To become a real estate agent, you must get a state-specific license. Each state has its own requirements to earn that license. For example, some require 180 hours of pre-licensing education – and others require 60 hours. However, all require some form of background check for aspiring real estate agents. Here’s what you need to know about real estate background checks.
What Is A Real Estate Background Check?
A real estate background check examines the background of someone who wants to be a real estate agent or someone currently working as a real estate agent. Those whose backgrounds do not meet their state’s standards cannot work as a real estate agent.
The Importance of Real Estate Background Checks
It only makes sense that real estate licensing agencies require a background check of those wanting to work in the industry. After all, real estate agents have free access to strangers’ homes, and they enter those homes without the homeowners being present.
Besides being responsible for the seller’s personal property, real estate agents also spend time alone with clients.
Companies that employ real estate agents and clients who work with them need to know that these individuals will not abuse their position.
Real Estate Background Check Requirements For License Applications
Again, each state has its own licensing requirements for real estate agents. A background check is a common step in the licensing process, though specific requirements and timing vary by state.
Most state agencies complete in-depth criminal background checks that search county, state, and federal databases. Here are some of the standard reviews that state agencies conduct for those applying for a real estate license:
- Sex offender registry searches
- Alias and address history checks
- License/certification verifications
- Employment verifications
- Reference checks
- Driving history checks
Real Estate Background Check State Requirements
States have different methods for completing background checks and different ideas on what is acceptable for a real estate agent.
For example, convictions of murder, perjury, fraud, forgery, grand theft, tax evasion, embezzlement, extortion, rape, bribery, burglary, petty theft, and possession of drugs for sale or transport will prevent you from getting a California real estate license. However, Colorado and Connecticut review convictions on a case-by-case basis.
Some states, like Kentucky, require you to wait ten years after you were convicted of a felony before applying for a real estate license. And even then, there is no guarantee that you will pass the background check. And still – some states require those with prior convictions to provide written statements and supporting documents along with their applications.
Real Estate Background Check for Employment (Hiring Process Requirements)
No real estate brokerage wants to hire an untrustworthy person to represent their agency. Here are some of the checks many real estate brokerages perform on their potential candidates:
- Identity verification
- Criminal background checks
- Professional license verification
- Professional reference checks
- Drug screenings
- Motor vehicle record checks
Some agencies do background checks every year.
Real Estate Background Check Time Period
Generally, real estate background checks cover seven years of criminal and court records, but they may go back further depending on state and local laws.
For example, in some states, felonies may be reported indefinitely. But, in other states, felony reports are restricted to seven years. Driving records may go back three to 10 years, depending on the state.
Some state and local fair-hiring and ban-the-box laws may also limit how far back a real estate criminal background check can extend. (Ban-the-box laws prohibit initial job applications from asking about criminal histories.)
Real Estate Background Check Submission
Some states require you to fill out an application for licensing early in the process. This benefits those who are worried about passing a background check. They’ll know quickly whether they should continue their pre-licensing coursework for their real estate license or choose another career path.
How to Conduct Real Estate Background Checks
Follow the instructions provided by your state’s real estate licensing department to complete your background check. This process will probably include a form that asks about your legal background and instructions on where /how to submit your fingerprints. There’s typically a fee to complete a background check, which the licensee must pay.
Learn About Your State-Specific Licensing Requirements
As you can tell, it’s essential that you understand your state’s real estate licensing requirements. The Colibri Real Estate website outlines each state’s requirements, including real estate background check information.
Colibri Real Estate (formerly Real Estate Express) also provides state-specific pre-licensing courses and real estate exam prep. Even our most basic package includes support from a state-improved instructor.
But what makes Colibri Real Estate stand out from other real estate schools? Our program has a fantastic success rate! Colibri Real Estate has helped hundreds of thousands of students earn their real estate licenses. Will you be our next success story?
Enroll in your state-specific pre-licensing courses to get started in your real estate career today.
