities):
Proactively generate and follow up on leads using our [Specify CRM or system] and your own sphere of influence.
Conduct in-depth consultations with buyers and sellers to understand their needs and goals.
Perform detailed market analysis (CMAs) to determine property values and set competitive pricing.
Skillfully negotiate real estate contracts, managing the process from offer to closing.
Host open houses and coordinate property showings, providing clients with expert advice.
Stay up-to-date on local real estate market trends, neighborhood data, and industry regulations.
Leverage our marketing tools and support to build your personal brand and attract new clients.
What You Bring (Qualifications):
Must-Have: An active Real Estate License in [State].
Experience: [Choose one: e.g., "Proven track record of successful sales (2+ years preferred)" OR "We welcome newly-licensed agents who are eager to be coached and mentored."]
Skills:
Exceptional communication, client-service, and relationship-building skills.
Strong negotiation and problem-solving abilities.
Tech-savvy: Comfortable using a CRM, MLS, and digital marketing tools.
A self-motivated, entrepreneurial spirit and a strong work ethic.
Deep knowledge of (or desire to master) the [City/Area] real estate market.
What We Offer (The [Your Company Name] Advantage):
Competitive Compensation: [e.g., "Tiered commission splits that reward high-performers," "Generous splits with no hidden fees," or "A cap on your annual contribution."]
Lead Generation: [e.g., "Access to 10-15 brokerage-provided leads per month," or "A robust CRM with an AI-powered follow-up system."]
Support & Training: [e.g., "A dedicated mentor for your first 5 transactions," "Weekly in-house training on contracts, marketing, and negotiation," or "Direct access to our principal broker."]
Marketing & Tech: [e.g., "Full access to our tech stack (Brand_Name_CRM, marketing suite)," "Professionally designed marketing templates," "Free agent website and headshots."]
Our Culture: [e.g., "A collaborative, non-competitive office where we share wins," "An energetic team environment with regular social events," or "A professional, high-performance culture focused on growth."]
About [Your Company Name]:
[Insert your 2-3 sentence company "About Us" paragraph here. Focus on your mission, your reputation in the community, and what makes you different.]
How to Apply:
Ready to elevate your career? Please send your resume and a brief cover letter (or video introduction) detailing why you believe you're a fit for [Your Company Name] to [Email Address or Application Link].
[Your Company Name] is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all independent contractors and employees.
Dissecting the Template: Beyond the Bullets
A template is just a starting point. The real value comes from understanding the psychology behind each section.
Job Summary: This is your hook. It's not a dry description; it's an elevator pitch. It should answer the agent's first question: "What's in it for me?" (WIIFM). Lead with your strongest value proposition (leads, mentorship, splits) to grab their attention.
Responsibilities: Don't just list tasks. Use action verbs ("Generate," "Negotiate," "Leverage") to paint a picture of an active, successful agent. This section is your first chance to tailor the role.
Qualifications: This is your gatekeeper. Be crystal clear about "must-haves" (like the license) vs. "nice-to-haves" (like "2+ years experience" or "CRM proficiency").
What We Offer: This is your sales pitch. For a top agent, this is often the only section they read. Be specific. "Competitive splits" is weak. "Tiered splits up to 90% with a $15k cap" is strong. "Leads" is weak. "10-15 high-intent buyer leads per month, delivered to your CRM" is strong.
How to Customize for Your Ideal Agent
Are you hiring a "go-getter" to build new business or a "detail-oriented" agent to support a team? Your word choice will attract them.
Trait You Want
The "Go-Getter" (Hunter)
The "Detail-Oriented" (Nurturer/Support)
Who They Are:
A self-starter who loves the chase, thrives on lead-gen, and is motivated by unlimited potential.
A systems-thinker who loves checklists, provides high-touch client care, and ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
Trigger Words:
Drive, build, hunt, relentless, self-starting, high-energy, accelerate, unlimited earning potential.
Meticulous, precise, systematic, seamless, high-touch, compliant, exceptional service, predictable.
Example (Responsibility):
* "Aggressively prospect and hunt for new business opportunities daily."
* "Meticulously manage the contract-to-close process for 10+ files simultaneously."
Example (Qualification):
* "Demonstrated history of building a sales pipeline from scratch."
* "Proven ability to ensure 100% contract compliance and accuracy."
How to Customize for a Buyer's Agent vs. Seller's Agent
The role is different, so the description should be too.
Hiring a Buyer's Agent
Focus: Empathy, patience, education, and availability. This role is part-therapist, part-negotiator.
Language to Use:
"Act as a trusted guide and advisor, educating buyers on the home-buying process."
"Thrive on a flexible schedule to accommodate evening and weekend showings."
"Tenaciously negotiate on behalf of your clients to secure their dream home."
"Become an expert on local market inventory and neighborhood nuances."
Hiring a Seller's Agent (Listing Agent)
Focus: Marketing savvy, data analysis, confidence, and strong presentation skills.
Language to Use:
"Develop and execute strategic marketing plans for a diverse portfolio of listings."
"Deliver compelling, data-driven listing presentations to potential sellers."
"Expertly analyze complex market data (CMAs) to advise clients on optimal pricing strategy."
"Confidently manage seller expectations and negotiate top-dollar offers."
Writing a "Company Culture" Section That Actually Attracts Talent
The problem: 99% of "culture" sections are boring, generic, and full of clichés ("work hard, play hard").
The solution: Show, don't tell. Use specific, tangible examples that prove your claims.
Instead of This (Telling)...
Try This (Showing)...
"We have a collaborative culture."
"Our 'Tuesday Wins' meeting is where we workshop challenging files and celebrate closings as a team. You're never on an island."
"We are innovative and tech-forward."
"We provide a full subscription to [Specific CRM] and [Marketing Tool], plus a $500/year tech stipend for you to customize your stack."
"We offer great training."
"Our 'First 100 Days' program pairs you with a top-producer for 1-on-1 mentorship through your first three transactions."
"We're a fun team!"
"We're serious about real estate, but we also believe in celebrating. Ask us about our annual team-building trip and monthly awards happy hour."
Legal Landmines: Words to Avoid in Your Job Description
Your job description is a legal document. Be careful with your wording to avoid Fair Housing, EEO, and misclassification issues.
Disclaimer: This is not legal advice. Always consult with your brokerage's legal counsel.
EEO & Fair Housing Violations: Avoid any language that implies a preference for a specific type of person.
Avoid: Gendered terms like "salesman," "handyman special," or "gal Friday."
Avoid: Age-related terms like "recent grad," "digital native," "energetic," or "mature."
Avoid: Anything related to protected classes (family status, race, religion, etc.), such as "no kids" or "near the church."
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Focus on the outcome of a task, not the physical method.
Avoid: "Must be able to stand for 3 hours at an open house."
Use: "Must be able to conduct open houses and property showings." (This allows for reasonable accommodations).
Avoid: "Must have a driver's license."
Use: "Must have reliable transportation to service clients across [Service Area]."
Independent Contractor (IC) vs. Employee: This is the biggest landmine in real estate. Your language must not imply an employer-employee relationship.
Avoid: "Mandatory," "Required," "Hours: 9-5," "Salary," "Daily."
Use: "Flexible schedule," "Optional training," "Access to," "Commission-based," "Independent contractor."
Avoid: "Must attend mandatory daily sales meeting."
Use: "Access to optional weekly high-performance coaching sessions."
A well-crafted job description is an investment. By moving beyond a simple list of duties and instead focusing on marketing the opportunity to a specific person, you will save countless hours and attract the high-caliber partners you truly want to be in business with.
