How to become a real estate agent (2024 Updated)

Becoming a real estate agent can be a very rewarding career choice. At the end of October 2022, there were 1,600,886 members of the National Association of Realtors and many more real estate agents across the United States.

Being a real estate professional allows you the opportunity to be your own boss, set your own hours, and make an unlimited income.

This blog will provide a step by step guide on how to become a real estate agent.

How to become a licensed real estate salesperson in 5 steps

1. Understand Your State’s Real Estate Licensing Requirements

The first step is to check the requirements in your state. Requirements to obtain a real estate agent license vary from state to state. This page will show you the real estate license requirements for your state.

In most states, you will need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. You will also have to have undergo a background check. Any prior criminal record may make it more difficult to get your real estate license, but no impossible.

In all states and the District of Columbia, you will also need to complete a certain number of hours of pre-licensing education. Real estate courses are offered by independent real estate schools. Most states allow for an online class, which is the preferred method of completing the required hours.

2. Enroll in a Real Estate Pre licensing Course

It is possible to fulfill the real estate pre licensing educational requirement through various methods. In some schools real estate courses and some universities provide live lessons in a classroom setting. The preferred method in most states, for most students is to complete the pre licensing course via an online class.

I say this about the online course because it best prepares you for the final exam covering the general real estate principles. This is a very important choice for you. Check to see which schools are highly reputed, offer good teaching materials and focus on achieving positive student results like passing the exam on the first attempt. Here is an example of an online school with high pass rates that you can review.

Your Real Estate License education is comprehensive but is also a starting point for exciting real estate careers. It will teach you the basic real estate principles that you will need going forward in your career.

3. Taking the state required licensing exam

The third step is to pass the real estate licensing exam. The exam covers topics such as property ownership, contracts, and math. Most states require that you pass the exam with a score of 70% to 75% or higher.

Cost for the test can also vary and are not included in the cost that you pay to the real estate schools.

(Most states provide the administration for the tests in specialized test facilities). The examination is divided between two sections, one being based around federal real estate laws, the other is about state law. They generally consist of 60 or 100 questions in a multiple choice format including math questions for which you will be allowed to use a calculator provided by the third party testing centers. Most pre-licensing classes offer students minimal amount of sample test and many brokerages offer sample questions.

Pass the Real Estate Salesperson Exam

The state and national portion of the exam requires a lot of preparation in order to pass. There is a certain learning style required to pass the test. This is taught in the exam prep module that is necessary to prepare for a test.

I strongly recommend that you register for an online course package that includes the exam prep module so that you are ready to go when you enter the testing center for your first attempt. This comprehensive exam prep helps students understand how the questions are formatted and the correct answers so that you can get a passing grade. After you complete you credit hours in the course you will need to set aside time to work with the exam prep system so that you gain a better understanding and preparation for the test.

4. Find a sponsoring broker

The forth step is to find a broker to sponsor you and associate your license under their company with the state. The brokerage company will oversee real estate transactions, and be approved by the state to operate in the local real estate market.

Robert Earl, founder of the Earl’s Guide, can act as your sponsor with a top broker in your area. Just complete the form found on this page to start the process.

When you pass the licensing exam, your information will be reported to the state. The state will be awaiting your completed application with the information regarding with real estate brokerage you will be working with.

Once you have found a broker who is willing to sponsor you, they will help you with the paperwork and fingerprinting process required by most states.

A top training based broker will also educate you as to how to actually sell real estate, no matter the condition of the market. This should include, but not be limited to lead generation tools, marketing materials and required legal disclosures and contracts that will help you launch a successful career.

Beware. Some sponsoring brokerage firms are only interested in signing agents up and letting them set their own rules and provide very little on the job training. With only the supervising broker available to work face to face with you as opposed to a training system in place.

To launch a successful real estate business, you need to work with a company that offers all of the training that was not included in the pre licensing courses.

5. Post licensing continuing education classes

The fifth and final step is to complete any post-licensing education requirements in your state. In most states, you will need to complete continuing education courses every year or every other year in order to renew your license. When you purchase your pre licensing course as part of the licensing process, you can selct a package that includes the required post licensing continuing education classes.

Is real estate a good career in 2024?

Although real estate is often seen as a steady and reliable career, the industry is always changing. What works today may not be effective tomorrow, which is why it’s important to stay ahead of the curve. For anyone considering a real estate career in 2024, here are a few things to keep in mind.

First and foremost, real estate agents need to be comfortable with technology. More and more homebuyers are using online tools to research properties and connect with agents, so it’s essential that agents have a strong digital presence.

Additionally, agents should be familiar with the latest marketing trends and techniques. Traditional methods like print advertisements and open houses are still effective, but they need to be supplemented with online strategies like social media marketing and search engine optimization.

Finally, real estate agents need to be people-oriented. The job requires regular interaction with clients, property owners, and other real estate professionals. Therefore, agents should be good at building relationships, with good communication skills, both verbal and text & email based and working as part of a team. With these qualities in mind, real estate can be an exciting and rewarding career in 2023.

How hard is it to get a real estate license?

A real estate agent is a professional who helps people buy, sell, or rent properties. In order to become a real estate agent, you must first obtain a real estate license. As we stated, the process of getting a real estate license can vary from state to state, but there are some general requirements that all states have in common.

