Real estate is one of the most popular career choices in the United States. In fact, there are nearly 450,000 real estate agents in the nation. By 2026, an additional 25,000 agents will join the industry.
Real estate is so appealing because it is a rewarding career. You help individuals and families find their forever home.
On the other hand, you are responsible for selling a person’s home. This is an important task as the family home is the most valuable asset for many.
Read on for a guide on how to become a real estate agent. Explore topics such as training and licensing to get a complete picture.
Education Requirements
The first step in the process is meeting the education requirements. In order to be eligible for state licensure, you need to take courses in real estate.
Most real estate courses occur in a private setting. This means that the school is not funded by state or local government.
However, each state’s real estate commission approves the curriculum taught by the private school. They give their stamp of approval by allowing graduates to apply for a license.
As the real estate market grows more competitive, some agencies are turning to college-educated students. In turn, public and private colleges are offering real estate courses as well. If the college has a certification or degree program approved by the state, they may apply for licensing.
Take the Real Estate Exam
The next step in the process is to pass your state’s real estate exam. Pre-licensing real estate courses prepare you to take this exam.
The state that you plan to work in administers the exam. This test is based on various real estate topics including contracting, negotiations, and complying with state law.
Each state has different passing criteria. Most states require 70 to 75 percent as a passing grade, and they do allow for retakes.
Other Important Information
As pointed out, each state has different requirements. Some states impose a minimum age requirement to apply for a real estate license.
Other states mandate that you pass a background check. A real estate agent is a position of public trust. When clients try to find a real estate agent, they expect safety and trust.
Some real estate agents perform work across state lines. In most cases, you will not be able to transfer your license from one state to another. The good news is that many states accept course hours or exam results from another state.
Lastly, real estate agencies do not just throw new agents to the wolves. They often have their own training programs. In addition, they allow you to shadow and support senior agents to learn on-the-job.
A Recap of How to Become a Real Estate Agent
Real estate is a rewarding career that requires training and education before you start. At a minimum, you will need to take real estate courses and pass an exam.
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