A Step-By-Step Guide to Becoming a Real Estate Agent

Looking into becoming a real estate agent and creating a successful career? If your answer is yes, well, then there are some things that you need to know. Becoming a real estate agent is definitely a career path full of opportunities. That being said, to actually become a real estate agent, you will first have to go over some steps.

The real estate industry has been on the rise over the past few years. Opportunities and benefits for new real estate agents are what it is all about. In this industry, you are your own boss meaning you can set your own work hours as well as choose clients you want to work with. Additionally, with no specific salary, you have the potential to earn as much as you possibly can.

With that out of the way, in this article, we will go over the process of becoming a successful real estate agent and what steps you need to take in order to do so. So, if you are interested and want to become a real estate agent, here is everything you need to know.

Becoming a Real Estate Agent

Here we will go over every step that is necessary for becoming a real estate agent. This includes all of the details such as the costs, how long it will take, and all of the requirements you need to meet. So, let’s not waste any time and begin with the first step.

Research Everything

Collecting all of the necessary information beforehand is the most important thing you can do. Becoming a real estate agent has some requirements you need to meet before you can even begin anything. The reason why this step is so important is that depending on the state you reside in the requirements might be quite different.

This can be best seen in the required amount of pre-licensing hours you need to complete. For example, there are a couple of states that require as little as 40 hours, while the state of Texas requires a whopping 180 hours. This is quite a difference. Furthermore, it is also important that you carefully select a real estate course as well.

There are a lot of different real estate courses that you can choose from. However, not every course is accredited by the state. This is why you need to be careful when you choose.

Additionally, you will have to pass a criminal background check and you need to be at least 18 years old in the majority of states, while a few require that you be at least 19 years old. Lastly, you will need a valid high school diploma. Keep in mind that a college degree is not one of the requirements.

The Course

Once you complete your research and you find an accredited school, it is time to begin the pre-licensing course. Depending on the state you live in the prices might vary, however, expect to pay around $350 for the course. One thing you need to be careful about is the cheap courses. Never pick the cheapest option available.

Their prices are cheap for a reason.

The more expensive real estate courses will have better teaching staff. When you learn from people that have both the knowledge and the practical experience, you will have a higher chance of creating a successful career on your own.

Furthermore, when it comes to taking classes, you have two options. You can either do it in person or online. This really comes down to your preference or what is a better option for your current situation.

If you have a tight schedule during the week, then going in person can be a better option. On the other hand, if you have a lot of free time then the online approach could suit you more.

The Exam

After you finish the course, it is time to prepare for the final exam. If you have studied and prepared thoroughly, then you have nothing to worry about.

When you are ready to take the exam, you will have to pay an examination fee which should be approximately $50. However, as we have mentioned, the price might differ depending on the state.

Now, the exam itself will consist of 100 multiple-choice questions of which you will have to answer 70% correctly in order to pass. If you fail the exam, there is nothing to worry about. You will have more opportunities to retake the final exam.

Getting the License

Once you pass the final exam, it is time to apply for the real estate license. This process might take up to a month or two depending on the state.

You will have to submit your application as well as your test results. There is also a fee which can be between $50 and $250. Additionally, there is a mandatory criminal background check for which you will also have to pay between $40 and $100.

Once you complete all of this, all you have to do is wait for your license and plan how to start your real estate career on the right path.