Q&A with Doug Smith, CEO & Broker of Douglas Realty
As more people explore career paths that offer flexibility, financial potential, and personal fulfillment, real estate continues to stand out as an appealing option – especially in today’s evolving market. This week, Real Pasadena sat down with Doug Smith, CEO and Broker of Douglas Realty in Pasadena, to talk about why now is a great time to get licensed and what it really takes to succeed in the industry.
Douglas Realty will also be hosting its upcoming Principles & Practices Pre-Licensing class beginning April 13 at their Pasadena office, offering a local opportunity for aspiring agents to take that first step into the business.
RP: What is it about today’s market that makes real estate an especially appealing career shift?
DS: I think a lot of people right now are looking for something that gives them more freedom, more purpose, and more control over their income. Real estate can offer all of that. It gives you the opportunity to build something for yourself while also helping people through some of the biggest decisions of their lives. No matter what the market is doing, people still need trusted guidance when it comes to buying, selling, renting, and investing. That creates real opportunity for people who are willing to show up, learn the business, and serve others well.
RP: What opportunities exist in today’s market that didn’t exist 5–10 years ago?
DS: There are so many more tools available now than there used to be. Years ago, agents were much more limited in how they could market themselves and build their business. Today, you can connect with people through social media, video, digital marketing, CRMs, virtual tours, and even AI tools that help you stay more efficient and consistent. There are also more ways to carve out a niche – first-time buyers, investors, seniors, referrals, relocation, and more. A motivated person today can build a brand and create momentum a lot faster than they could in the past.
RP: How has the perception of real estate careers changed over the past few years?
DS: I think people are starting to realize that real estate is about a lot more than just selling homes. It’s really about building relationships, solving problems, negotiating, advising, and creating a business of your own. It’s entrepreneurial. It’s personal. And it takes a real skill set to do it well. The profession has evolved, and I think more people now understand the value a good agent brings to the table.
RP: What types of people tend to thrive in real estate?
DS: The people who do well in this business are usually the ones who are self-motivated, consistent, and good with people. You don’t need to come in knowing everything, and you don’t need a perfect background in sales. But you do need to be coachable, willing to work, and committed to learning. If you care about people, communicate well, and can stay disciplined even when things get challenging, real estate can be a really rewarding path.
RP: Can real estate realistically become a full-time income stream for someone starting from scratch?
DS: Yes, it absolutely can. I’ve seen people come into this business with no background in real estate and build strong, successful careers. But I always like to be honest about it – it takes commitment. This is not something where you just get licensed and wait for things to happen. You have to treat it like a real business. You have to stay consistent, follow up, keep learning, and put yourself out there. When someone does that, real estate can absolutely become a full-time income stream and a long-term career.
RP: What are the biggest misconceptions people have about becoming a real estate agent?
DS: A big one is thinking that once you get your license, the hard part is over. In reality, getting licensed is just the beginning. The real work starts when you begin building your business, finding clients, learning how to navigate transactions, and developing confidence in the field. Another misconception is that success happens quickly. For most people, it takes consistency and time. The agents who succeed are the ones who keep showing up, keep learning, and stay focused on serving people well.
RP: What advice would you give someone in this community who’s been considering real estate but hasn’t taken the first step?
DS: I’d say don’t overthink it. If it’s something you’ve been considering for a while, there’s probably a reason it keeps coming back to you. You do not have to have everything figured out before you begin. Just take the first step. Ask questions. Talk to people in the industry. Look into the class. Every agent started somewhere, and most people begin before they feel completely ready. Sometimes the biggest thing is just giving yourself permission to start.
RP: What is the “Principles & Practices Pre-Licensing” class, and who is it designed for?
DS: This class is really the starting point for anyone who wants to become a licensed real estate agent. It’s designed for people who are new to the business and want to understand both the rules and the real-world foundation of real estate. It helps prepare you for the licensing process, but it also gives you a clearer picture of what this career actually looks like and what it takes to succeed in it.
RP: What can someone expect to walk away with after completing the course?
DS: They should walk away with a solid understanding of the fundamentals—things like agency, contracts, ethics, laws, and how the business works. But beyond that, they should also walk away with more confidence and clarity. A good course should not just prepare someone to pass a test. It should help them understand what it means to step into this profession and start thinking like a real estate professional.
RP: What support does Douglas Realty offer students after they complete the course?
DS: At Douglas Realty, we believe getting your license is just the starting point. What really matters is what happens next.
New agents need more than education. They need real support, real guidance, and a clear path to actually build a business. That’s exactly why we created Summits to Success, our mentorship program built to help agents make that jump from the classroom into real production.
This isn’t theory – it’s hands-on. Agents are working through real scenarios, real transactions, and getting direct access to experienced professionals who are guiding them every step of the way. The industry talks a lot about how many agents fail in their first couple of years. We built this program to flip that and put our agents in a position to win from day one.
On top of that, we’ve built a full support system around them – broker access, transaction support, marketing resources, and a culture where no one feels like they’re on an island. Questions are encouraged. Growth is expected.
Bottom line, our goal is simple. We want every agent coming out of our program to feel confident, supported, and fully equipped to build a real, sustainable business.
To learn more about Douglas Realty’s real estate education programs or to register for the upcoming class starting April 13, visit https://www.godouglasrealty.com/drea
