There are many steps to becoming a real estate agent. Knowing how to get a real estate license and how long the process takes is the first step, and just understanding what to expect will help ensure that you are successful since it can make it easier for you to prepare yourself properly.
Luckily, the process is actually easy to understand. While the specifics may vary depending upon exactly where you live, the process needed to get a real estate license and become a real estate agent is very similar no matter where you call home.
General Requirements
While certain states will have some slight variations on the requirements to get a real estate license, the following will likely be the main criteria that you must meet.
- Must be at least 18 years old – though some states require you to be 19 to get a real estate license
- Must have legal US residency
- Must complete any education requirements – the length of the education will vary greatly from state to state
- Must pass your real estate license exam
These simple requirements are what you’ll need to do to get a real estate license, but the specifics behind them means that you’ll want to understand a bit more about exactly what to expect as you embark on this new career path. If you meet the age and residency requirements, the next steps will be what you must focus on.
Your Real Estate License Education
The educational process is where things can vary the most. Every state has its own regulations for education, and you’ll have to find out just what is needed in your particular state when you want to get a real estate license. For instance, Idaho requires two courses that take 90 college hours to complete. Texas has a 5 course, 180 hour requirement, and California has a three-course, 135 hour educational requirement.
No matter where you are and how long the educational requirements are to get a real estate license where you live, your education will cover virtually every aspect of real estate. Some of the subjects covered will be:
- Leases and contracts
- The art of pricing and listing
- Finding and counseling buyers and sellers
- Business management principles
- Real estate laws
- Real estate ethics
- Disclosure guidelines and procedures
- And more
Essentially, your real estate education will cover everything that is used to be a real estate agent. Not only will you learn about the laws and guidelines that you have to follow while working as an agent, but you will also be given instruction into just how to be a better agent. As such, you’ll be able to get a real estate license and begin working as an agent with confidence – you’ll have the knowledge needed to meet all regulations, but also knowledge to thrive at what you do.
And since many states now allow you to enroll in online real estate classes, it’s easier than ever to complete your education while still juggling work or family responsibilities. You can sign up for your program and take classes online in your free time, moving towards a better future without struggling to fit it into your schedule.
Best Online Real Estate Schools For 2022
Taking The Real Estate License Exam
Once you’ve completed the educational requirements, the next step is to take the actual exam. Generally, you’ll take an initial final exam through the college that you’re completing your education through. These usually have multiple choice questions and you’ll have 2 and a half hours to complete the test, though that may vary depending on the school.
Once you pass the final exam with your real estate school, the next step is to sit for the state licensing exam. Schedule a date and time to take the test – there are often several days throughout the month. The exam itself may vary slightly from state to state, but usually, you will have 100 to 200 multiple choice questions and will need to score at least a 70% on the test to pass. No matter where you take the exam, it will cover all of the things that you learned while in school.
Finally, if you pass the exam, you’ll be able to receive your real estate license and begin moving on to the next step – actually becoming an agent and starting to work in the field.
What Is Next After The Real Estate Exam?
Many states, such as California, have additional steps that you’ll need to complete in order to get a real estate license and begin to represent buyers and sellers. In particular, you’ll likely have to find a sponsoring broker to work for. You won’t be able to just exit out of school and immediately begin your own business. Instead, you’ll need to work as an agent for a broker for a period of time before you move on to whatever your next phase may be.
As with everything else, however, this varies depending upon the state, but you should still plan on having to work as an entry-level agent for a short time before you can begin your own business. This gives you the time to hone your skills and develop your reputation so you can find greater success later.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Real Estate License?
So just how long does it really take to get a real estate license? The answer is that it varies. For most who are serious, you can complete all of the educational requirements in between 4 and 6 months – with online courses potentially speeding up the process somewhat. From there, it depends on how long it will take before you can take and sit for the exam.
However, one thing remains true – it doesn’t take as long as many assume to become a real estate agent and start earning great money in a job that offers personal and professional rewards. If you’re serious about a better career, taking the time to get a real estate license is well worth considering.