To become a real estate agent a person will need some formal qualifications. In the United States it is illegal to receive money from real estate transactions unless the agent has achieved a recognized brokerage license within the state they are operating in. The legal requirements in this area differ from country to country so it is always essential for anyone interested in this job to research their local laws thoroughly. Skills and attitudes are the most important qualities needed to become a real estate agent. Agents need to have excellent people and communication skills for clients and build many contacts within the industry.

An ability to logically look at land, people and situations is also needed. Numerical skill is essential due to the large sums of money involved in real estate transactions. An agent must also have a strong knowledge of the property and land laws that apply in the country or state in which they work.

An increasingly large job role for real estate agents and brokers is the use of computers and databases. Agents should be comfortable inputting data and photographs of land and property on to digital databases and using these databases to find suitable matches for their client's needs. Virtual tours are also now a feature of many modern real estate companies. These allow a potential buyer to tour a property or piece of land electronically by viewing video or 3D mapped photos of a place. This is a great tool for the agent to increase customer interest in properties, particularly with busy clients or in properties that are out-of-the-way to visit in person initially.