Comparison: is it more profitable to be a real estate agent or a sales closer?

What is the difference between a real estate agent and a sales closer?

Both real estate agents and sales closers are professionals specialized in sales. Although their roles may seem similar at first glance, the differences are quite significant, as they work in different industries and deal with different types of clients.

To better understand these differences, let's examine what each of these professionals does in their daily work.

What does a real estate agent do?

Becoming a real estate agent does not require a university degree, although it can be an advantage. Generally, companies are responsible for training their agents. At Engel & Völkers, we offer an academy and continuous seminars to train our professionals.

In this field, strong negotiation and communication skills are essential, as many tasks depend on them:

• Studying and analyzing the real estate market.

• Acquiring property listings.

• Expanding the client portfolio.

• Managing paperwork and contracts.

• Conducting negotiations.

• Attending property viewings.

• Implementing marketing strategies.

• And much more.

Real estate agents have the flexibility to organize their schedules as they prefer. Remote work is also a viable option. At Engel & Völkers, we provide office spaces that our agents can use if they wish, or they can choose to work from home.

Roles of the sales closer

On the other hand, a sales closer is primarily responsible for closing sales. This role requires specialized, high-level training, which is typically not provided by the company.

This work can be conducted from virtually anywhere, as it is usually done over the phone or via video call. The main goal is to interact with potential clients and achieve as many sales as possible.

In conclusion, both professions require knowledge of their respective sectors, negotiation skills, good communication, and client relationship abilities. However, it’s clear that real estate professionals have a wider range of responsibilities compared to sales closers.

Which profession is more profitable: real estate agent or sales closer?

Both professions offer varying income and commission structures, which depend on the nature of the work performed. Let's analyze which is more profitable:

Real estate agent commissions

Real estate agents receive a basic monthly salary, which typically ranges from €1,500 to €3,000. This salary is supplemented by commissions from successful property sales.

These earnings depend on various factors, such as the total value of the property, the type of real estate, and the location. Naturally, commissions become more substantial with a larger portfolio of clients and properties, and greater experience.

For luxury real estate agents, like those at Engel & Völkers, commissions are significantly higher and more attractive because they deal with high-standard properties.

Additionally, having a basic salary creates a more relaxed and enjoyable work environment, allowing agents to enjoy their passion for real estate in their daily tasks.

Sales closer commissions

Sales closers, on the other hand, generally do not have a fixed salary. Their earnings depend entirely on their results.

Commissions are often quite high, although they vary by industry, usually ranging from 10% to 20% of the product's value. For example, if the service sold exceeds €5,000, the closer can earn between €500 and €1,000 per closed sale.

However, since their income relies solely on their sales performance, this can be an extremely stressful profession. If a closer fails to acquire clients, they earn nothing, turning their daily work into an ongoing challenge.

Compared to real estate agents, being a sales closer is a riskier and more financially stressful career, as there is no guaranteed salary like in the real estate sector.

Which job offers the best career prospects? Real estate agent or sales closer?

On a professional level, these careers are also quite different. Let's explore which one offers better growth opportunities:

Career prospects for luxury real estate agents

In the real estate sector, professionals not only have the opportunity to work as agents but can also rise to positions of greater responsibility through their merits.

A prime example is Sonia Catalán, who achieved a significant leadership role thanks to her dedication and the tools provided by our company. Today, she manages a team of over 50 people in one of Madrid's most prestigious areas.

It’s important to note that the real estate market is constantly evolving and expanding, making it possible to join at any time.

At Engel & Völkers, every new agent is paired with a real estate mentor. This figure plays a key role, providing guidance and support to help agents succeed and become industry leaders in less time.

Additionally, agents enjoy the advantage of having a supportive team that stands by them during daily operations and challenging times. Being part of Engel & Völkers isn’t just about joining a premium brand—it’s about becoming an indispensable member of the team.

Ready to experience the unique journey of being a real estate agent at Engel & Völkers? We’re waiting for you.

Career projection for the sales closer

A sales closer's career progression is always defined by their skills. An exceptional closer who consistently meets objectives can aspire to higher commissions or roles like sales manager or business development specialist.

Closers can also choose to work independently, offering services such as consulting or training. However, since they rely on constant sales to earn a steady income, it's likely they’ll need to offer services to multiple companies simultaneously.

For instance, if the company they work for doesn’t generate daily sales and operates only during specific periods, the closer would need to supplement this with services for other businesses to ensure monthly income.

In summary, while the future outlook for sales closers is promising, they must constantly reinvent themselves to generate revenue and attract new clients. In contrast, real estate agents enjoy more stability by working exclusively with one company, reducing financial stress.

How do the real estate agent's sales compare to those of the sales closer?

To truly understand the daily work of these professionals, it’s important to consider the types of clients and sales they handle.

Sales and clients in the real estate sector

Real estate clients are typically well-informed buyers with clear objectives, but they need time to make decisions. Buying a home is a high-value investment with strong emotional considerations.

Therefore, a real estate agent must build trust and establish a close relationship with the client to understand and meet their needs. Strong listening and empathy skills are crucial for success.

Moreover, maintaining long-term relationships can result in clients returning for future services or recommending the agent to others. Both scenarios create new opportunities and expand the agent’s professional network.

Given these factors, real estate sales tend to be pleasant and take place in a friendly environment. This allows agents to enjoy their profession with passion and dedication.

Sales and customers of the sales closer

Sales closers often face more challenges. Without a base salary, they experience higher stress levels due to the constant need to close deals.

Their interactions with clients are usually brief and less personal, as they mainly happen via phone or video call. This makes building trust more difficult. Closers must quickly overcome objections and persuade clients that their product or service is the right solution—often within minutes.

It’s a less rewarding field, where long-term relationships and recommendations are rare. Some clients even report feeling pressured rather than understood, leading to negative perceptions of the closer.

As a result, closers may encounter harsh reactions from prospects who don’t wish to engage in lengthy conversations.

Additionally, due to widespread practices like unsolicited sales calls, many potential clients are predisposed to decline offers without listening, making the closer’s job even more challenging.

So, which profession is worth pursuing: sales closer or real estate agent?

Ultimately, the real estate profession offers a more fulfilling and positive work environment, where agents experience the satisfaction of helping others achieve their dreams. In contrast, sales closers often miss out on this rewarding experience due to the transactional nature of their work.

As you can see, real estate agents not only enjoy greater profitability but also numerous advantages that make their profession one of the most rewarding and desirable—especially when compared to that of a sales closer.

If you want to work in a positive environment, with a team that supports you every step of the way, and build long-lasting, appreciative client relationships, join Engel & Völkers and start enjoying this profession today.