I’ve covered Chicago real estate long enough to know this: the agents driving the nicest cars in River North aren’t always closing million-dollar condos — sometimes they’re leasing one-bedroom apartments all day long.
In fact, Rental Agents Make More Money than most new realtors during their first few years in Chicago’s real estate market. While rookie agents chase one big sale for months, leasing agents are stacking commissions every week in a city where nearly 55% of residents rent.
And in a place like Chicago — where moving season hits harder than a January lakefront wind — rentals aren’t just busywork. They’re a business model.
The Chicago Real Estate Reality Most New Agents Don’t Expect
Sales Take Time — Rentals Move Fast
New realtors often enter the industry expecting immediate home sales. What they get instead is:
- 60–90 day deal timelines
- Buyers backing out after inspections
- Mortgage issues
- Seasonal slowdowns
- Unresponsive leads
Meanwhile, rental agents are working in a different economy entirely.
In neighborhoods like:
- Lincoln Park
- Logan Square
- West Loop
- Lakeview
- South Loop
Apartments rent within 3–10 days of listing.
That speed translates into something simple: more closed deals per month.
And yes — Rental Agents Make More Money early on because volume beats waiting.
Commission Comparison: Leasing vs Sales in Chicago
Let’s break down some realistic numbers from the Chicago market.
Typical New Realtor (Sales Focus)
- Average starter home price: $300,000
- Commission: 2.5%
- Agent split (70/30 brokerage): ~$5,250
- Deals closed annually (new agent): 3–6
Estimated yearly income:
$15,000 – $31,500
Rental Agent (Leasing Focus)
Chicago landlords typically pay:
- 1 month’s rent
OR - 50% of one month’s rent
Average 1-bedroom rent in Chicago:
- $1,800 – $2,400 in areas like River North or Old Town
Agent commission per lease:
- $900 – $2,000
Average leases per month:
- 6–12
Estimated yearly income:
$64,800 – $192,000
That’s not theoretical — it’s math.
And again, Rental Agents Make More Money because leasing isn’t seasonal in the same way sales are.
Rentals Offer Predictable Monthly Income
Leasing is Chicago’s Most Consistent Market Segment
People may delay buying homes during:
- Interest rate hikes
- Inflation spikes
- Economic downturns
But they rarely delay moving when:
- A job relocates them
- A lease expires
- A roommate leaves
- A landlord raises rent
Chicago sees more than 250,000 renter moves annually.
Rental agents tap into:
- Corporate relocations
- Medical residency placements
- University graduates
- Tech industry hires
- Remote workers moving downtown
This constant movement creates a deal pipeline most sales agents would envy.
Renters Are Repeat Clients
Leasing Creates Long-Term Commission Cycles
One renter today could become:
- A lease renewal next year
- A referral client
- A roommate placement
- A buyer in 2–3 years
Chicago renters often move every:
- 12 to 24 months
Meaning:
One lease can turn into multiple future commissions.
It’s another reason Rental Agents Make More Money over time — their database grows faster.
Tenant Representation Pays (And Renters Don’t Pay It)
Most renters assume agents cost money.
In Chicago:
Landlords usually pay tenant-side commissions.
This means agents can:
- Close deals faster
- Work with higher volume
- Avoid buyer financing issues
- Focus purely on placement
That efficiency allows leasing agents to complete:
- 2–3 deals per week during peak season
Sales agents may wait months for one closing.
Real-World Example: First-Year Agent Income
Let’s compare:
First-Year Sales Agent
- 4 home sales
- Avg. commission after split: $5,000
Income: $20,000
First-Year Leasing Agent
- 8 leases per month
- Avg. commission: $1,200
Income: $115,200
Same license.
Different strategy.
Summary: Leasing Isn’t Entry-Level — It’s Strategic
Rentals are often dismissed as a beginner path.
But in Chicago’s fast-moving housing market:
- Leasing closes faster
- Income is more consistent
- Clients return more often
- Referrals happen naturally
- Risk is lower
Which is why Rental Agents Make More Money than many new realtors trying to survive on occasional home sales.
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