Some agents make the licensing process harder than it needs to be because of their mental approach and the time frame they take to complete the steps.

What are the requirements to be a real estate agent?

Becoming a real estate agent can be a very rewarding career move. Not only do you get to help people find the home of their dreams, but you also get to be your own CEO and set your own hours.

However, there are some training that you should complete before you can start selling homes in a successful manner. Many real estate agents work for larger firms because of resources available for new agents. Most likely, you will be working as an independent contractor without the benefit of a hourly salary structure to fall back on in your. Good agents understand this and learn all that they can guide clients and provide superior real estate services.

No matter which route you choose, you’ll need to be prepared to work long hours and weekends in order to succeed in the real estate industry.

How long does it take to become a real estate agent?

The question is a good one. This depends on several factors. If you take an online based course, you can be finished in a matter of days or weeks. A classroom course, depending on the schedule and the distance of the school to the geographical area you live in can make the process drag on. States typically require specific requirements that define what is the duration of the application process.

Personal availability will determine the time required for the process. Typically an license process allows between 90 and 180 days to complete, but timeline to get a license should happen must quicker than this.

How do I get my real estate license?

A real estate license allows an individual to legally represent sellers and buyers in the buying, selling, or renting of real estate properties. Once you pass the test and submit your application the state will send you a copy of your real estate license. Some states require you to have a copy of this in your wallet or purse. Another copy will be sent to your supervising broker with information regarding the expiration date and proper licensed name along with any allowed DBA.

Once licensed new real estate agents can work for a real estate broker. After a set period, which varies by state, an agent is allowed to start their own brokerage, although a majority continue to work with their original company.

Real estate careers can be very rewarding, both financially and personally. The state commission will dictate the real estate law that need to be followed regarding licensing and renewals.

Best way to become a real estate agent

While there are many steps involved in becoming a real estate agent, the process can be completed entirely online.

First, you’ll need to successfully complete a real estate education program. This can be done through an accredited online real estate school.

Once you’ve completed your real estate education, you’ll then need to pass your state’s real estate licensing exam. After passing the exam, you’ll be officially licensed as a real estate agent and can begin working in the industry.

While there are many different paths that you can take to become a real estate agent, completing the process online is a convenient and effective way to get started in your new career. By taking advantage of online resources, you can complete your real estate education and licensing requirements from the comfort of your own home. With a little time and effort, you can be on your way to an exciting career in real estate.

What are the qualifications to be a real estate agent?

The state’s real estate commission sets the rules for qualification and the licensing process. A bachelor’s degree is not required to be an agent. The also set the rules for license reciprocity for licensed agents that are moving from one state to another.

How much does it cost to become a real estate agent?

Starting up a real estate career is not easy, given its training costs. After you commit to being a professional agent the questions may be as simple as saving up some cash or even more money for a job in a business. Depending on the location and state in which the individual agent is required to obtain their license, the cost can vary. As a rule of thumb, you can expect your initial investment will be in the range of $1000 – $2000 depending on the state class cost and initial membership cost.

Licensed real estate agent

What do I need to be a realtor?

A real estate agent is someone who helps people buy or sell real estate. In order to become a real estate agent, one must complete a real estate course and pass a real estate exam. A real estate agent typically works for a real estate broker. A real estate broker is someone who has more experience and has completed a broker real estate course and has passed a broker real estate exam.

Realtors are real estate agents who are members of the National Association of Realtors. In order to become a Realtor, one must be a member of the National Association of Realtors. Realtors have access to certain benefits, such as the Multiple Listing Service, that real estate agents do not always have access to.

What do you need to be a real estate agent with a successful career

How do real estate agents get started?

Real estate agents typically generate new business through a mix of networking, referrals, and marketing. First, they build a network of contacts in the area. These contacts can provide referrals when someone is looking to buy or sell a home.

In addition, real estate agents also maintain a database of past clients and regularly reach out to them for referrals.

Finally, real estate agents also invest in marketing efforts such as open houses, print ads, and online listings. By using a mix of these strategies, real estate agents can build a steady stream of new business.

A real estate agent’s livelihood depends on generating new business, so it is important for agents to have a solid plan for bringing in new clients. There are a number of ways to generate new business, and the best approach may vary depending on the market and the type of clients an agent wants to attract.

Is it hard to make money as a real estate agent?

There are a number of factors that can affect an agent’s earnings, such as the housing market, the local economy, and the amount of competition. Therefore, anyone considering a career in real estate should be prepared to work hard and be patient before reaping the rewards of their labor.

How much do real estate agents make?

It’s an attractive field to work with in real estate. Currently, real estate agents earn about $51,000 annually. The top 10% can easily earn three times the amount.

What should a beginner real estate agent know?

Training is essential for anyone pursuing a career in real estate. Without ongoing training, real estate agents would quickly become outdated and would be unable to provide the best possible service to their clients. In addition, real estate agents who are not properly trained are more likely to make mistakes that could cost their clients money. For all of these reasons, it is clear that training is essential for anyone interested in a real estate career.

Conclusion: Becoming a real estate agent is a fairly straight forward process, but it is definitely worth it for those who are up for the challenge. It is important to do your research and make sure that you are prepared for the rigors of the job before taking the plunge into this exciting and rewarding career!