How much do Realtors make in Omaha?

Understanding Realtor Income in Omaha

Real estate agents in Omaha, NE, typically work 100% on commission, meaning they only get paid when they close a deal. Unlike salaried jobs, realtors earn money when they help clients buy or sell homes, but they must also cover business expenses, brokerage fees, and taxes out of their commissions.

How Commission Works

Commission rates vary widely depending on the level of service an agent provides. All commissions are negotiable, but some brokerages set minimums.

• Buyers negotiate commissions with their agent.
• Sellers negotiate the selling agent’s commission.
• In many cases, sellers offer to cover part or all of the buyer’s agent commission to make the transaction smoother.
• Since stating a fixed commission rate could be considered price-fixing, it’s best to interview multiple agents to understand the going rate.

Once an agent receives their commission, they will likely split it with their brokerage (which varies based on experience) and potentially pay transaction fees, royalty fees, or referral fees to other agents.

How Much Do Realtors in Omaha Make?

There’s a huge income range among realtors in Omaha, primarily depending on experience, transaction volume, and business strategy.

• New agents often have higher brokerage splits (sometimes 50%) and typically make less while building their client base.
• Experienced agents can negotiate lower splits or even pay a flat fee to their brokerage, keeping most of their commission.
• Team agents split commissions with their team leader in exchange for leads, training, and resources.
• The average agent in 2024 sold only two homes, making roughly $10,000 in commissions before expenses.

However, full-time, committed agents who consistently prospect and market themselves can earn significantly more.

What Affects a Realtor’s Earnings?

Several factors impact how much an agent can make in Omaha:
✅ Work Ethic & Prospecting: Agents who actively seek new business—through networking, referrals, and marketing—close more deals.
✅ Lead Generation Strategy: Buying leads (e.g., Zillow) can be costly, while referral-based business has lower acquisition costs.
✅ Market Specialization: Agents focusing on luxury homes, relocations, or investment properties may see higher earnings.
✅ Expenses & Overhead: Marketing, lead generation, brokerage fees, and other costs reduce take-home income.

Taxes & Business Expenses

Since agents are self-employed, they are responsible for:
📌 Quarterly tax payments to avoid IRS penalties.
📌 Business expenses like software, marketing, and transaction fees.
📌 Working with an accountant to optimize deductions and structure their business properly (many form LLCs or S-Corps).

Other Income Opportunities for Omaha Realtors

Many realtors diversify their income by:
🏡 Flipping homes—using their market knowledge to buy underpriced properties.
🏠 Investing in rental properties for long-term wealth.
👥 Referral fees—earning a percentage for referring clients to out-of-state agents.
📚 Coaching or mentoring new agents.

What to Expect in Year One

New agents should have enough savings to go several months without income while building their business.
🔹 Transaction timelines vary, with deals taking anywhere from 30 days to years from first contact to closing.
🔹 Many new agents join real estate teams to get structured training, lead flow, and a proven system for success.

How to Maximize Your Earnings as a Realtor in Omaha

1️⃣ Focus on high-ROI activities—spend time on prospecting, not just social media.
2️⃣ Lead with revenue—invest in marketing only when there’s a clear return.
3️⃣ Be relentless in networking—word-of-mouth referrals have the highest conversion.
4️⃣ Hold every penny accountable—track expenses to avoid unnecessary spending.

Final Thoughts

A real estate career in Omaha can be highly lucrative, but success depends on consistency, lead generation, and financial discipline. New agents should plan for ramp-up time, keep costs low, and focus on sustainable growth strategies to build a long-term business.

🚀 Want to become a top-earning Omaha real estate agent? Let's connect! Whether you're buying, selling, or starting a career in real estate, I’m here to help.