The Myth of the “Rich Realtor”: What You Don’t See Behind the Sale

There’s a common myth floating around that all real estate agents are rolling in cash. Thanks to flashy reality shows and viral success stories, it’s easy to assume every realtor is making six figures by simply showing a few homes and cashing commission cheques. But let’s break down the truth behind the glam.

Yes, realtors can earn good money — but it’s far from guaranteed. For starters, we’re 100% commission-based. That means if a deal doesn’t close, we don’t get paid. We can spend weeks (even months) showing homes, negotiating offers, staging properties, marketing listings, and paying out-of-pocket for ads, photography, gas, and more — all without a paycheque in sight.

Then there’s the split. That “big” 5% commission you see on a listing? It’s usually split four ways — between the listing agent, the buyer’s agent, and each of their brokerages. After that, we subtract taxes, fees, and business expenses. What’s left isn’t nearly as flashy.

Not to mention, real estate isn’t a 9-to-5. We work evenings, weekends, holidays — whenever our clients need us. We juggle contracts, inspections, appraisals, lenders, and lawyers to make sure every detail is airtight.

At the end of the day, real estate is a business — and like any entrepreneur, a realtor’s income depends on the effort they put in, the market conditions, and how well they serve their clients.

So next time you hear someone say, “Realtors make way too much,” remember: the job is about way more than unlocking doors. It’s about hustle, trust, and navigating one of the biggest financial decisions in a person’s life.

Behind every “Sold” sign is a whole lot of hard work.