Getting your real estate license is a big first step to starting a successful career in the real estate industry. But it can be confusing when you don’t have the right information. That’s why we’ve put together this article to guide you through the steps to get your license.
The requirements to become a licensed real estate agent vary by state. However, the basic requirements are the same across the country. You’ll need to complete a number of pre-licensing courses, take and pass a state-specific exam, and submit an application with any required fees to your state’s real estate regulatory agency.
Pre-licensing courses are typically offered online or in person, and you should only attend a course that is approved by your state’s real estate commission. Your course provider should be able to provide you with this information upon enrolling in the course. Some courses are completed in weekly classroom sessions where you complete the 77-hour qualifying education course during class time each week, while others allow you to work on coursework at your own pace online. Also read https://www.acompanythatbuyshouses.com/sell-my-house-fast-baytown-tx/
Once you’ve successfully completed your pre-licensing course, it’s time to take the state real estate exam. Each state’s real estate exam will have its own requirements, but you can expect to answer a series of multiple-choice questions on national and state-specific real estate laws and practices. Most states also require that you pass the exam with a score of at least 60-75%. If you don’t pass the exam on your first attempt, you’ll need to wait until the next scheduled exam date and pay a fee to retake it.
When you’ve passed the real estate exam, it’s time to apply for your license. You’ll need to submit an application with your sponsoring broker, proof of identity and address, and a fee to the state.
Before you begin working, be sure your license is valid by checking the expiration date on your license. If it is nearing the expiration date, you should start your renewal process early to ensure that you don’t have any issues obtaining your new license on time.
Depending on your state’s licensing requirements, you may need to renew your license every two years or every few years. Renewal periods are generally based on the date your license was issued, and you should receive email and/or postal card reminders to renew your license well before it expires. Most states require that you complete between 8 and 90 course hours every few years to renew your license. These additional course hours help you stay up-to-date on local and national real estate market trends.