How to Become an Apartment Locator
- Camisha Williams
- Oct 20
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 23
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Profitable, Flexible Career Helping People Find Their Dream Apartments
If you’ve ever helped a friend find a gorgeous apartment and thought, “I could totally do this for a living,” you’re right.
Becoming an apartment locator is one of Atlanta’s most underrated ways to earn steady, commission-based income while staying independent and creative. You get to help people find their dream space, build relationships with top properties, and create a brand that’s all your own.
Here’s how to start your journey as an apartment locator in Atlanta, Georgia the right, legal, and profitable way.
What Exactly Is an Apartment Locator?
An apartment locator is a professional who helps renters find the right apartment, condo, or rental homebased on their lifestyle, budget, and preferences.
In Atlanta, this can mean everything from matching busy professionals with Midtown luxury high-rises to finding cozy spaces in Decatur or Buckhead. You’ll typically earn a commission or referral fee from the property owner or management company once your client signs a lease.
The Legal Side: What Georgia Requires
In Georgia, apartment locators fall under the Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC). That means to be paid legally for helping others find apartments, you must either:
Have a Georgia Real Estate License, or
Work under a licensed apartment locating firm or brokerage.
Apartment communities are not allowed to pay referral fees to unlicensed individuals.
So, if you want full independence, getting your real estate license is the best route.
How to Get a Georgia Real Estate License
Here’s what the process looks like step by step:
Meet the basics:
Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or GED.
Complete a 75-hour pre-license courseTake it through a GREC-approved real estate school.
Pass the Georgia Real Estate ExamStudy, prepare, and take the state exam when you’re ready.
Get your background checkYou’ll need a GCIC (Georgia Crime Information Center) report dated within 60 days.
Apply for your licenseOnce you pass, you’ll apply for your salesperson license and link with a sponsoring broker (if required).
Maintain your licenseContinue your education (36 hours every four years) to keep your license active.
How to Start Your Apartment Locating Business in Atlanta
Step 1: Decide Your Business Model
Want to start your own locator brand? Get licensed and operate independently or under your own LLC.
Want to work for an existing firm? You can start faster under their license while learning the business.
Step 2: Set Up Your Business Infrastructure
Register your LLC and get your EIN.
Build a professional website and email.
Create a clean, modern brand presence that feels trustworthy and luxe.
Step 3: Build Your Apartment Database
Connect with Atlanta property managers and leasing offices.
Collect information on available units, amenities, neighborhoods, and move-in specials.
Start tracking your listings—organization is everything.
Step 4: Market Your Services
Create a social media presence (Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok).
Offer free apartment-hunting tips, “hidden gem” spotlights, and local lifestyle content.
Make your clients’ experience feel personal and effortless.
Step 5: Know How You’ll Get Paid
You’re typically paid a commission once your client moves in—usually a percentage of the first month’s rent or a set referral fee from the property.
Be sure you’re clear and compliant about how payments are processed through your broker or firm.
Step-by-Step Checklist to Get Started
✅ Take a 75-hour Georgia pre-licensing course✅ Pass your state real estate exam✅ Get your Georgia salesperson license✅ Choose your business structure (LLC or firm partnership)✅ Build your brand: name, logo, and online presence✅ Connect with apartment communities and management groups✅ Start gathering leads and showcasing properties online✅ Track commissions, referrals, and lease signings✅ Continue education and stay compliant with GREC rules.
Estimated Startup Costs
ExpenseEstimated CostPre-licensing course$250–$400State exam fee$121Background check$50–$60License application$170LLC registration (optional)$100–$150Branding & website setup$300–$500Marketing & CRM tools$50–$150/month
Total estimated startup: $800–$1,200 to get fully up and running.
Why Apartment Locating Is Perfect for Women Starting Over
This career is flexible, people-focused, and highly scalable. Whether you’re a mom looking for remote options, a woman reinventing her career, or someone who simply loves real estate and design—apartment locating offers freedom, creativity, and real income potential.
You can work from home, build relationships with luxury communities, and help others find spaces that fit their glow-up era.
Atlanta’s rental market is booming, and apartment locators play a major role in connecting renters with the city’s best spaces. With a bit of dedication and the right licensing, you can build a business that feels both glamorous and grounded just like the women we celebrate here at The Glamour Diary.
Want to learn more about launching a real estate or service-based business from home? Join our upcoming Glam Business Academy, where we teach women how to build income streams with confidence and class.
Follow The Glamour Diary on Instagram for daily inspo, soft business advice, and glow-up energy.
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