How much money can someone make in real estate?

When I first thought about a career in real estate, I’ll admit I had one big question on my mind: How much money can someone actually make? 💭 So, I sat down with none other than Matt Sweeting, the broker of 1 OAK Bahamas and a guy who’s been in the business for nearly two decades. He didn’t just answer my question—he gave me a roadmap for success.

“It Took Me a While to Find My Footing”

Matt didn’t sugarcoat it. “When I first started in real estate, it was tough,” he said. “It took me a while to find my footing. There were plenty of struggles, but I learned that the key is persistence.”

That really hit home for me. It’s easy to look at someone successful and think they’ve always had it together. But Matt’s story reminds us that even the most successful people start somewhere.

Breaking Down the Money 🤑

Of course, I had to get into the numbers. “Matt,” I asked, “how much can someone realistically make in this industry?”

His answer didn’t disappoint. “Honestly, the sky’s the limit,” he said. “I’ve closed single transactions that generated over $100,000 in commissions.” Yes, you read that right—six figures from just one deal.

But for those just starting out, Matt’s advice was grounded and realistic. “I believe new agents can earn upwards of $50,000 a year,” he said. “It’s all about your ability to adapt, learn, and stay consistent.”

Real Estate on the Global Stage 🌍

Matt also pointed out that real estate income varies depending on the market. In the U.S., for example, a full-time agent can earn anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 a year, with top agents bringing in millions.

“The Bahamas is a unique market,” Matt explained. “We deal with luxury properties, vacation homes, and high-net-worth clients. That means the earning potential here is massive, but it also requires a deep understanding of the market and excellent service.”

Matt’s Best Advice for New Agents 🗣️

When I asked Matt what advice he’d give to someone like me just starting out, he broke it down into four key points:

Learn Everything: “Master the market—property values, buyer habits, trends. Knowledge will set you apart.”

Be Relentless: “This isn’t a 9-to-5 job. If you’re not working, someone else is.”

Use Technology: “Leverage tools like social media to market yourself and build your brand.”

Build Relationships: “Trust is everything. Treat your clients well, and they’ll turn into referrals.”

Why Now is the Best Time to Start 💼

“The real estate market is thriving,” Matt told me. “Now is one of the best times to get into the industry. If you’re willing to work hard and stay consistent, you can build a life you love.”

Hearing that from someone who’s been through the highs and lows of the industry was inspiring. It’s clear that Matt doesn’t just see real estate as a job—it’s a way to create financial freedom and lasting relationships.

My Takeaways 🚀

Walking away from that conversation, I felt more motivated than ever. Real estate isn’t an easy road, but with the right mindset and mentorship, the rewards are limitless. As a new agent, I know the journey will have its challenges, but I also know that with guidance from people like Matt, success is well within reach.

If you’ve ever wondered about real estate, let me tell you—it’s worth exploring. Ready to start your own journey? Matt and the team at 1 OAK Bahamas are here to guide you every step of the way.

Interested in getting in to real estate, well 1 OAK Bahamas is hiring agents and apprentice. Send an email with your resume to info@1oakbahamas.com