what college course should i take to become a real estate agent

by Shanny Leffler 10 min read

Becoming a real estate agent doesn't require a college degree, but it does require the classes needed to get a license in most states. Requirements vary by state, but most mandate coursework covering general principles of real estate and at least one class with a specific legal or technical topic.

Popular majors for future real estate agents include marketing, finance, accounting, psychology, and business. Even though going to college isn't required, you may find it helpful to complete a degree or certificate program to gain knowledge that would help you succeed as a real estate agent.Nov 5, 2019

Full Answer

What classes to take to become a real estate agent?

Here, you can learn about the education required to become a real estate sales agent, the topics covered in pre-licensure classes, and other steps that may be required by your state.

Is a degree required for being a real estate agent?

Feb 21, 2022 · Step 1: Take a pre-licensing course. Cost: $200 to $300. States require people to take pre-licensing training from a certified institution before they can sit for the real estate licensing exam ...

What are the requirements to become a real estate agent?

Nov 25, 2021 · Do you have to go to college to become a real estate agent? The good news is: no! You don’t need a college degree to become a real estate agent. Actually, it's not even necessary to have a high school diploma to practice real estate. Of course, if you do have a college degree, it can help you. But it’s not required to be a good real estate agent.

How to become real estate agent in 5 steps?

May 09, 2008 · There really isn't a college course specifically geared towards becoming a real estate agent, but a lot of companies offer real estate …

What courses do you need to become a real estate agent?

A degree is not required to become an estate agent, but strong competition often makes relevant experience and/or qualifications necessary. A degree in an appropriate subject such as marketing, business, property studies or real estate can be helpful.

Which course is best for real estate?

Short-term Real Estate CoursesReal Estate Courses*TypeDurationEDP-Sales and Marketing Management for Real EstateCertificate4.5 MonthsProperty ManagementCertificate3 MonthsReal Estate Business ManagementCertificate46 hours (completed in 2-3 months)Real Estate MarketingDiploma6 Months1 more row•Dec 30, 2020

Do you need a college degree to be a real estate agent?

You don't need a college degree to become a real estate agent in most states. A degree or certificate program can help you learn skills that you'll use while on the job, but it's not required. In fact, there are only a few things required to become a real estate agent in each state.Nov 5, 2019

How long is Realtor school?

You can become a real estate agent in about four to six months, depending on where you live. Online prelicensing classes can speed up the process. Requirements vary by state, but the general steps are to take a real estate prelicensing course, take the licensing exam, activate your license, and join a brokerage.

How to Become A Real Estate Agent

Still, buying and selling real estate isn't as easy as it might look. And it's a notoriously tough industry for newbies; some real estate experts l...

Step 1: Take A Pre-Licensing Course

Cost: $200 to $300States require people to take pre-licensing training from a certified institution before they can sit for the real estate licensi...

Step 2: Take The Licensing Exam

Cost: $100 to $300Revisit your state real estate commission's website for instructions on how to sign up to take the licensing exam. (Most states o...

Step 3: Get Your Real Estate Ducks in A Row

Pass the test? Congratulations! Here's what you need to do next to start engaging with clients: 1. Activate your license through your state real es...

Step 4: Consider Becoming A REALTOR®

In order to become a full-fledged Realtor®—a licensed agent with the ability to use that widely respected title—you need to be a member of the Nati...

Step 5: Join A Brokerage

In order to become a real estate agent and legally practice real estate, you must work under a supervising broker. Brokers are licensed by the stat...

What degree do I need to become a real estate agent?

There are also bachelor's degree and master's degree programs available in real estate. These programs can be especially beneficial for those who wish to pursue additional opportunities above that of a real estate sales agent in the field, such as a broker or property manager.

How old do you have to be to become a real estate broker?

Some common requirements include being eighteen years of age, holding a high school diploma, passing a licensing exam, successfully completing a background check, and getting sponsorship from a licensed real estate broker.

Where can I take pre-licensure classes?

