So you’re ready for a career change, and Florida’s booming housing market has caught your eye. Good call. But now you’re facing a big decision: real estate agent or mortgage loan originator?
Both careers are in high demand. Both offer flexibility, income potential, and room to grow. But they’re not the same—and choosing the right path depends on your personality, preferences, and long-term goals.
At LEAP Academy in Orlando, we help students navigate both tracks. If you’re torn between the two, here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide which fits you best.
Real Estate vs Mortgage Careers in Florida: What’s the Core Difference?
Let’s start with the basics.
- Real estate agents help people buy and sell property. They handle showings, negotiate deals, market listings, and guide clients through the homebuying or selling process.
- Mortgage loan originators (MLOs) help people finance those purchases. They evaluate credit, explain loan options, collect documents, and help secure home loans.
Think of it this way: agents help with the house, MLOs help with the money.
What’s the Day-to-Day Like?
If you thrive on variety, real estate might be your speed.
- Every day is different—showings, open houses, phone calls, paperwork, marketing, negotiations.
- Your schedule is flexible, but clients often want evenings and weekends.
- You’re constantly networking and building relationships.
On the mortgage side, you’ll find more structure:
- Most MLOs work in offices or remotely, with phone-based communication.
- You’ll spend time reviewing documents, running numbers, and walking clients through financing options.
- There’s less “fieldwork” and more screen time.
How Do You Get Licensed?
Both careers are regulated in Florida, but the licensing paths are a little different.
To become a real estate agent:
- Complete a 63-hour pre-license course
- Pass a course exam
- Apply with the Florida DBPR
- Pass the state licensing exam
To become an MLO:
- Complete a 20-hour national pre-license course (plus 2 hours of Florida-specific content)
- Get fingerprinted and background checked
- Pass the SAFE MLO test
- Apply through the NMLS system
LEAP Academy offers licensing courses for both online and in-person tracks. They provide exam prep and support to help you succeed.
Income Potential: What Can You Expect?
Here’s the truth: both careers are commission-based, which means your income is tied to your performance. But they work a little differently.
Real estate agents typically earn 2.5%–3% of a home’s price per transaction. One sale can bring in thousands—but it may take time to build a steady pipeline.
MLOs are usually paid a flat fee per loan or a percentage of the loan amount. While individual payouts may be smaller than home sales, volume can be higher.
Real estate tends to have higher peaks and valleys. Mortgage work often feels steadier—especially if you work for a lender or bank.
Which Career Fits Your Personality?
Ask yourself a few honest questions:
- Do you enjoy being out and about, meeting people, and solving problems face-to-face? You’ll probably love real estate.
- Do you prefer working behind the scenes, diving into numbers, and helping people navigate financial decisions? MLO might be a better fit.
- Want to build your own brand, create content, and become a local expert? Real estate is all about marketing yourself.
- Want a career with consistent demand and clear guidelines? Mortgage work is more regulated, with a stronger structure.
There’s no right or wrong answer—just what’s right for you.
Flexibility and Work-Life Balance
Both careers offer flexibility, but in different ways.
Real estate agents set their own schedules—but they also work when their clients are free (often nights and weekends).
MLOs typically have more standard hours. You may work for a lender with a Monday-to-Friday setup, or independently with more control.
If work-life balance is important to you, think about how much time you can spend with clients.
What About Career Growth?
Both careers offer serious growth potential:
- Real estate agents can become brokers, team leaders, trainers, or branch into investing and development.
- MLOs can grow into senior loan officer roles, branch management, underwriting, or even open their own mortgage brokerage.
Many professionals even combine both over time—starting in one and transitioning to the other as their goals evolve.
Still Not Sure? Talk to Us!
Deciding between real estate and mortgage lending is a big choice—but you don’t have to make it alone.
At LEAP Academy in Orlando, we provide licensing, exam preparation, and career help for real estate agents and MLOs. We’ll help you understand the steps, the time commitment, and what each path looks like in real life.
Explore your options today.
Visit LEAP Academy Orlando and take the first step toward the Florida real estate career that fits you best.
