Getting Your Real Estate License as a Shopper

Look, I wouldn’t waste my time writing this blog if I didn’t think it was doable and worth it. If you’re a personal grocery shopper, constantly grabbing things off shelves and delivering to a bunch of strangers, then you already have some business experience. It’s not a lot, but it’s enough. Think about the number of people you come into contact with in a single day of shopping and delivering—this level of marketing exposure is something real estate agents could only dream of. Your advantage is unique access and permission to be everywhere, including neighborhoods you could eventually be selling in. That’s why I believe shoppers should consider getting their real estate licenses.

Timelines and cost estimates can be viewed here. Totally doable.

One reason to consider it? Transitioning out of shopping into what can be a lucrative real estate career. Your ability to create quick connections at doorsteps and build trust is one of the most powerful tools a neighborhood real estate agent has. Real estate agents call this technique “farming.” Your exposure across town could easily be paired with a branded t-shirt or jacket, turning every delivery into a marketing opportunity. If you’re logical, clear in communication, good at reading people, and truly understand the idea of “service above self,” then I believe you have the skills necessary to build income through real estate.

Let me go back. Farming is all about consistently focusing on a specific neighborhood or community to build a strong presence and become the go-to expert in that area. It’s like planting seeds by building relationships, staying visible, and sharing valuable information, so that, over time, people recognize and trust you as their real estate professional. When a family is ready to buy or sell, they’ll think of you first. Imagine delivering groceries to a family today and helping them sell that same home down the road.

A marketing opportunity could be as simple as leaving a door hanger with recent sales and local market insights right after a delivery. Over time, you’d become familiar with new listings, which are easy conversation starters with cashiers or customers. The grocery store itself is a great place to connect with the community, and a branded t-shirt or hoodie could make those conversations fun and approachable. Only recently did I start wearing a branded t-shirt with a QR code linked to my YouTube channel (@jonathan-shops if you want to subscribe). The cool part is I’ve met some of my subscribers. They aren’t strangers. This experience showed me that this could work in almost any industry.

As a real estate agent, you are your own brand ambassador. While you may hang your license with a national, regional, or local broker, it’s ultimately your name you want associated with great service. If you feel that same way when you’re grocery shopping, then you’re the type of person brokers want to talk to. You put yourself in others’ shoes, care about how people feel, and understand the importance of trust. That’s a huge advantage in any sales position, especially in real estate, where owner-occupied transactions demand empathy and strong connections. Whether it’s shopping, real estate, or window cleaning, when your actions and communication reflect genuine gratitude and dedication, success will follow.

Referrals are the most cost-effective marketing method for real estate agents. Not every agent has to be the primary name on the contract either. Many people get their license to act as referral agents only, meaning they can’t perform typical agent duties but can earn a referral fee by connecting clients with agents. Here’s an example:

• $350,000 Sales Price on a Lead Generated

• 2% Commission (one side): $7,000

• 25% Referral Fee: $1,750 (your portion, subject to your broker’s agreement)

For instance, if you overhear your sister-in-law talking about moving for a job transfer, but you’re not comfortable representing her yet, you could refer her to a local real estate team and receive a fee if the deal closes. Working with an experienced team means they could even guide you through the transaction if you decide to represent the client yourself. A well-managed real estate team can be a huge asset to new agents, although there are trade-offs, such as sharing commissions. Be cautious of joining a team that may not have a solid reputation, as this could impact your own brand.

With me by your side, we’ll go through your coursework together, breaking down real estate concepts so you’re ready for the exams. This approach is what I see as my highest and best use for shoppers.

So, if you’re an active shopper and want to study for the California Real Estate Salesperson Exam and apply for a license while you wait for your next order, I’ll guide you through the process. I’ll also share some of my favorite real estate experiences, from landman work and high-liability transactions to helping countless clients and agents in their own real estate pursuits. And when you’re ready to put your license to work and make it active, I’ll help you on deciding how to choose a broker. The most important negotiation is the one with your future broker. It sets the tone and expectations. But there wouldn’t be anything wrong for you to go meet some brokers while you study. I actually believe brokers would enjoy that. Show you their ropes, so-to-speak.

You’ll need three courses: Practice, Principles, and an elective. That’s 135 hours of course study (3 x 45 hours each). You’re required to wait 18 days between exams, but with processing times around four weeks from submission, you could reasonably earn your license in about three months. You’ll receive a certificate for each course, which is essential for licensing. Testing knowledge and key terms are critical, but in daily practice, you’ll have the support of a responsible broker for questions.

Ready to elevate your grocery shopping experience and build a new path in real estate? If you want to capitalize on your community presence, grow your brand, and learn real estate, email me at jon@jonathanshops.com, and let’s get started. I’ll point you in the right direction. Get the timer going on your first 18 days so you can take the exams. Sign up for the courses. You don’t need me for that right now.

The total cost is about 1/3rd of the referral fee I used as an example above.

And if real estate isn’t your thing, I wrote a blog about on being a notary. That’s another avenue that could be useful in real estate, especially if you learn loan document signings.