Are you a therapist considering a career change? You’re not alone! Many healthcare professionals, including counselors, nurses, and others, are shifting to more flexible, higher-paying careers with less emotional strain. While there are many alternative careers for counselors, real estate is one worth exploring.
In this blog, we’ll discuss alternative careers for therapists within the real estate industry. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about becoming a real estate agent in Florida. We’ll also discuss your transferable skills, the steps to getting licensed, and practical tips for transitioning from therapist to real estate agent.
Key Takeaways
- Therapists Have Transferable Skills for Real Estate – Skills like active listening, empathy, problem-solving, and communication make therapists well-suited for a career in real estate, helping clients navigate emotional and complex home-buying decisions.
- Steps to Get Licensed in Florida – Transitioning requires completing a 63-hour pre-licensing course, passing a background check, submitting an application, passing the Florida real estate exam, and joining a brokerage.
- Overcoming Challenges in the Career Switch – Starting as a part-time agent, leveraging a professional healthcare network for referrals, and committing to continuous education can ease the transition into real estate.
- Building a Strong Foundation for Success – Developing a personal brand, engaging in local networking, and creating a solid support system with mentors and experienced agents can help new real estate professionals thrive.
Why Therapists Are Switching to Real Estate
Therapists, counselors, or nurses often reach a point in their careers where they seek new opportunities—whether for financial growth, greater flexibility, or a change of pace. Real estate presents a compelling alternative, offering many benefits that align with the skills and strengths therapists already possess. Here’s why many therapists are making the switch:
- Greater Earning Potential – According to Indeed, the average salary of a therapist in Florida is $79,812. The same source reports that the average income of a Florida real estate agent is $97,748. And unlike traditional therapy roles with fixed salaries or insurance restrictions, real estate agents have unlimited income potential based on effort and performance.
- More Flexibility – Real estate allows you to set your own schedule, work independently, and create a better work-life balance.
- Less Emotional Strain – While real estate requires managing client expectations, it typically involves less emotional burnout compared to working with patients in crisis.
- A New Way to Help People – Buying or selling a home is a significant life decision, and therapists-turned-agents can use their people-centered approach to guide clients through the process with care and confidence.
For those looking to leverage their interpersonal skills in a dynamic, rewarding field, real estate offers a fresh and fulfilling career path.
Transferrable Skills Therapists Bring to the Real Estate Industry
Even if you’re unfamiliar with Competitive Market Analyses or deed restrictions just yet, your experience as a counselor has already equipped you with many of the needed real estate agent skills.
Here are the strengths you bring to the table.
1. Active listening
A great real estate agent must understand and articulate what their clients truly want—even when clients struggle to express it themselves. As a therapist, you’ve mastered the art of attentive listening and picking up on subtle cues, making clients feel heard and understood. In real estate, this skill is invaluable for identifying a client’s needs, preferences, and concerns, whether they’re buying their first home or selling a long-time residence.
2. Empathy and emotional intelligence
You might assume that business-related careers don’t align with your counseling expertise, but real estate is all about understanding people. Buying or selling a home is often an emotional experience, and your ability to empathize with clients, navigate their concerns, and offer reassurance will set you apart as an agent.
3. Problem-solving
As a therapist, you guide clients through challenges and help them find solutions. Real estate also involves navigating obstacles—whether it’s resolving property issues, negotiating deals, or adapting to market shifts. Your ability to think critically and stay composed under pressure will help clients feel confident in your guidance.
4. Communication skills
Your ability to explain complex topics in a clear and relatable way is a significant advantage in real estate. Whether you’re breaking down market trends, guiding clients through contracts, or negotiating deals, strong communication ensures your clients feel informed and empowered throughout the process.
5. Building Trust and Rapport
Establishing trust is second nature to therapists, and this skill is just as essential in real estate. Strong client relationships lead to referrals, repeat business, and positive reviews—all of which contribute to long-term success in the industry. Your natural ability to connect with people will be a significant asset in building a thriving real estate career.
Steps to Transition from Counseling to Real Estate in Florida
You must have a state-specific real estate license to work as an agent in Florida. Here’s a quick summary of the steps to getting your license.
Step 1: Complete pre-licensing education
You must complete a 63-hour pre-licensing course from a state-approved real estate school. Choose a school with a strong reputation and a format that fits your learning style—online, livestream, or in-person. Some schools also offer courses in Spanish.
Step 2: Submit fingerprints for a background check
Before applying for your license, you must get fingerprinted in order to complete a background check. Fingerprints can be submitted at a Florida LiveScan location or a Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)-approved site. Two forms of ID are required.
Step 3: Submit your license application
Apply online through the Florida DBPR website using your legal name and Social Security number. The application fee is $39.37, with possible waivers for military personnel and their spouses. Once approved, you can schedule your licensing exam.
Step 4: Pass the Florida real estate exam
The exam is administered by Pearson Vue and costs $36.75. It consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, requiring a minimum score of 75 to pass. Candidates must bring two forms of valid ID and a pre-licensing course completion certificate. Remote proctoring is available.
Step 5: Join a real estate brokerage
Florida real estate agents must work under a licensed brokerage. Many agents find opportunities through career fairs or networking at real estate schools.
Once these steps are completed, you’ll be ready to launch your career as a licensed Florida real estate agent!
Overcoming Challenges During the Career Switch to Real Estate
We can’t promise a seamless transition as you switch careers from counseling to real estate. However, here are some practical strategies to help with your career pivot.
Start as a part-time agent to test the waters: While the average salary of a real estate agent is impressive, it’s important to note that most real estate agents work entirely on commission. Building your client base and improving your real estate chops may take time, so consider working part-time as an agent while you continue to see your clients.
Leverage your healthcare network for leads and referrals: While it would be unethical to seek referrals from your counseling clients for your real estate business, you can absolutely connect with your professional mental health network. Fellow therapists and counselors may prefer to work with someone who understands their industry and unique needs when buying or selling a home.
Continuously educate yourself about the real estate market: Just as therapists and counselors need continuing education and professional reboots, real estate agents must also be prepared for life-long learning. You must complete 45 hours of post-license education before your first license renewal deadline. Then, you’ll need to complete 14 hours of continuing education each subsequent year.
Build a strong personal brand: Your background as a counselor has already helped you build trust and credibility—valuable assets in real estate. Focus on developing a personal brand that highlights your empathy, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to client success. Leverage social media, attend networking events, and get involved in your local community to showcase your expertise and attract potential clients.
Create a support system for motivation and guidance: Transitioning careers can be challenging, so having a strong support system is essential. Connect with mentors, join local real estate groups, and collaborate with experienced agents who can offer guidance and encouragement. Surrounding yourself with supportive professionals will help make your transition into real estate smoother and more rewarding.
You’ll have to pass a test to get your Florida real estate license, so choose the right school for your required pre-licensing coursework. Gold Coast Schools has been educating real estate agents in Florida for decades.
Are you concerned about the time it takes to get licensed? We offer one-week sessions that allow you to complete the 63 hours of pre-licensing coursework within seven days. Begin your career transition from therapist to real estate agent by enrolling in Gold Coast Schools today.