Fredrik Eklund, the high-profile star of Million Dollar Listing, recently made headlines when he told Gen Z aspiring real estate agents that a college degree isn’t essential to making it in the business. Instead, he emphasized that success comes from hustle, real-world exposure, networking, and getting out into the marketplace.
What He Said
According to a report in Yahoo Finance, Eklund said, “‘You’ve gotta be out on the streets’” if you want to succeed in real estate, beyond what any classroom might teach.
He implied that practical experience – meeting people, making connections, seeing what sells, how deals are negotiated – is more valuable than formal credentials in many cases.
Why This Resonates With Gen Z
Several trends help explain why Eklund’s message is striking a chord with younger generations:
Cost of College vs ROI: Tuition continues to rise, and many Gen Zers are weighing whether the debt and time required for a degree provide enough return, especially for careers that reward practical skills or commission-based income.
Alternative Success Models: Entrepreneurship, social media influence, licensing, and non-traditional paths are increasingly visible as viable career tracks. Many young people are less willing to follow the traditional “go to college, get a job, climb the ladder” path.
Real Estate’s Low Barrier to Entry: While licensing and legal requirements vary by location, entering real estate typically demands less formal schooling than professions like law or medicine. This makes it appealing for those seeking quicker paths to earning.
Hustle Culture & Gig Mindset: Gen Z is often praised (and critiqued) for valuing flexibility, side hustles, autonomy, and non-traditional work setups. The idea of being “out on the streets” aligns well with that mindset.
Counterpoints & Risks
While there’s appeal in Eklund’s approach, there are also challenges and risks to consider:
Knowledge Gaps: Without formal education, agents may lack deep understanding of market analysis, contracts, finance, tax implications, and legal regulations—areas that can lead to costly mistakes.
Credibility & Trust: Some clients prefer agents with credentials or academic backgrounds; perceived professionalism can matter in luxury or high-stakes markets.
Volatility & Competition: Real estate is competitive, cyclical, and often dependent on economic conditions. Not everyone who hustles succeeds. Without a backup plan or broader skills, risk of failure is higher.
Variability by Region: Licensing rules, regulations, cost of entry, and market dynamics differ widely by city, state, or country. What works in, say, New York luxury real estate may not work in smaller markets.
Eklund’s Background & Credibility
His own story adds weight to his advice:
Eklund is Swedish, studied for a time at Stockholm School of Economics, but never graduated.
He rose in real estate through selling, networking, and media exposure, eventually becoming a well-recognized name in luxury property transactions, in part through his TV role on Million Dollar Listing.
That experience gives him first-hand understanding of both the benefits and drawbacks of formal training versus hands-on experience.
What This Means for Aspiring Agents and Gen Z
If you’re Gen Z considering whether to pursue real estate without college, here are some practical takeaways based on Eklund’s advice and industry realities:
Build strong real-world networks: partner with brokers, attend open houses, volunteer, shadow experienced agents.
Invest in your sales, negotiation, and people-skills, which are harder to teach in classrooms.
Understand licensing and legal requirements in your area, getting a real estate license, complying with laws, knowing contracts are essential.
Use social media and personal branding to your advantage: visibility can lead to leads, clients, and trust.
Maintain a fallback plan or continuously upgrade skills: even if you skip college, keep learning (online courses, mentorships, workshops) to stay competitive.
The Takeaway
Fredrik Eklund’s view shifts the narrative: success in real estate may rely more on street-smarts, hustle, adaptability, and exposure than formal education. For Gen Z, tired of high education debt and skeptical of traditional paths, that message is powerful and hopeful. But while Eklund’s path validates an alternate route, it doesn’t guarantee success for everyone. Knowing what you’re getting into, preparing well, and working hard remain essential.
