how to get your real estate license

How to Get a Real Estate License

1. Understand state licensing and education requirements.
2. Take a pre-licensing course.
3. Pass your state licensing exam.
4. File a real estate license application.
5. Find a real estate brokerage.
6. Join the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
7. Renew your license regularly.

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What do you do after you get your real estate license?

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1. Find a sponsoring broker who is a good fit. In real estate, brokers are almost always agents with years of experience and a broker’s license. ...
2. Engage in professional organizations. There are countless professional organizations within real estate that can help real estate professionals connect, network and increase their knowledge of the field.
3. Build your professional profile. There’s never a better time than the present to start building your professional profile. ...
4. Set a timeline for yourself. In real estate, if you’re not selling property, you’re not making money. ...
5. Budget for future plans. As you see the trajectory of your career goals unfold, it’s a good idea to start budgeting accordingly.
6. Seek advice from other real estate professionals. Every real estate professional has their own journey through the industry, but it can help to get advice from people with ...

How long does it take to get your real estate license?

Along with the coursework, the application process can be rather instant in some states and can take a few weeks in others. The average time it will take, regardless of your state, to get your real estate license will be between 3 and 6 months. Frequently Asked Questions About Getting a Real Estate License

How much does it cost to get your real estate license?

Real Estate License: $150 Estimated Total Cost: $350-$400 Additional costs to consider are real estate broker fees, membership fees for REALTORS®, business expenses, and marketing costs, however, these vary are almost entirely independent of the state you wish to obtain your license in.

What to know before becoming a real estate agent?

What You Should Know Before Becoming A Realtor

• Before Becoming A Realtor, Know About The Code. ...
• Aspects To Keep In Mind Before Becoming A Realtor. ...
• Information To Consider Before Becoming A Realtor. ...
• Before Becoming A Realtor, Be Aware Of This Salary Data. ...
• Look At This Example Before Becoming A Realtor. ...

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How much does it cost to get a real estate license in California?

California state fees to become a real estate salesperson include a $60 exam fee and $245 licensing fee. Other costs include Pre-Licensing course tuition, which can range anywhere from $125 up to $700 depending on the package and the provider.

Is the Texas real estate exam hard?

The exam can be challenging, but it isn't something students should be intimated by! We created a Texas real estate exam prep course to help students pass their first time! The average pass rate for all real estate education providers is 86.14% for the National portion and 62.8% for the Texas portion.

How long is real estate school in Illinois?

Most students complete the licensing requirements in 3-4 months. Before you receive your license, you must complete a few necessary steps; these include your education application, passing the exam, a background investigation, and more.

How hard is the real estate exam in Illinois?

The test has 140 multiple-choice questions, 100 of which are national real estate questions, and the remaining 40 being state related. You'll have 2 ½ hours to complete the national portion of the test, and a score of 70% is required to pass.

How much math is on the Texas real estate exam?

There are 8 math-related questions on the national portion of the Texas licensing exam. You should memorize the following facts and write them down on the scrap paper you receive at the start of the exam: 1 acre equals 43,560 square feet, and 1 mile equals 5,280 feet.

How much does it cost to maintain a real estate license in Texas?

Other costs to becoming a real estate agent in Texas For example, every two years, you'll need to renew your license. That process includes taking continuing education (this usually costs about $55) and paying the TREC's $110 renewal fee.

How much does a realtor make in IL?

The average salary for a realtor is $99,595 per year in Illinois. 124 salaries reported, updated at July 1, 2022.

Do Realtors make a lot of money?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average real estate agent earns $45,990 each year, but the range in income is massive. One-tenth of real estate agents earned less than $23,000, and 10% earned more than $110,000.

Can you take the Illinois real estate exam online?

PSI has a dedicated call center team to serve Illinois real estate candidates - call (855) 340-3893. Real Estate Institute continues to offer online proctored exams so that our students may complete courses and be prepared to pass the state exam.

How long is Realtor school?

2-5 monthsOn average, it takes anywhere from 2-5 months to complete real estate school and earn a real estate license. However, this can vary depending on your state's licensing requirements and application process and whether you choose an online real estate school or traditional classroom courses.

How many times can I take the real estate exam in Illinois?

If you do not pass the licensing exam after completing your courses, you may retake the exam up to three times (on different days). If you do not pass the exam on the fourth attempt, you must retake the pre-license coursework before registering again for the exam.

How many math questions are on the Illinois real estate exam?

13 questionsThe National portion of the State exam includes 13 questions on 'real estate calculations'.

Requirements to Apply for a Real Estate Salesperson License

How to get your real estate license in Ontario

How long does it take to get a real estate license in Florida?

It takes an average of 10 weeks to get a real estate agent license in Florida. The exact amount of time it requires to obtain your license mainly depends on how fast it takes you to go through these four steps: 1. Time to complete your pre-license course: 45 days in average. 2.

How much does it cost to become a real estate agent in Florida?

However, on average, candidates should expect to pay about $356 to obtain their Florida real estate license.

How much does it cost to retake the Florida real estate sales associate exam?