State-approved pre-licensure classes can be found at private organizations specializing in real estate training as well as public colleges and universities. Depending on the provider, classes can meet on weekends, weekdays or online, but keep in mind that some states permit online courses while others require in-person education.

Is it hard to pass real estate exam?

Real estate exams can be difficult to pass, but with proper preparation, you'll be on your way to passing and earning your real estate license. Read on to learn about the four exam-prep steps you should take in order to ace your test.

What classes do I need to become a real estate agent?

The classes you’ll need to become a real estate agent fall under three general categories: Pre-licensing classes. Exam preparation classes. Post-licensing classes. Continuing Education classes. 1. Pre-licensing courses to take before you become an agent. You’ll want to start your journey to becoming a real estate agent with classes ...

How do I become a real estate agent?

To become a real estate agent, you must take the pre-licensing course no matter what state you live in. The course topics and hours will vary from state to state — but you can research your state’s requirements here by clicking “select your state” from the drop-down menu and then “continue.”. You can also follow a link to your state’s requirements ...

How many hours do I need to get a real estate license in Texas?

Texas real estate license requirements — 180-hour pre-licensing course. Virginia real estate license requirements — 60-hour pre-licenseing course. You can choose to take your course in class or online.

How many hours of training do I need to become a real estate agent?

The required number of training hours can vary significantly by jurisdiction: In Virginia, for example, real estate agents must take 60 hours of pre-licensing training, but in California they need ...

How do I become a real estate agent?

How to become a real estate agent 1 Take a real estate pre-licensing course 2 Take the real estate licensing exam 3 Activate your real estate license 4 Consider becoming a Realtor® 5 Join a brokerage

What is a broker license?

Brokers are licensed by the state to oversee real estate transactions and ensure that real estate salespeople (that’s you!) are adhering to the required legal and ethical standards.Think of it as a similar safeguard to how stockbrokers must work at a licensed firm to trade stocks, rather than just winging it on their own.

Who is Daniel Bortz?

broker real estate agent realtor. Daniel Bortz has written for the New York Times, Washington Post, Money magazine, Consumer Reports, Entrepreneur magazine, and more. He is also a Realtor in Virginia. Get Pre-Approved Connect with a lender who can help you with pre-approval. I want to buy a home.

How many questions are asked in the real estate exam?

Both typically consist of 60 to 100 multiple-choice questions, including math questions that require you to use a calculator (e.g., prorating taxes for a specific property).

Is it easy to sell real estate?

Still, buying and selling real estate isn’t as easy as it might look. And it’s a notoriously tough industry for newbies; some real estate experts like industry vet Tom Ferry estimate that 87% of all new agents fail within the first five years. All of which means you should carefully weigh the risks and rewards of joining this profession.

How much commission do listing agents get?

Commissions are typically paid by the property sellers and are negotiable by law. Some listing agents get 2.5% of the contract purchase price and offer out the same to buyers’ agents, but it varies. For example purposes, we’ll use 2.5%. If you sell a $300,000 home, 2.5% of the purchase price is $7,500.

How long does it take to sell a house?

It takes a long time. If you dive into real estate full-time — putting up all the money for training and start-up necessities — you may find it takes six months to sell your first house. Being a real estate salesperson can also be a great career for mothers of young children because it’s somewhat flexible.

Who is Sarah Davis?

Sarah Davis is a real estate broker in San Diego, Calif. She enjoys helping both buyers and sellers and was voted one of the top 10 best real estate agents in San Diego in 2013 by Union Tribune readers. In her spare time she talks about real estate on a local radio show and manages her website RealtorSD.com.

Is a real estate agent an independent contractor?

Even though you’ll be working under the umbrella of a broker, real estate agents are independent contractors. You may put Coldwell Banker or RE/Max on your business card, but you have to buy those business cards yourselves. Other common expenses include sale signs, open house signs, and a basic website.

Is real estate a commission only business?

