How To Be A Real Estate Agent (2024)

Entering the real estate industry can indeed be a lucrative career move, offering numerous benefits. As a real estate agent, you’re poised to enjoy substantial pay and flexible entry requirements compared to other fields. Moreover, you don’t necessarily need a college degree to kickstart your journey as a real estate broker, making it an accessible career option.

However, despite its allure, becoming a real estate agent requires diligent effort and adherence to certain protocols. It’s not as simple as declaring yourself an agent; there are specific skills, knowledge, and procedures you must familiarize yourself with to excel in this field. Additionally, there are regulatory frameworks and licensing processes that aspiring agents must navigate.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of becoming a real estate agent, highlighting essential steps and considerations along the way. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what it takes to embark on a successful career in real estate. Let’s dive into our comprehensive guide on How to Become a Real Estate Agent!

How To Be A Real Estate Agent

1. Find out what are the requirements for your state to become a real estate agent

See the thing is, you may not need any college degree or any academic qualification but there are some qualifications that you must be aware of. You should also know that there is no “universal qualification or requirements” to become a real estate agent and it very from one state to another.

So in order to get the license for a real estate agent, you should be aware of the requirements to become a real estate agent. To find out what requirements you should have by visiting the regulatory office website or visiting the real estate license law office.

Every state’s requirements will include the following criteria:-

• Age
• Application fee and process
• Background check
• Educational requirements
• Exam eligibility
• Pre-licensing requirements
• Post licensing requirements
• Record of your criminal history

although these are the common requirements which you can expect so you should definitely search all the requirements so that you will be prepared to apply for the licensing process and you will know if you are a fit for becoming a real estate agent.

2. Select a pre-licensing school

Selecting a pre-licensing school is also a crucial step in order to become a real estate agent. You will have to fro through many schools and find the best one for yourself. You have to choose which meets the requirements of your state and offers the pre-licensing coursework specific to your state. The learning material and the instructor should be your priority while choosing the Pre-licensing school.

3. Take up a pre-licensing course

Now that you have chosen the pre-licensing school you will have to take take the course as well (yeah it’s obvious). But you have to understand that there are a number of courses which vary in the number of classes as well as the time period. Although this variation is also seen according to the states.

The courses are also available as the online courses, as well as the classroom courses, do you can choose any one of them as per your preferences. Apart from the few for the sources also vary from one course to another. So here you also need to take a good look as well. You should also consider the learning style and schedule for the courses. So these are the things that you should consider while choosing a pre-licensing course for yourself.

4. The pre-licensing exam

After completing the pre-licensing exam you would be ready to take up the pre-licensing exam. Your instructor will anyway give you the specifics about the exam and how to prepare for the exam.

Although don’t take the pre-licensing exam lightly as this is a crucial step in getting the license as well as becoming a real estate agent. You will have to study for the exam and if you need more help you can enroll for pre lining exam prep program as well.

The exam will be in two parts one will be consisting of national principles for real estate and others will be on the state-specific principles and laws for the real estate. The exam comes in the multiple-choice format. Each section will be scored separately and you must get the passing marks in each one of them.

Every state has different regulations and rules when it comes to the number of attempts, so take a look at that too. Overall if do pass the exam then you will have to submit an application with all the required documents and fee to your real estate agency. And if your license is approved then you will receive a mail from the agency with your license certificate.

5. Realtor vs. Real Estate agent

Many people think that a real estate agent and a realtor is the same thing but it’s not true at all. There is a difference between these two terms. Although the license is necessary to become both a real estate agent and a realtor, both do vary in terms of their work.

See a realtor is a much bigger entity as a realtor will be a member of the National Association of Realtors(NAR) who represents the 1.3 million salesperson, brokers, property managers, counselors, etc. Realtors also have access to many benefits such as the real estate market, the statics, and research, data, discount programs, etc which will help. you to become successful.

6. Join a Real Estate Brokerage

In order to become a real estate agent, you will have to join a Real Estate Brokerage. The Real Estate Brokerage is kinda like the supervision for a real estate agent. As you will work under them and they will oversee whether or not you are working by the required legal and ethical standards. You will be paid on the basis of the commission they get from your real estate transactions.

There will be other expenses as well which needs yo be paid by you like the desk fee, tech fee, etc, although it depends on the arrangement you have with your brokerage. You might have yo renew your license, and paying for the education continuation and other membership fees.

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7. Complete the post-license coursework

Only a number of has this requirement so if you come under that state you might have to complete the coursework for post-licensing within 6 to 12 months. This is a crucial part so be aware of this process as well.

8. Start your real estate agent career

Now that you have everything you need, this is the time for some action. Start exploring the opportunities and interact with potential buyers and sellers. Let everyone know that you are in this business so that your buyers and sellers come in your contact as well.

Conclusion

As we conclude our article, we’ve provided you with a comprehensive overview of what it takes to become a real estate agent. While the process may seem straightforward, it’s essential to pay attention to the finer details and thoroughly research before diving into the industry.

Keep in mind that the specific requirements for becoming a real estate agent may vary from state to state. However, the guidelines outlined here serve as a fundamental roadmap for embarking on your journey in the real estate field.

We trust that you’ve found this article informative and valuable as you prepare to embark on your new career path. Wishing you the best of luck as you venture into the dynamic world of real estate!