Candidates who fail an examination must wait 24 hours to schedule are examination. The fee to retake the exam is $36.75.

What is the ORI number for Florida real estate license?

Make an appointment online or contact Pearson Vue at 877-238-8232 for more information. ​. The Originating Agency Identification (ORI) number to provide for real estate licenses is FL920010Z.

How long does it take to get a state exam?

4. Time to schedule and take your state exam: 8 days in average.

How long does it take to get a Florida residency?

education certificate. Submit your application online or using a printable form to the Florida DBPR. It takes about 10 days to get your application approval. Once approved, you will receive an email notification and a candidate ID number. Florida residency is not required.

How old do you have to be to get a real estate license?

Be sure to check your state’s licensing requirements below, as details vary by state. In general, most states require the following: Successfully complete a pre-license course. Be at least 18 or 19 years old (state regulations ...

How often do you need to renew your realtor license?

The license must be renewed every 1-2 years and you must show proof of continuing education courses when renewing. Realtor: A realtor is basically a real estate agent who is an active member of the National Association of Realtors.

What is the difference between an active and inactive real estate license?

Licensed individuals working under a sponsored broker have an active license, which means they can engage in real estate brokerage activities, while an inactive real estate license means the opposite. The person doesn’t have a sponsoring broker, and because of that, is not eligible to engage in any type of real estate brokerage activities.

How to contact a sponsoring broker?

The simplest and fastest way is to research brokerages in your city and contact them via email or phone. Schedule a meeting with a broker, offer them your services and discuss their requirements as a sponsoring broker and if they would be willing to take you under their wing. Read more about how to pick a sponsoring broker that is right for you.

How old do you have to be to be a realtor?

Be at least 18 or 19 years old (state regulations vary) with residency in the US. Graduated from high school or obtained a GED. Passed a criminal background check. Successfully passed both the State and National portions of the Salesperson Real Estate Exam.

How much does a pre-licensing course cost?

The pre-licensing course will cost anywhere between $150 and $1,500 depending on the provider you select and the number of course hours your state requires.

Can a principal join a real estate firm?

If you are part of a real estate firm, your principal must be a member. If your principal is not a member, neither you, nor any other employees, can join. If you meet these requirements, go to the NAR membership page and follow the steps to apply.

How old do you have to be to sell real estate?

Selling real estate requires a passion for people and properties, and it also requires a license. First, you need to be at least 18 years old, a high school graduate or equivalent and have a U.S. Social Security number. If you meet those basic requirements, you’re ready for the next five steps.

How long do you have to take fingerprints before you can get a license?

You’ll need to have your fingerprints taken at least 5 days before you send your license application. See where and how to get electronic fingerprints (PDF).

How long does it take to become a sales associate?

Take the state-approved sales associate 63-hour pre-license course and pass the exam.

Is a real estate license active?

Your real estate license is not technically active until you are affiliated with a licensed broker. A sponsoring broker will activate your license using the DBPR RE 11–Sales Associate form (PDF).

What does it mean to get a real estate license?

Getting your real estate license means that you are ready to work as a real estate professional: showing homes, meeting new clients, and acting on behalf of home buyer or seller clients. As a licensed real estate agent, you can take the next exciting steps to build a successful career in real estate. While getting your real estate agent license ...

How long does it take to become a real estate agent?

Becoming a real estate agent is not an overnight process. Depending on the state, getting your license and becoming an agent takes an average of two to six months. For most people, the longest step is completing the pre-licensing education requirements.

Why hang your real estate license up at work?

Once you get your real estate license, it’s time to celebrate! Hang your license up at work to show your new colleagues and clients that you completed the process and are ready to put your knowledge to work.

How much does it cost to get fingerprinted for real estate?

Fees for fingerprinting and a background check range from $35 to over $100. There is often a time limit on completing this step.

How much does a real estate agent make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, real estate sales agents make an average of $48,930 annually . This can vary widely depending on your location, amount of experience and client base, and time of year.

How many hours of real estate classes are required?

The required hours range from 63 to 180 documented hours from an approved program.

What is the best organization for real estate?

One of the top professional organizations for real estate professionals is the National Association of Realtors®. Joining this national association comes with a lot of perks and designates you as a Realtor®.

How much does it cost to become a real estate agent?

Cost: $200 to $300. States require people to take pre-licensing training from a certified institution before they can sit for the real estate licensing exam. The required number of training hours can vary significantly by jurisdiction: In Virginia, for example, real estate agents must take 60 hours of pre-licensing training, ...

What is a broker license?

Brokers are licensed by the state to oversee real estate transactions and ensure that real estate salespeople (that’s you!) are adhering to the required legal and ethical standards.Think of it as a similar safeguard to how stockbrokers must work at a licensed firm to trade stocks, rather than just winging it on their own.

What is the NAR membership?

Membership in the NAR offers a number of benefits, including access to real estate market data, discounts on education courses, and transaction management services. And being able to use Realtor on your business card and your marketing materials also adds credibility.

How many questions are asked in the real estate exam?

