Do you need a degree to be a real estate agent?

Real estate agents are professionals who help clients buy, sell, and rent properties. They negotiate deals, coordinate with professionals involved in transactions, and ensure all legal requirements are met. The work of a real estate agent can be as challenging as it is rewarding, but does a career in real estate require a degree?

Many people interested in pursuing a career in real estate often question what education is required to do so. Read on to learn more about what a real estate career entails, and whether a degree is required in order to pursue this profession.

The Basics of a Career in Real Estate

Before we dive into degree requirements for real estate agents, it’s essential to first understand the basics of this career. Real estate agents work with clients who are looking to buy, sell, or rent properties. They help clients navigate the complex process of buying or selling a home, from negotiating the sale price to coordinating with inspectors, appraisers, and lenders.

Real estate agents must be knowledgeable about the local real estate market, property values, and zoning laws. They should also be excellent communicators, negotiators, and problem solvers. For those who are successful, a real estate career can be extremely rewarding – both financially and from the perspective of helping clients achieve homeownership.

Do I need a degree to become a real estate agent?

So, is a college degree required to become a real estate agent? The short answer is no. In most states, you don’t need a college degree to become a real estate agent. However, many agents do have college degrees, and having one can be beneficial in a number of ways.

A college degree can provide you with a wide range of knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in your real estate career. Earning a degree in business, finance, or marketing can provide you with a strong foundation that you can apply to your work as a real estate agent. Having a college degree can also make you more competitive in the job market. Real estate is a highly competitive field and having a degree can set you apart from other job applicants.

How do I become a real estate agent without a college degree?

If you don’t have a college degree but are interested in pursuing a career in real estate, don’t worry. It’s entirely possible to become a licensed real estate agent without a degree. Here’s how:

  1. Meet your state’s eligibility requirements. Each state has its own eligibility requirements for obtaining a real estate license. Generally, you must be at least 18 years old, pass a background check, and complete a certain number of hours of pre-licensing education.
  2. Complete pre-licensing education. Before you can take the real estate licensing exam, you must complete a specified number of hours of pre-licensing education. While the number of hours required varies from state to state, the typical range is between 60 to 90 hours.
  3. Pass the licensing exam. Once you have completed your pre-licensing education, you will need to pass your state’s real estate licensing exam. This exam will test your knowledge of real estate law, practices, and procedures.

What are the best college majors for real estate agents?

You do not need a college degree to be a successful real estate agent. However, having a degree can be beneficial in several ways. Here are the top college majors to help you succeed as a real estate agent:

  • Business. Earning a degree in business will provide you with a strong foundation in finance, accounting, marketing, and management, all of which you can apply to your work as a real estate agent. A degree in business can also make you more competitive in the job market and lead to a higher earning potential.
  • Finance. A degree in finance can provide you with a deep understanding of financial markets, investment analysis, and financial planning. These skills can be extremely valuable in the real estate industry, where agents must be experts in property values, mortgage rates, and other financial considerations for their clients.
  • Marketing. Real estate agents must be able to effectively market their properties and attract buyers if they hope to be successful. A degree in marketing can help immensely with this, giving you the skills needed to create stellar marketing campaigns, develop branding strategies, and communicate well with clients.
  • Urban Planning. A degree in urban planning, while less common than the first three, can be extremely valuable toward a career in real estate. It will help you understand how cities and communities develop and how to regulate land use. This skillset can be valuable in real estate, where agents must know about zoning laws, land-use regulations, and community development.

Which schools offer degrees or certificates in real estate?

Online real estate classes and education are great options for those interested in pursuing a career in real estate. Colibri Real Estate offers flexible learning options all backed by industry experts. You can earn a real estate license in a way that works best for you, while also learning many of the important skills and tools necessary to excel in your career as a real estate agent.

As a leading real estate school for more than 520,000 students to date, Colibri’s educational offerings are created by industry experts with experience in local markets. Courses include real-world examples and interacting learning opportunities. Self-paced online learning means you can go at your own pace, with experts on standby for any help you may need. For those who prefer instructor-led learning, classes are available via livestream, giving ample opportunity to ask questions and engage with peers.

Where do Real Estate Agents Work?

Real estate agents can work in a variety of settings. There are multiple career paths available to those with a real estate license – degree or not. Here are a few popular options:

  • Real Estate Brokerages. Many real estate agents work with brokerages, which are companies that specialize in buying, selling, and renting properties.
  • Property Management Companies. Some real estate agents work with property management companies, which manage rental properties on behalf of property owners.
  • Real Estate Development Companies. Real estate agents can work for development companies, helping developing new properties.
  • Government Agencies. Real estate agents may also work for the government, in departments focusing on local planning or housing authorities.

A degree can provide a strong background in many of the skills and specifics that successful agents have mastered. It’s also possible to pursue a career in real estate without a degree. What’s important is choosing the path that works best for you and your needs.

Get Your Real Estate Career Started Today

If you’re ready to take the next step toward launching your real estate career, Colibri Real Estate School can help. Our highly rated courses, expert instructors, and flexible learning opportunities mean you can accomplish everything from pre- and post-licensing education to exam prep in one place, at your own pace. Contact us today to learn more.