So You Want to Get Your Real Estate License in Colorado Springs? Pros, Cons, and Realistic Advice

So you want to get your real estate license in Colorado Springs? It’s a common aspiration, especially in a market with over 3,100 active agents (per recent Pikes Peak Association of Realtors data). With our city’s growth fueled by military relocations and outdoor appeal, the industry seems enticing. But jumping in requires understanding the realities—it’s not just about passing a test; it’s a full commitment to a competitive field.

The Basics of Getting Licensed in Colorado Springs. To become a licensed real estate broker in Colorado, you’ll need 168 hours of pre-licensing education, pass the state exam, and complete a background check. Source: Broker Qualifying Education – Colorado Division of Real Estate. Courses are available online or in-person through schools like the Colorado Real Estate School. Expect to invest $500–$1,200 upfront, plus ongoing fees for MLS access and continuing education (24 hours every three years). Once licensed, you must affiliate with a brokerage like The Platinum Group, which offers support but requires dedication.

Pros of Getting Your Real Estate License. Flexibility is a big draw—set your own hours and earn commissions to create possible good income. It’s rewarding helping families find homes in neighborhoods like Briargate or Peyton. For entrepreneurs, it opens doors to investment or property management synergies, especially with our market’s 3–5% annual appreciation.

However, don’t be misled. Being rewarded with a flexible schedule and having a higher income production takes time. You will need to be ready to jump at most every opportunity whenever it comes (even on nights, weekends or when you are on vacation) for the first 3-5 years before you have enough volume to have more control over your schedule and higher income. Consider this statement from NAR: “As REALTORS® gained a larger network of referrals and previous clients and experience, their income generally rose. For example, REALTORS® with 16 years or more experience had a median gross income of $78,900. By contrast, REALTORS® who’d worked in the business for two years or less had a median gross income of $8,100.

Cons and Common Challenges. The market is saturated—competition from 3,100+ agents means building a client base takes time, often 6–12 months without pay. Many new agents divide focus with other jobs like property management or other part time jobs, diluting their professional image. Public trust requires full dedication; divided attention can lead to missed referrals or poor service. FSBO stats show non-full-time agents struggle, with 89% of sellers preferring dedicated pros (NAR 2025 report). Skills like initiation and execution are crucial—without them, even licensed agents fail to generate leads or close deals.

Is It Right for You? Alternatives to Full-Time Agency. If real estate appeals but full-time isn’t feasible, consider referral programs or a different approach. If you feel you must have you license but don’t want to do the work, hang your license with a brokerage like The Platinum Group, Realtors for a small fee and earn referral commissions (20–25%) on leads you send to an active agent that you work with. This suits those in related fields like short-term rentals, letting you leverage networks without daily transactions. Or if you feel you want to own properties and stick with managing, it is very easy to find a trusted agent to use. Let them do the work they specialize in and you do the same. You each are successful in your own lanes while you work together.

For licensing details, visit the Colorado Division of Real Estate. Explore NAR’s career resources at realtor.com/careers.

Thinking about your options? Call, text, or visit thebaconpartners.com/contact for guidance.

Want a short overview on what Real Estate Agents do? Check out my article here on What Real Estate Agents Do: A Behind-the-Scenes Look in Colorado Springs.

I’m Andrew Bacon, a Top Colorado Springs Real Estate Broker in Colorado Springs. I take care of my clients as family and aim to provide them with the necessary information and tools to navigate the complex markets in Colorado and around the US.

As a member of the Pikes Peak & Denver Metro Association of Realtors, I enjoy staying aware of current cultural trends and economic drivers.

Check back regularly for new articles on all things real estate along Colorado’s Front Range.

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