Orlando’s real estate market is thriving, providing multiple real estate careers. Every day, agents list, sell, inspect, finance, and transfer properties to new owners. Every successful transaction has licensed professionals in special roles. These include brokers, inspectors, and mortgage loan originators.
If you’re considering a career in real estate but aren’t sure where to start, you’re not alone. The good news is there’s more than one path available. Whether you want to manage transactions, evaluate properties, or help people finance their dream homes, there’s a role for you.
In this guide, we’ll explore three exciting real estate career options:
We’ll explain what each role involves, how to get licensed in Florida, and how LEAP Academy in Orlando can help you get started.
Why Choose a Career in Real Estate?
Real estate careers offer major benefits:
- Flexibility: Set your own hours and work independently.
- Earning Potential: Many real estate careers are commission-based, meaning no income ceiling.
- Job Stability: Real estate is a constant need, even as the economy fluctuates.
- Helping Others: Whether you’re helping someone buy a home or ensuring its quality, your work makes a difference.
In Florida—especially Orlando—there’s steady demand for real estate professionals across multiple specialties.
Now, let’s dive into the specific career options.
Becoming a Home Inspector in Orlando
What Does a Home Inspector Do?
Home inspectors assess the condition of homes and properties, checking everything from the roof to the foundation. Their work helps buyers make informed decisions, identifies safety issues, and often protects sellers from future liability.
As an inspector, you’ll:
- Evaluate structures, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, and more
- Identify needed repairs or risks
- Deliver detailed written reports to clients
In Orlando’s booming housing market, home inspectors are essential partners in the buying and selling process.
How to Get Your Home Inspection License in Florida
Florida has clear requirements for becoming a licensed home inspector:
- Complete 120 Hours of Approved Education:
- LEAP Academy offers a DBPR-approved course that covers all major systems and prepares you for fieldwork.
- Pass the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE):
- This comprehensive exam tests your technical knowledge and inspection practices.
- Obtain Liability Insurance:
- You must have $300,000 in general liability coverage to qualify for licensure.
- Submit Your Application:
- Apply through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), submit fingerprints, and pay the licensing fee.
- Complete Continuing Education:
- Florida requires 14 hours of CE every two years.
LEAP Academy supports you at every step. We help with education, exam preparation, and continuing education after you get your license.
Becoming a Real Estate Broker in Orlando
What Does a Real Estate Broker Do?
A real estate broker is more than just a real estate agent. Brokers can:
- Work independently without supervision
- Open and manage their own real estate firms
- Supervise sales associates
- Handle complex transactions and larger commercial deals
Brokers earn higher commissions and often build their own teams, gaining both leadership opportunities and financial rewards.
How to Get Your Real Estate Broker License in Florida
Florida’s broker licensing path includes:
- Hold a Sales Associate License for 24 Months:
- You must have worked as a licensed real estate sales associate for at least 2 of the past 5 years.
- Complete a 72-Hour Broker Pre-License Course:
- LEAP Academy’s state-approved broker course covers law, investments, ethics, and business practices.
- Pass the Florida Real Estate Broker Exam:
- A 100-question multiple-choice exam with a passing score of 75%.
- Apply Through DBPR:
- Submit fingerprints, pay your fee, and complete background screening.
- Stay Current:
- Complete continuing education requirements to maintain your license.
LEAP Academy offers not just classes, but also career coaching to help brokers launch their businesses successfully.
Becoming a Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) in Orlando
What Does a Mortgage Loan Originator Do?
Mortgage Loan Originators help clients secure financing for real estate purchases.
An MLO’s responsibilities include:
- Advising clients on loan options
- Collecting financial documents
- Submitting loan applications
- Ensuring compliance with lending laws
MLOs are critical to helping people achieve the dream of homeownership.
How to Get Your MLO License in Florida
Florida’s MLO licensing process includes:
- Complete 20 Hours of NMLS-Approved Pre-Licensing Education:
- LEAP Academy’s MLO course covers federal law, ethics, lending standards, and electives.
- Pass the SAFE MLO Test:
- A national exam that covers federal mortgage regulations and lending practices.
- Apply Through NMLS:
- Complete your application, background check, and credit check.
- Obtain Sponsorship or Bond:
- Work for a licensed mortgage company or secure a surety bond.
- Renew Annually:
- Complete continuing education each year to maintain your license.
MLOs in Orlando can work with banks, mortgage companies, or real estate agencies. They can earn well because of high transaction volume.
Why Choose LEAP Academy?
When you’re choosing where to start your real estate career, your education provider matters. LEAP Academy stands out because:
- Local Expertise:
- Orlando is our home. We understand Florida laws, markets, and client needs.
- Flexible Learning:
- Study online or in-person, full-time or part-time.
- Experienced Instructors:
- Learn from real estate pros who’ve been in the field, not just in the classroom.
- Affordable Pricing:
- Get high-quality education without the high price tag.
- Career Support:
- We don’t just teach you—we help you launch your career with job resources and ongoing support.
No matter which path you choose—home inspector, broker, or MLO—LEAP Academy is here to make sure you’re fully prepared.
Which Career Path Is Right for You?
Choosing between becoming a home inspector, real estate broker, or mortgage loan originator depends on your interests and goals:
| Career | Best For | Average Income Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector | Detail-oriented, independent workers | $50,000–$80,000+ annually |
| Real Estate Broker | Entrepreneurial leaders, sales-focused | $75,000–$150,000+ annually |
| Mortgage Loan Originator | Finance-savvy, client-focused professionals | $65,000–$120,000+ annually |
Orlando’s vibrant real estate scene offers opportunities in all three paths. Many professionals even combine licenses—for example, brokers who also do inspections or mortgage origination.
Final Thoughts: Launch Your Real Estate Career Today
The real estate industry offers exciting, flexible, and profitable career options.
Whether you want to inspect homes, manage agents, or help families finance their dream homes, getting licensed is the first step.
LEAP Academy in Orlando is ready to help you turn ambition into action.
With our expert-led courses, exam preparation, and career resources, you’ll have everything you need to succeed.
Choose your path—Inspector, Broker, or Loan Originator—and start building your future with LEAP Academy today!
