Real Estate was formed in New Jersey by singer/guitarist Martin Courtney, guitarist Matt Mondanile (Ducktails), bassist Alex Bleeker (of Alex Bleeker and the Freaks), and drummer Etienne Pierre Duguay (of Predator Vision) in 2008. In 2011 Jackson Pollis replaced Etienne on drums and Jonah Maurer joined the band on keys and guitar.
The band's 2009 self-titled debut received critical acclaim. Tours followed supporting acts such as Girls, Kurt Vile, Woods, and Deerhunter. The group issued their sophomore record, Days, on October 18, 2011. The album received positive reviews from alternative press channels like Pitchfork.