How to Become a Showing Agent: A Step-by-Step Guide

Real estate careers aren’t just limited to traditional agent roles; there are many paths to explore depending on your skills and interests. One such role is that of a showing agent. If you love meeting new people, have an eye for property details, and enjoy the excitement of home tours, then becoming a showing agent might be the ideal starting point for your career path in real estate. 

Showing agents play a crucial role in the real estate market by guiding clients through property showings and delivering a smooth, stress-free home touring experience. But what does it take to become one, and how does the job differ from that of a traditional real estate agent?

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how to become a showing agent, the responsibilities involved, and why this specialized role could be a smart stepping stone in your real estate career.

What is a Showing Agent in real estate?

A showing agent is a licensed real estate professional who focuses solely on conducting home tours for potential buyers. Unlike a buyer’s agent, who manages the entire buying process—including negotiations and contracts—a showing agent is specifically responsible for scheduling and attending showings. This position is perfect for agents who enjoy meeting people, have a knack for making a home look its best, and want a more flexible real estate role.

The difference between a Showing Agent and a Buyer’s Agent

To understand what sets a showing agent apart, let’s clarify the typical roles in a real estate transaction:

• Buyer’s Agent: Handles the entire home-buying process, from finding properties to negotiating and closing deals.
• Seller’s Agent: Focuses on listing and marketing a seller’s property to get the highest possible price.
• Showing Agent: Exclusively shows properties to buyers on behalf of a buyer’s agent, freeing up the buyer’s agent’s time for negotiating and client management.

While the buyer’s agent is the one who finalizes the deal, showing agents ensure that buyers get timely and comprehensive access to homes they’re interested in.

Steps to becoming a Real Estate Showing Agent

So, how do you become a successful showing agent? Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Obtain your Real Estate License

The first step in becoming a showing agent is obtaining a real estate license. Licensing requirements vary by state, but typically, you’ll need to:

• Complete a set number of pre-licensing education hours (usually between 60 and 135 hours, depending on the state).
• Pass the state’s real estate licensing exam, which includes questions on both national and state-specific real estate laws.
• Submit an application and pass a background check.

Pro Tip: Use a real estate exam prep course to boost your chances of passing on the first try. This foundational step is essential because, without a license, you can’t legally conduct showings or work as a real estate professional.

2. Join a reputable Brokerage

Once licensed, you’ll need to work under the supervision of a licensed real estate broker. Choose a brokerage that supports showing agents, offers mentorship, and provides access to tools like the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). A strong brokerage can help you build connections, gain access to property listings, and start generating leads.

3. Get access to the MLS

The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a crucial tool for any real estate agent. It’s a comprehensive database of properties listed for sale in your area. Having access allows you to:

• Review detailed property information.
• Schedule showings.
• Stay up-to-date on new listings.

Most brokerages will handle MLS membership for you, but be sure to ask about it during your onboarding process.

4. Learn the art of property showings

Being a great showing agent isn’t just about opening doors. It’s about making properties shine, answering buyer questions confidently, and understanding what makes a home a good fit for a buyer. Practice these skills:

• Property presentation: Highlight key features and upgrades during a showing.
• Client engagement: Tailor your communication style to each client’s preferences.
• Market knowledge: Know the neighborhood, school districts, and local amenities.

5. Start networking

Building relationships is key in real estate. Attend local real estate meetups, join industry associations, and connect with top-performing buyer’s agents. They are your potential clients—buyer’s agents often look for showing agents to help with their busy schedules.

Showing Agent responsibilities can include:

A showing agent’s daily tasks are varied and can include:

• Scheduling showings and coordinating with listing agents.
• Preparing homes for viewings, ensuring they are clean and inviting.
• Greeting prospective buyers and guiding them through properties.
• Providing detailed information about the home, including features, price, and neighborhood details.
• Collecting buyer feedback and relaying it to the buyer’s agent.
• Managing multiple showings in one day, often across different neighborhoods.

Rewards of becoming a Real Estate Showing Agent

Flexibility: Showing agents often have more flexible schedules compared to traditional agents, making it a great option for part-time real estate professionals or those looking to break into the industry.

Stepping stone in your career: This role is a fantastic way to gain experience, build your network, and learn from more seasoned agents before taking on full buyer or seller agent responsibilities.

Less stress: Since showing agents don’t handle negotiations or contracts, there’s less pressure compared to traditional real estate roles. This allows you to focus on delivering a great showing experience.

How to grow your skills and income as a Showing Agent

To thrive as a showing agent, you’ll want to focus on honing your skills and expanding your professional opportunities:

1. Take additional Real Estate courses: Look for courses that specialize in buyer representation, property staging, or negotiation skills. This knowledge will help you stand out in the industry.
2. Use technology to your advantage: Familiarize yourself with real estate tech tools. Use apps like Zillow or Realtor.com to stay on top of market trends and property listings.
3. Develop a niche: Consider specializing in certain types of properties, like luxury homes or investment properties, to build a unique value proposition.
4. Market yourself: Create a strong online presence through social media and LinkedIn. Share property showings, client testimonials, and educational content to attract more business.
5. Stay organized: Manage multiple showings and client meetings with scheduling software like Asana, Trello or Notion.
6. Track your expenses: Keep detailed records of your transportation, marketing, and other job-related expenses. Consider using financial management tools like QuickBooks for seamless tracking.

How to become a Showing Agent: FAQs

1. Can I become a Showing Agent without a Real Estate License?

No, a real estate license is mandatory to conduct property showings legally.

2. Is being a showing agent a good entry-level job in real estate?

Yes, becoming a showing agent is a great way to start in the real estate industry and learn the ins and outs of the profession before becoming a full agent.

2. What’s the average salary of a Showing Agent?

Salaries can vary, but showing agents typically earn an average salary of $65,294 per year, depending on their location and workload.

3. Is a Showing Agent a full-time role?

It can be either part-time or full-time, depending on your preferences and the needs of your partnering agents.

4. Do Showing Agents need their own clients?

Usually, no. Showing agents work with buyers who are already clients of a buyer’s agent. They help facilitate showings and assist in narrowing down choices.

5. How do Showing Agents get paid?

Showing agents are often paid hourly or receive a portion of the commission earned by the buyer’s agent.

6. What are the challenges of being a Showing Agent?

Managing a busy schedule, dealing with last-minute cancellations, and maintaining a strong knowledge of all properties on the market can be challenging.

Final Thoughts: Is becoming a Showing Agent right for you?

If you’re passionate about real estate and want a more specialized role, becoming a showing agent can be a rewarding career choice. With the proper training, strong communication skills, and a keen eye for property details, you can build a successful career as a showing agent while helping homebuyers find their dream homes.

Ready to take the leap? Start your journey by preparing to pass your real estate licensing exam with Lexawise exam prep!