As an industry, the real estate world is truly unique. Think about it: The business has a low barrier to entry, many paths to success, and almost limitless growth potential. It may be the only field that can turn an 18-year-old into a millionaire without the need to go viral on social media. What more do you need in a career field? Newcomers may have a mentor or know someone in the field or a great brokerage to guide them, but some don’t always get a well-defined path to success when they enter the door, and that level of success early on is rare without someone on your side.
Many prospective agents are told that their careers aren’t aligned with modern industry expectations. You may ask: Why can’t agents rely on traditional education and licensing classes to catch up? The answer is simple: People have lives, and classes can make those lives complicated. Beyond that, licensing classes mostly dive into the law and theory behind being a real estate agent. They don’t get down to the nitty-gritty of ethical dilemmas like buyer-seller agreements, concessions, etc.
New agents need two things: flexibility and relationship-centered training. Fortunately, one industry-leading school is equipped to deliver that via a leading real estate education program designed for a comprehensive list of students.
In this conversation, HousingWire’s Content Studio sat down with Amy Adams, a national real estate expert at The CE Shop. Adams explored her journey into the industry, transferable skills, asynchronous learning, and The CE Shop’s ProPath program.
This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
Bringing customer service skills to the real estate world
HousingWire: You had a fascinating journey into the real estate world. How did your early experiences shape how you approach clients and the industry today?
Amy Adams: I’ve spent most of my life in the service industry, which is quite common among real estate agents. That background strengthened my people skills, and I’ve learned to “read the room.”
Real estate is more than just an investment; it’s a personal and emotional decision for most people — it’s where they lay their heads at night. The hardest part of this job is dealing with clients’ emotions, especially when making such a huge financial decision.
But that’s also the most rewarding part of the job. My service background helped me develop those crucial people skills. I may not have appreciated it at the time, but now I see the value in every cocktail I served and every head of hair I styled.
Transferable skills and finding your niche
HW: Many professionals entering real estate later in life carry a wealth of transferable skills. What do you say to those who worry their backgrounds might not “fit” the industry?
Adams: I understand that concern, but I firmly believe that you’ll attract a clientele that values what you bring to the table.
If you’re detail-oriented or a numbers person, you’ll probably attract similar clients. If you’re focused on lifestyle and living a certain way, you’ll find a client base that appreciates that. The industry can accommodate all kinds of personalities because our country has so many diverse ones.
Using asynchronous learning for real estate education
HW: You’ve said that online education made room for you at the table. Why is asynchronous learning so important for people looking to build their confidence and enter the real estate profession?
Adams: Asynchronous learning is vital because it makes real estate education accessible to people who might not have the time or ability to attend full-time, in-person classes.
I started my real estate education with an infant at home, and I lived far from the nearest school. Asynchronous learning allows people to work at their own pace while continuing their day jobs or managing other commitments. This flexibility makes it possible for people from diverse backgrounds to enter the profession, and that diversity in the real estate world is incredibly valuable.
Building a strong foundation with core competencies
HW: The CE Shop’s ProPath program helps agents build a professional foundation that doesn’t come with standard licensing classes. What core competencies do you believe every agent should develop to stand out and build trust?
Adams: You need to be a self-starter, motivated, and ethical. It’s a job, but it’s also about putting the client’s needs first, even if it might not always align with your immediate financial needs.
The industry requires fiduciary duties that prioritize your client’s interests. Sometimes, that means telling a client that the house they love could be a financial or legal nightmare. That honesty builds trust and demonstrates your commitment to doing right by your clients. Ethics and a moral compass are key.
Dual licensure and cross-industry expertise
HW: Dual licensure is becoming a very popular topic of conversation. How can understanding adjacent roles, like appraisal or mortgage, enhance an agent’s value and collaboration within a transaction?
Adams: Dual licensure is a great idea because it broadens your skills and enhances your value in the real estate transaction process. If you’re an MLO (Mortgage Loan Originator) or an appraiser, you can guide your clients in selecting the best loan or help them understand a property’s value before buying or listing. Knowledge is power, and having multiple streams of income is always a plus, especially in a cyclical market. Being knowledgeable in adjacent areas can also help you stand out and offer more comprehensive services to clients.
The Future of real estate education and training
HW: Looking ahead, what trends or innovations in education do you think will be most important for real estate professionals in the next 5–10 years?
Adams: In the next 5–10 years, real estate professionals will need to be more on top of their game than ever before.
With consumers becoming more educated about their rights and seeking the best possible service, staying updated on state legal requirements is crucial. The NAR lawsuit and changing contract requirements are examples of how the industry is evolving, and real estate agents will need to demonstrate their value more than ever.
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