What are the steps to becoming a real estate agent?
Now that you’re ready to become a real estate agent, the next step is obtaining your real estate license. The requirements for real estate licensing vary widely from state to state. Some states require a certain level of education, and/or a certain number of credit hours in real estate coursework before you can take your licensing exam.
Watch the video below to learn the steps for becoming a real estate agent.
How to Become a Successful Real Estate Agent in 10 Steps
No matter which state you live in, you need to follow these basic steps to get your real estate license:
1. Understand your requirements to become real estate agent
The first step in learning how to become a real estate agent is to research your state’s pre-license course requirements. Each state is different so it’s important that you pay attention to which courses are required for your state.
2. Select a real estate school
Make sure you select an ARELLO-accredited real estate school that offers pre-licensing coursework specific to your state. You will also want to decide if an online school or a classroom is the best option for you. We’ve put together a list of five key questions to ask when choosing a real estate school that can help you make an informed decision.
3. Complete your pre-licensing coursework
All states require some form of pre-licensing coursework before you can take the real estate licensing exam. The type and amount of coursework needed will vary from state to state. Determine how much your pre-licensing coursework will cost in case you need to save some money or get financing before you launch your real estate career.
4. Study for your real estate pre-licensing exam
Before you can take your state real estate exam, you’ll have to pass the pre-licensing exam at the end of your coursework. Many students choose online coursework, in which case this exam will be online, too. Don’t be intimidated by the thought of studying for an exam, even if you’ve been out of school for a while. These study hacks can help you maximize your time and set you up for success on test day. Once you pass, you’ll need to obtain your official transcripts or a certificate of course completion.
If you think you may need some extra guidance, consider a real estate exam prep program that will help you study state-specific material for your state real estate exam. Our exam prep program prepares you for the specific topics in your state’s license exam.
5. Apply for and schedule your state real estate exam
Once you pass your real estate pre-licensing coursework, it’s time to sign up for your state licensing exam. Usually, the application fee is about $25. Research when and where the next real estate exam will be in your state. These are most frequently administered by third-party testing centers. Make sure you get information about parking, hours and any materials you’ll need to bring with you on test day.
NOTE: Some states require that you get fingerprinted, complete a background check, or have Errors and Omissions Insurance on hand before you can take your state exam. Before you take your exam, ask the testing center what documents you’ll need to have on test day.
6. Select you real estate broker
Depending on your state, you may be required to be sponsored by your broker in order to take the real estate exam. Choosing your broker may happen at this stage, or it may happen later, once you pass your test and are ready to start working. Selecting a broker to work for is one of the biggest steps of your real estate career. Your broker can influence how you get paid, how much you earn, your niche and what resources are available to help you advance in your career. Make sure you do your research on this step and find a broker who truly meshes with your goals.
7. Pass your state licensing exam
Taking and passing your state licensing exam is one of the most important steps on our checklist of how to become a real estate agent. Each state has different passing requirements for the licensing exam. To help ensure you pass your exam the first time, remember to consider taking a real estate exam prep course.
8. Join professional real estate organizations
Once you’ve passed the exam and earned your real estate license, you’ll want to become a member of your state and local Multiple Listing Services (MLS) and perhaps the National Association of REALTORS®. These organizations provide valuable networking tools and professional resources. As a member, you’ll be able to attend national conferences and get access to valuable research that can help you stay updated on trends and best practices in your niche.
9. Complete necessary real estate post-licensing coursework
A handful of states require you to complete real estate post-licensing coursework within the first 6–12 months after you obtain your real estate license. Don’t let this slip from your radar.
10. Start working as a real estate agent
Once you have all your systems in place, let everyone know you’re in the real estate business. Soon you’ll start interacting with potential buyers and sellers, and you’ll be in business! Now comes the part you’ve been waiting for — your first transaction. Even if you feel confident it’s always a good idea to have a more experienced agent check your work to make sure you’re doing the very best for your clients. After it’s all done, sit down, give yourself a pat on the back and smile — you’re officially a real estate agent.
What Does It Take To Be a Real Estate Agent?
Your real estate agent start-up costs vary depending on your location, but here’s a good idea of the investment you’ll make to enjoy a successful career in real estate.
Licensing and Education:
| Online pre-licensing education | $100 – $900 |
| First-year post-licensing education (not required in every state) | $100 – $200 |
| Testing fees, license feeds, background checks, and permits | $100 – $500 |
| Required continuing education | $50 – $300 |
Start-up and first-year costs:
Note: These items may be covered based on your brokerage agreement or may be tax-deductible.
| Multiple Listing Service (MLS) fees (this may be covered by your brokerage) | $300 – $1,200 |
| Professional association dues | $200 |
| Errors and Omissions Insurance | $600 |
| Conferences and professional development | $800 |
Business and marketing expenses:
Note: These items may be covered based on your brokerage agreement or may be tax-deductible.
| Office supplies | $300 – $700 |
| Internet and cell phone service | $100 – $400 |
| Vehicle maintenance and gas | $300 – $1,000 |
| Website maintenance | $25 – $80 |
Want to find out the exact price of pre-licensing courses in your state? Click the button below.
How Much Time You Should Spend Studying for the Real Estate Licensing Exam?
Time is valuable, and we know you don’t have any of it to waste. Set yourself up for success by studying regularly throughout the entire course rather than waiting until the week before the exam. If you review and repeat the information, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of key course concepts.
Want to increase your chances of passing the real estate license exam? The Real Estate exam prep is a complete real estate test prep solution that’s designed to help you pass your real estate exam on the first try.
Why Should I Become a Real Estate Agent?
If a real estate career is calling you, here’s why you should make the leap.
Do a Job You Love
You spend a significant amount of time each week and throughout your life working. And, simply put, that time should be spent doing something that you love. With a career in real estate, you can be your own boss with pursuit of a career that channels your natural talents and brings you joy.
Create the Lifestyle You Want
A real estate career gives you the flexibility to explore the lifestyle that you want. Whether you’re starting out, looking for extra income, or aiming to juggle work and family life, you have the freedom to mold your career into something that fits your lifestyle and needs.
Pursue Unlimited Potential and Financial Independence
In real estate, there’s unlimited potential abound. After you’ve successfully acquired your license, you hold the keys to your overall success, including financial independence. What you put into your career is what will come out of it – in other words, your commitment to your real estate career largely determines your financial freedom.
Why Colibri Real Estate?
Colibri Real Estate has developed an industry-leading formula consisting of expertise, flexible learning opportunities, and success-focused tools and resources.
Industry Credibility
With 25 years dedicated to the real estate industry and aspiring agents, we have proudly supported over 520,000 students that have found success with us.
Flexible Learning Options
Choose when, where and how you learn for a career that fits your lifestyle. Explore multiple learning options, and choose the method that best fits your needs and schedule.
Local Expertise
Our instructors are experienced and local real estate professionals that offer insights, guidance on market considerations. They’re your partners, aimed at helping you find success in the classroom, during exam time and in your career.
Focused on Your Success
Your success is our number one priority – both in the classroom and throughout your career.
Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee
When you take an exam prep course powered by CompuCram, our goal is to help you pass on the first try. And if you don’t, you are eligible for a refund on your original purchase, whether a full pre-licensing package or exclusively exam prep.
Student Dashboard
This student experience is comprehensive and allows you to view a showcase of content that fits your real estate education needs, start and resume courses, and track your course progress.
Content Libraries
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