Do you want to become a real estate agent? Congratulations on making a huge decision, and it is the best time to get back to work. All processes, qualifications, price, and timeline are different from state to state. Thus, it is vital to get valuable advice from the local bureau of licensed real estate to know what steps you need to follow.
Some states want a person to choose the suitable course, and then, submit an application. Moreover, pay the fees accordingly and follow the policies related with license renewal. Here are some steps that you ought to follow when applying for a license real estate.
Licensing and education criteria
First off, grab the bearings. Pre-licensing courses and their applications are dissimilar in every state. Keep a check over the real estate commission to understand what their requirements are. There is a need for graduate courses for 60-90 hours. Such courses include the basics, titles, contracts, deals, and property ownership.
Both offline and online mode for classes are available, but the course needs to be certified by the real estate licensing authorities of the state. Before you get admission for areal estate, ensure that state authorities acknowledge it.
If you already have a license, then make sure that your present state has a reciprocity agreement with the other state from which it has issued. IF you have a deal, then you need to fulfill fewer requirements, but it does not mean that there is no need for a license in a new state. You can skip some or two steps in the process of licensing. The requirements might also be less if you have a real estate degree or a licensed attorney.
Pre-licensing course
Time and monetary investment are required to become a licensed real estate agent. You need to understand what sources are required while starting a real estate business. To exemplify, some schools provide classes at their physical location but others offer to pursue the course from home. Know about the available options and select the one that is best for lifestyle and schedule. Similarly, the cost of the course that varies from school to state.
Pass the examination
Likewise, the duration of the exam depends on the state and can take around 1.5 and 3.5 hours to finish. Moreover, there is a separate fee for examination. The test comprises of hundred multiple-choice questions and includes principles and laws of nation and state. The minimum score to pass the exam lies between 60 to 75 percent to get the license.
Ensure that you acquire an official transcript or certification of course completion from the school with a copy of scores.
File an application
Once you have qualified the exam, then submit your license application with test results and application fees. The license fee differs, and there may be some background checking fees. Check the request with state commission to rectify all mistakes, if there is any.
Once you have done with the application, it will take around one week to two months to complete the procedure.
Search for a brokerage
You earn your license, great! But it does not mean that you will start selling your houses quickly. Mostly, the state requires you to work with a broker for at least two to three years, so that he can sponsor you as an agent.
A real estate broker has an office or agency where the agents work. The best way is to find out the broker when you’re pursuing your school course.
Renew your license regularly
Now, you’re a realtor, and do not forget to renew your license whenever required. Check out the state commission’s panel when there is need for renewal. The validity of the license is two to four years.
Some states also require an agent to complete a set count of real estate courses to get eligible for license renewal, and it has around 20 to 90 hours of classes. These extra courses ensure that you have updated all national as well as state markets and regulations.
To know about the renewal requirements, you need to check out the licensing office. But you are not eligible to get 90 hours of coursework four days before the expiry of license.
Final Words
It requires time, attention, and dedication to become a license real estate agent. But the goal is to earn the license and get into the field of real estate after fulfilling all legal procedures and requirements as needed. After all, you have unlimited potential and the possibility to handle all things accordingly. A licensed real estate agent gets more value and priority while buying any property. Sound interesting? Get started today.