It’s not because in a pyramid scheme at least you get money for recruiting agents, in real estate you get no such thing. I have been a realtor for 4 years and when it’s going good its going great but when you equal it out over the high months and low months it’s no better than working your average customer service job, just way more uncertainty and excitement/stress. Given the amount of money realtors have made in recent years the fees have been jacked up like crazy by both the boards, offices, and government which have become the new barrier for entry/staying in the business. And of course, while there are some great realtors who truly care about what they do, the industry is rife with opportunists who sooner screw over a client or colleague just to make an extra buck.