Getting your Alabama Real Estate License online is pretty common these days and you have several options to choose from. If you’ve landed on this page, I’m assuming you’re doing your due diligence and researching the best online real estate license courses, as well as the requirements to get your Alabama real estate license online. I’ll cover both of those topics in more detail below, but for those just looking for a quick answer, here are the top online real estate license courses I recommend.
Best Online Real Estate Schools For 2021
Are You Eligible To Get An Alabama Real Estate License Online?
In order to qualify to obtain your Alabama real estate license online, you must meet various requirements set forth by the Alabama Real Estate Commission. You’ll get very familiar with the Alabama Real Estate Commission very quickly as you begin your real estate career. In short, the California Real Estate Commission is in-part responsible for making sure those engaging in real estate business are “trustworthy bear a reputation of honesty and truthfulness, and have not been convicted of a felony or crime involving moral turpitude.” You can read more about the Alabama Real Estate Commission on their website.
The Background Check Process
The first step you’ll need to take in order to qualify for your Alabama real estate license is to have your fingerprints taken. You can go to this page to order a blank fingerprint card. Once the fingerprint card comes in the mail, you’ll need to take it to a law enforcement agency and have your prints taken. You will need proper identification such as a driver’s license, military ID, or passport. It can take several weeks to get your fingerprint results back, so make sure you plan ahead.
As you wait for your fingerprint card to arrive in the mail, you can also fill out a couple required applications such as the Application for Determination of Licensing Eligibility. You should also print and fill out your Application to Review Alabama Criminal History Record Information form. When you send those forms in, you’ll also need to include a $25 cashier’s check, certified check, or a money order to pay for the processing fees.
Additional Alabama Real Estate Salesperson Requirements
- Must be at least 19 years old
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must be a resident of any state in the U.S. and a U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or legally present in the U.S.
- No felony convictions or crimes involving moral turpitude
- Must successfully complete an Alabama state approved 60hr pre-licensing course (must be completed within’ 12 months)
- Complete a 30 hour post license course within’ 6 months of receiving your license.
Once your background check has been cleared, and assuming you meet or are able to meet the above requirements, you’re ready to keep moving forward!
How To Get Your Real Estate License Online In Alabama
My Highest Recommended Alabama Online Real Estate License Course
I have personally used and can highly recommend Real Estate Express. This is probably the most popular option in Alabama (or at least one of the most popular), they’ve been around for a very long time, the price is right with several package levels to choose from, and if you use this link you will get a discount upon signup. I admit there are some other great courses out there, but Real Estate Express personally worked out well for me.
Additional Courses To Consider
While I have not taken the following courses personally, I have also heard great things about Brightwood Real Estate Education by Kaplan. They seem to be a bit pricier than Real Estate Express but from what I’ve heard the education received is excellent. Career Webschool is another great option to consider. So if for whatever reason you’re not too keen on Real Estate Express, the course I use and recommend to people, those are a couple other good options to consider. All of those courses are approved for you to receive your Alabama real estate license online.
Topics Covered In Your Alabama Real Estate License Online Course
Not all online real estate courses in Alabama cover the exact same topics, but for the most part, they are all about the same. There is a LOT of information covered in these courses, so you’ll want to take notes as you move along and focus on the important information. The topics covered at Real Estate Express Alabama 60hr pre-license course included the following topics:
- Alabama License Law
- Applicant Eligibility – Licensing Requirements
- License Status, Renewal, Education in Alabama
- Agency Representation/Brokerage Services Disclosure
- Additional Alabama Education Regulations
- Real Estate Recovery Fund in Alabama
- Qualifying Brokers – Violations and Disciplinary Actions in Alabama
- Estimated Closing Statements and Trust Funds
- Basic Math in Real Estate
- Appraisal and Value
- Finance
- Investment
- Leases: Taxation, Commissions and Seller’s Net
- Contracts; Closing Costs; Insurance
- Real Estate Characteristics
- Government Influences
- Freehold Estates
- Leasehold Estates
- Ownership
- Easements and Encumbrances
- Water and Air Rights
- Condominiums and Cooperatives
- Deeds and Conveyances
- Deed Recording
- Title, Descent, and Insurance Issues
- Agency Law
- Agency Relationships and Disclosure
- Contracts – Listing Agreements
- Contracts – Sales and Lease Contracts
- Broker – Agent Relationship
- Advertising
- Marketing Property
- Trust Accounts
- Closings
- Fair Housing and Ethics
- Property Management
- Commercial Real Estate
- Appraisal Process
- Value Principles
- Approaches to Value
- Real Estate Taxes
- Gross Rent Multiplier
- Land Use Control
- Legal Descriptions
- Real Estate Financing
- Forclosure
- Money, Interest and Types of Loans
- Reduction of Loan Principle
- Financing Methods
- Government and Conventional Loans
- Qualifying and Closing the Loan
- Primary and Secondary Mortgage Markets
- Investments and Financing Laws
- End-of-Course Final Examination
I know, that’s a lot. And yes, it does start to get overwhelming. Just make sure you stay organized and don’t get too hung up on one particular topic over another. Keep pushing forward, take notes, stay organized, go through ALL of the practices exams, participate in the online community when you have questions or can answer questions, etc. Just because you’re doing this online doesn’t mean you have to go through it alone!
Taking Your Alabama Real Estate License Exam
Once you have successfully completed your online Alabama real estate pre-licensing course, you must take a proctored exam. Please note that this exam will cost $73, so don’t go in until you really feel ready. This exam can not be completed online, but your online course will help you find an approved locations. Most likely, your exam will be held at a school or library.
You are allowed 3.5 hours to answer 40 questions and you must get at least 28 of those questions correctly, for a minimum passing score of 70%. If you paid attention and truly studied your online course, passing the Alabama real estate license exam is not all that difficult.
Final Thoughts About Obtaining Your Alabama Real Estate License Online
Obtaining your Alabama real estate license online is, in my opinion, a much better way to go than sitting in a stuffy classroom for 60 hours being lectured at. By studying for your pre-license exam online, you get to study on your own time, without having to leave the house. What a great independent way to start a new great independent career! If you’ve been considering signing up and getting your Alabama real estate license online, just do it. This could be the absolute best career and lifestyle move you’ve ever made for yourself.