Steps to become a real estate agent

Buying a new home is the most important decision and transition of one’s life. It is a real estate agent’s duty to make that transition as smooth and seamless as possible. Real estate agents not only help people buy a house, but they help them buy a home for their kids to grow in. With more than 2 million active real estate agents in the US, this is a desirable job with good benefits.

Why become a real estate agent?

As a real estate agent, you will be spending a lot of time with people in different homes. The job can provide you with the satisfaction that you need in life if you do it with all you have. Additionally, the median real estate agent’s salary is more than $49,000 which makes it a pretty desirable job. Put in some education and experience and you can add $10,000 to your salary with the ease of doing everything your way. Getting a license is relatively easier than in other fields.

How to become a real estate agent?

By following the steps given below, you can easily pave your way to become a successful real estate agent.

Satisfy your state’s requirements

Every state has different requirements when it comes to licensing real estate agents. To become a real estate agent, you need to research the requirements that you have to meet. Age, education, real estate courses, exams, application fees, and other factors need thorough research. You can start looking for answers on the real estate regulatory office website of your state or you can visit the office for further information. One way or another, you will know everything about the state’s requirements. Another place to collect the necessary information is the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLOs).

Attend pre-licensing course work classes

Once you have established the right course for your state, all you have to do now is select a school. You don’t need a college degree to be eligible for coursework or real estate agent jobs. Select an ARELLO accredited real estate school to finish your pre-licensing coursework. You can also take online classes to meet the number of hours of coursework required by your state. Different states have different requirements when it comes to taking classes. In California, you need to complete 135 hours of coursework to be eligible for exams, and in Texas, you need 180 hours of coursework.

Appear in and pass the licensing exams

You need to meet the above coursework requirements to appear in the exams. During your classes, you will learn about the application process and fee structure for the licensing exam. The exam is divided into 2 sections and has a multiple-choice questions format. The first section of the exam includes questions about general real estate principles and practices. The second section has questions specifically related to the laws and practices of your state. You need to get passing marks in both sections to pass the test. 

Get licensed

Once the results for the licensing exam have been declared and you have passed the exam in both sections, you can now apply for the license. It’s time for you to proceed with your application process to become a licensed real estate agent. Submit your application accompanied by any documents required in your state’s real estate agency and clear your application dues. Your application will be forwarded and once approved, your license will be issued and sent to your home address via mail. Once you have it in your hand, you can now start with your career as a real estate agent.

Complete the post-licensing course work

Post licensing course work is necessary and states require for you to complete within 6-12 months after getting your license. If you are not able to complete and submit this, you will get into trouble and your license might be terminated. 

Launch your career

Soon after you get your license, you can start your career as a real estate agent. During your job, you will require much more than knowledge about the laws and practices of real estate. Your people skills, communication skills, organizational as well as persuasive skills will take you high in your field.