Real estate is a commission-only business. And commission-based based jobs are feast or famine. You can — and will — go months without getting a paycheck. You’ll need to learn how to budget for variable income. But unlike W-2 jobs, a commission-based job like real estate agent or broker has limitless income potential.

How long does it take to get an escrow?

But don’t forget how long it took to earn that money. Escrows are typically 30 days and, assuming you represent the buyer, you may have spent weeks driving them around all day to look at properties. If you want to earn a modest $60,000 a year, you’ll need to sell an average of one $300,000 house every month.

Is it good to be a realtor?

Being a realtor is great if you like houses and enjoy working with people, but it’s not always the dream job some imagine it to be. It’s a common misconception that real estate agents earn a ton of money for doing practically nothing. Selling real estate is more work that you might imagine and, although there are some very successful real estate ...

What is a provisional broker license?

As a real estate broker, you are licensed to act on behalf of a broker-in-charge and may not act as broker independently. Many people will begin seeking a broker early in the licensing process. The license you receive will be a Provisional Broker’s License.

Does North Carolina have a real estate license?

North Carolina has very specific real estate licensing requirements, and those requirements change from time to time. The North Carolina Real Estate Commission’s website has the most current official prelicensing requirements. Kaplan Real Estate Education also has a Steps to Licensing page that provides simple steps to outline what you must do in order to earn your North Carolina real estate broker’s license.

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

Before you do anything, you’ll need to choose a pre-license course. To work as a licensed agent, you need have a license. This will take about 2 months to obtain, but can be expedited with a little hard work. Some complete guides that may help include: Pros and Cons of Being a Real Estate Agent.

What is a real estate agent?

In a nutshell, a real estate agent helps you navigate the murky waters of legal jargon and negotiations to ensure you get the best bang for your buck and the transaction is handled in an appropriate and professional manner.

Why do people use real estate agents?

Real estate agents exist to help buyers and sellers find and list their homes. Real estate is a complicated topic that few laypeople understand. When buying or selling a home, you’ll encounter many foreign terms. You’ll also undergo a rigorous process that includes many steps, many of which are confusing.

Who is Andrew Helling?

Andrew Helling is the founder and editor of REthority.com. He graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha where he obtained a Finance and Banking degree. As a formerly licensed real estate agent and property manager of 500 single-family homes, Andrew knows real estate.

Do I need to sit for the pre-license exam?

After you obtain your pre-license class credit, you will need to sit for the exam. However, a broker must sponsor you for this exam. In many cases, your sponsoring broker will cover the cost of your exam if you commit to work for them after passing the exam.

Is real estate online or in person?

Real estate courses are both online and in-person. We prefer online courses because they are less expensive and more flexible. Becoming a real estate agent isn't hard, but being one is. Successful agents have a strong work ethic, discipline, and thick skin.

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Pre-Licensing Courses to Take Before You Become An Agent

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You’ll want to start your journey to becoming a real estate agent with classes from an accredited real estate licensing school — which is the first thing to focus on when trying to determine “what are the classes I need?” To become a real estate agent, you must take the pre-licensing course no matter what state you live in. Th…
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Exam Preparation Courses

  • Before you head to the testing center to take your licensing exam, many people find it helpful to take an exam preparation class. While the pre-licensing courses satisfy your state’s requirements, an exam preparation coursewill help you study specific material that will be on your test. When searching for the right exam preparation course, look for one that offers a money-back guarante…
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Post-Licensing Courses

  • Some states require you to take additional classes within months of obtaining your license that will prepare you for your first license renewal. These courses typically help you understand new laws and regulations in real estate and assist with your business planning. When you check your state’s full real estate license requirements there should also be a note about post-licensing cou…
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Continuing Education Courses

  • Each state has different rules about the amount of continuing education classes required for reach real estate agent, but it’s important to know that you’ll most likely have to factor in some continuing education each year. So when you’re wondering “what are the classes I need to become a real estate agent?” know that your education goes beyond just getting licensed. To co…
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