Online research and course materials can give you a feel for the job, but nothing gives you a true understanding of a day-in-the-life quite like being there. Watching an experienced agent in action offers a deeper view of the profession, and a better way to get hands-on learning. Here are our best tips on real estate shadowing, shaped with insights from The CE Shop National Real Estate Expert, Jill Malloy.
The Benefits of Shadowing a Real Estate Agent
Shadowing a more experienced agent is a great way to get the inside scoop on the job, with low stakes. You’re right there in the field, seeing how an agent handles appointments, communicates with clients, and navigates challenges, which is more than you’ll gather from a textbook.
So, what does shadowing really teach you? From understanding the job to seeing it in action, here are four key benefits.
1. It Gives You a Realistic Look at the Career
Contrary to what HGTV shows you, this job isn’t all happy hours and pretty houses (but, man, there are plenty of those, too!). In fact, you might be surprised by how much “office work” is involved in real estate. From organizing client files, writing up contracts, and searching for leads, there’s plenty to be done behind-the-scenes that makes the job look less-than-glamorous. Of course, we think this is just part of the fun!
2. You’ll Learn Through Real-World Observation
You’ve heard the phrase “Baptism by Fire” — well, this is similar, but with less flames. When you shadow someone on the job, you get a peek behind the curtain, without holding your career to the flame. Plus, there’s no extra glitz and glamor; you’re getting the real take from someone who (probably) isn’t trying to sell you the career.
3. You’ll Gain Exposure to Real Estate Tools and Systems
Not only can you get a glimpse of the action, but shadowing is a good chance to get a closer look at the tools you’ll be using on the job. Think: MLS platforms, contract-writing tools, virtual staging software, and even social media tools. It’s one thing to hear about these systems, but seeing them in action makes concepts easier to understand.
4. You’ll See (and Hear) How the Networking Is Done
You’ve probably heard it before, but "network” is the magic word in this career. So, what better way to see how it’s done than to watch and learn from the pros? But you may run into some challenges if you want to witness the magic first-hand.
The Scoop from Jill: “Seeing how an experienced agent communicates and builds a trusting relationship with clients is invaluable, but was a rare experience. So much of the relationship building is best accomplished without an audience. When I was shadowing, it was easier for the experienced agents who later joined our office to share stories with me than to allow me to sit in their conversations with their clients/customers.”
Preparing to Shadow a Real Estate Agent
So, all this sounds great, but you may be wondering: how does a new agent actually go about finding someone to shadow? Here are some simple steps you can follow.
1. Identify an Agent Who’s Open to Shadowing
Luckily, you’ve landed in a friendly career. Many agents are happy to share their expertise with newbies in the industry. You can contact local agents directly, connect through real estate schools, or reach out to your local REALTOR® association. Another way to get behind the scenes? Watch what others in your workspace do.
The Scoop from Jill: “I started my career in an office that had just opened in the area. The first agents there were also relatively new, so I didn’t shadow them, but I was able to watch them and ask questions. I was especially interested in where they found prospects. That was how I discovered that engaging in social activities to build a Sphere of Influence (SOI) was going to be important in building my business.”
2. Ask Permission and Clarify Expectations
Since agents handle private client information and access-sensitive property details, you’ll need formal permission to shadow. When reaching out, be clear about:
Most agents will let you know what parts of their day you can observe and where confidentiality needs to be respected. While you’ll benefit by being clear with your expectations, be sure to also consider the rules of the job you’re shadowing on.
The Scoop from Jill: “If you are fortunate enough to be allowed to ‘shadow,’ make sure that you have a clear understanding of the ground rules. This is their business and as their protégé, you can show your appreciation by honoring their requests regarding your behavior when shadowing.”
3. Prepare Like You Would for a Professional Setting
As always, put your best foot forward. A good first impression is often your ticket to a lasting connection, so be sure to dress for the job. And don’t be too shy to go old school —bring along some tools that might help you keep track of what you learn. A voice recorder, with permission, is a great tool to use in conversation with the agent you’re shadowing, especially when they start spitting real wisdom that you don’t want to forget. A notepad (or your phone’s Notes app) can help you keep track of details like names, websites, and email addresses. And finally, have a wallet or a small folder handy to take business cards.
Helpful Questions You Can Ask an Agent
Here are some questions that can help you get a clearer picture of real estate life:
What made you decide to become a real estate agent?
How long have you been in real estate, and how has your career changed over time?
What did your first year in real estate look like?
Is there anything you would do differently if you were starting again today?
What does a typical workday look like for you?
How much of your time is spent with clients versus doing administrative tasks?
How often do you work evenings or weekends?
What tasks take up the most time that people don’t usually expect?
How do you stay organized while managing multiple clients and transactions?
What skills are most important for success as a real estate agent?
How important are communication and customer service in your daily work?
How do you handle difficult clients or high-pressure situations?
What habits separate top-performing agents from average ones?
How long did it take before you felt financially stable in your career?
What are the biggest expenses agents should expect?
How do agents manage inconsistent income, especially early on?
What income range is realistic for a new agent in this market?
What advice would you give someone seriously considering real estate as a career?
Are there any resources you recommend for beginners?
How does the local real estate market affect your daily work?
How do you stay informed about changes in the industry?
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing real estate agents today?
A Typical Day as a Real Estate Agent
Sometimes, a rehearsal of the situation will help you get the nerve up to shadow somebody. Here’s what a typical day as an agent might look like, so you can imagine it first. Of course, a “typical” day can vary, but shadowing gives you a feel for the rhythm of the job.
An Agent’s Morning Routine
Most agents begin their day by:
Getting a biiig cup of coffee
Checking emails and messages
Reviewing new listings or market changes
Scheduling showings or client appointments
Prospecting through calls, texts, or social media
Midday Mayhem
Here comes the hustle and bustle. The middle of the day is usually when an agent is busiest, and can be doing any of the following things:
Home showings
Buyer consultations
Listing presentations
Inspections or walkthroughs
Meetings with lenders or title companies
Driving, driving, driving
Taking lots of calls, sending lots of messages
Pouring a little more coffee
Sneaking in a power nap
Late Afternoon and Evening
The structure of an agent's day tends to align with clients’ free time. So, when people get off work and start to review those contracts, you can expect another bump in activity:
Writing or reviewing offers
Negotiating terms
Updating clients
Handling transaction paperwork
Sneaking in a bite of pasta
As a new agent, you might be surprised at how fast a day can go by. It isn’t all chaos, though. Once you find your rhythm, mastering a day like this becomes second nature.
You’re One Step Closer to Living the Dream
Shadowing a real estate agent is a smart first step for anyone considering a career in real estate. It gives you an honest look at the pace, responsibilities, and essential skills required to thrive in the industry. By preparing well, staying curious, and seeking opportunities to observe multiple agents, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of whether this career path is the right fit for you. Check out our Agent Essentials blog to dive a little deeper into real estate before you take the plunge.