Both typically consist of 60 to 100 multiple-choice questions, including math questions that require you to use a calculator (e.g., prorating taxes for a specific property).

How often do you have to take the Florida license exam?

In some states like Florida, 50% fail the first time . The bright side is you can usually take the exam as often as you want over a two-year period. But once two years elapse, applicants are required to retake the pre-licensing course.

How much do real estate agents make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, real estate agents make an average of $45,610 per year —and the top 10% tier of agents earned a whopping $166,940 in 2015.

Why is membership in MLS important?

Membership in your local MLS is essential, since you must use the system to list properties, which are then dispersed to websites like realtor.com®. The service also enables you to easily pull a property’s tax information, analyze market trends, and see listings before they go on the market.

Basic requirements for a real estate license in California

There are a few basic requirements that you must meet before you’ll be eligible to become an agent in the state of California. First of all, you must be an adult at least 18 years of age or older. You are not required to live within the state of California to apply and receive a license. Make sure you apply with the correct forms either way.

How to get a real estate license in California?

The first step that you must take is to go through approved classes in California. There are three sections of licensure classes in the state of California: real estate principles, practice, and a third that you may choose for yourself in financing. Whatever works best for you and your schedule, you may choose to attend class online or in person.

How much does a real estate license in California cost?

It depends on where you take your courses. A background check is about $40, licenses cost around $250, and exams will take about $60 out of your pocket. Be prepared to spend anywhere from about $400 to $1,000 total, and check around for the best pricing and qualifications.

How long does it take to get a real estate license in California?

This also partially depends on where you choose to take your classes. If you are taking classes in person, you’ll be required to move along at the instructor’s pace, whereas if you do them online, you can move at whatever pace is best for your schedule.

How to renew a real estate license in California?

Your license will be current for four years after you receive it. When you need to renew your license, be sure to take all educational classes required, pay the renewal fee, and apply for your new license. Your classes will take about 45 hours and can be taken again online or in person.

Is it worth getting a California real estate license?

Yes, it is. With the high cost of homes in the state, the return on your initial investment can be massive. Even if you are not selling the highest-priced homes on the market, many people are moving in and out of state all the time, and they need you to sell their properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are a few major categories on the exam, including things relating to laws, financing, and contracts. There are different study guides available online after you take your courses, so it’s not too difficult to be prepared. The exam results will be given to you immediately upon finishing the online test.

Where can I register for the real estate exam in South Carolina?

You can register to take your exam on the PSI South Carolina Real Estate page. On this page, you will find some other helpful resources as well, including the Candidate Handbook and Content Outline.

How long does it take to get a license?

The average amount of time that people take from start to finish is generally 3-6 months.

How long does it take to pass the real estate exam in South Carolina?

This includes 80 for the National section and 40 for the State section. You will have 200 minutes (3 hours and 20 minutes) to complete the entire exam. The National section time is 120 minutes (2 hours) and the State section time is 80 minutes (1 hour and 20 minutes). A passing score for the South Carolina Real Estate Salesperson Exam is 56/80 on ...

How much does it cost to get a LLR license in South Carolina?

The fee for this application is $50 . You can complete and fill out your application online using South Carolina’s LLR Online Applications system.

How many hours of real estate training is required in South Carolina?

South Carolina requires that real estate sales agents complete 60 hours of Unit I Salesperson pre-license coursework prior to sitting for their exam. The 30-hour Unit II Advanced Real Estate Principles course can be taken after passing the licensing exam but must be taken prior to applying for licensure.

How old do you have to be to become a real estate agent in South Carolina?

The requirements to become a real estate agent in South Carolina are: Be a citizen of the United States or a lawfully admitted alien. Be 18 years of age or older. Must have a high school diploma or equivalent education.

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What is the number to contact Ohio real estate license?

For more information, contact the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing at 614-466-4100. (ODRE – Updated 06/2017) Q: I am a real estate salesperson in a state that has a reciprocal agreement with Ohio.

How many hours do you need to be a real estate agent in Ohio?

Education Requirements. Ohio Real Estate Law (40 hours)

How many hours of continuing education do you need to renew your broker license in Ohio?

Educational Requirements to renew a Broker License: The state of Ohio requires 30 hours of continuing education to be completed every three years by the licensee’s birthday. The first continuing education due date for a new licensee is three years after the licensee’s first birthday following licensure.

What is the minimum score required to become a real estate agent in Ohio?

The applicant must pass the State and National portions of the Ohio Real Estate Salesperson Exam in order for a license to be issued. Passing score: 70

How old do you have to be to be a real estate broker in Ohio?

Be at least 18 years old. Be sponsored by an Ohio Broker. Not have been convicted of a felony or a crime of moral turpitude. Not have violated any civil rights laws regarding real estate within the past two years as determined by a court of law or violated any rules of the Ohio Division of Real Estate.

Where to take pre-licensing courses in Ohio?

In Ohio pre-licensing courses must be taken at an Institution of Higher Education . There are numerous schools, universities and community colleges that offer pre-license education around the state. Fingerprint/Background Check Requirements. Division provides instructions on new background check requirements.