what course do i need to become a real estate agent

What classes to take to become a real estate agent?

Step by Step Guide to Become a Real Estate Agent in 60 Days or Less!

1. Check State Requirements. The best way to start out if you want to become a real estate agent in 60 days is to check your state requirements.
2. Take Pre-Licensure Course. Once you have checked your state requirements for how to become a real estate agent, it is time to choose a pre-licensure course.
3. Take Exam Prep. ...
4. Apply and Take the State Exam. ...

More items...

Is a degree required for being a real estate agent?

Usually, Real Estate Agents don't need a college education. The most common degree for Real Estate Agents is Bachelor's Degree with 59% graduates, with only 20% Real Estate Agent graduates earning Associate Degree. Real Estate Agents who decided to graduate from college often finish University of Phoenix or Arizona State University.

What are the requirements to become a real estate agent?

While requirements vary by state, nearly all states require applicants to:

• Be at least 18 years or older
• Have official residency in the US
• Have a high school diploma or an equivalent of a high school degree
• Complete a pre-licensing course
• Take and pass the real estate exam

How to become real estate agent in 5 steps?

Steps to Becoming a Real Estate Agent

1. Research the Industry. Before you become a real estate agent, it’s a good idea to get to know the industry. ...
2. Interview Brokerage Firms. As a real estate agent, you need to be licensed through a brokerage firm. ...
3. Take Your Pre-license Training and License Exam. ...
4. Sign Up With Your Brokerage Firm. ...
5. Join Local, State and National Real Estate Agent Associations. ...

What is the education required for a real estate agent?

High school diploma or equivalentReal Estate Broker / Entry level education

What should I learn to get into real estate?

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.

Is real estate a course?

An education in real estate prepares students with the skills and knowledge to help clients buy and sell property. Some of the classes offered by these programs typically include property management, appraisal, economics, sales and finance.

How much do real estate agents make?

How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make At Most? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. real estate agents will earn a median income of $56,000 per year in 2020. It cost about $49,000 according to the figures.

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.

What are some examples of pre-licensure real estate classes?

Some examples of what will be taught in a pre-licensure real estate classes include: Real estate terminology. Fair housing laws.

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.

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

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. 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, ...

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).

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.

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.

Research Your State Requirements

If you decide becoming an agent is right for you, you will need to take specific classes and pass the real estate exam. Every state has different licensing requirements in terms of how many hours of education you need to take.

Take a Pre-licensing Course

To become a real estate agent, you’ll need to take a pre-licensing course. The amount of coursework you will need will vary from state to state. For example, in Georgia, you need to take 75 hours of classes before taking the licensing exam. In Texas, you need 180 hours of coursework.

Take the Licensing Exam

After you complete your pre-licensing education, you will need to take the final exam. The exam is taken through the state and your real estate school should provide you with information on how to schedule and register for the test.

Activate Your License

After your pass your exam, you will need to submit an application along with any required fees to your state real estate organization. Fees usually run between $200 and $400.

Consider Becoming a Realtor

Now that you know how to become a real estate agent, you may want to think about becoming a realtor.

Join a Real Estate Brokerage

As a new agent, you need to join a brokerage. The brokerage help you market yourself, find clients, and get valuable real estate experience.

Create a Strong Online Presence

Marketing yourself properly will help you attract more clients and earn more revenue. With 82% of buyers starting their real estate search online, it’s essential to have a strong online presence.

Enroll in a pre-licensing class

Find real estate schools in your area or take an online course from our partner, The CE Shop.

Apply to take the real estate exam

Each state has its own process; some require a background check and fingerprinting. An exam prep program can ensure that you know what to expect.

Pass the exam

Once you've passed, you can apply for your license. If you don't pass on the first try, don't worry—you can take it again. Make sure to reschedule right away while the info is still fresh.

Choose a real estate brokerage

Redfin offers a variety of roles for licensed agents, including full-time and contract positions. No matter how you work with Redfin, you can start earning income from day one.

How old do you have to be to get a real estate license?

In general, you need only meet the following requirements before testing: Meet your state’s minimum age requirement (usually 18 or 19 years old) Be a legal US resident. Complete your state’s prelicensing education requirements. The conditions of your prelicensing education are set by your state’s real estate commission or department.

Why do people with different backgrounds become real estate agents?

The lack of extensive requirements makes it easier for people with various backgrounds to become real estate agents or take on a career change. Since obtaining a college degree or graduate education isn’t a requirement, new real estate agents are positioned to potentially take home more of their earnings because they don’t have to budget ...

When was Kaplan Real Estate Education published?

Posted by: Kaplan Real Estate Education. Published: June 11, 2019. One of the many perks of pursuing a career in real estate is that the path to licensure is accessible to people of all educational and professional backgrounds.

How many hours of real estate training do I need?

Depending on your state, you must complete between 60 and 90 hours of real estate training to begin. Most real estate classes cover soft skills, such as time management. You also learn real estate basics and discover how to list, price and sell properties.

What do you do when you are a real estate agent?

When you enter a career as a real estate agent, you also show homes to prospective buyers in addition to answering any questions they have. You record offers and show them to the sellers. In some cases, sellers will want your advice on whether they should sell the property or hold onto it for a little longer.

What can I learn from a psychology degree?

You learn the basics of human behavior and why people do the things they do. This degree program covers emotions and the various ways people manage them in their daily lives, providing valuable insights into the human mind. You will even learn about different personality disorders and how to manage them.

What can I learn from a finance degree?

As you study finance, you learn the basics of economics, financial reporting and more. You discover how to predict future market trends and what investments are worth making. You can calculate your spending and predict how much profit you will generate in the following months.

How much does a real estate agent make?

On average, entry-level real estate agents earn about $45,000 per year, which translates to approximately $18.00 per hour depending on how much you work each week. You can advance your career by becoming a real estate broker and earning $55,000 each year.

What is the emphasis of real estate?

Real Estate Studies Emphasis topics include leasing of real estate, sales, and mortgage lending. Gain the technical, business, communication, and management skills to advance your career in the field of real estate and become an effective business leader, studying sales, market analysis, finance, ethics, law, and more.

Do I need a degree to become a real estate agent?

Although you don’t need a degree to become a real estate agent, having one lets you stand out from the crowd when looking for places to work.

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

To become a real estate agent, you need to: Be at least 18 years of age and a US resident. In the US, the most basic requirements before you can take the licensing courses and exam are that you are at least 18 years old (or 19, depending on the state) and have legal resident status. States may also require prospective agents to have ...

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

These courses vary widely by state—for instance, in Florida, it takes around 60 hours of work, while in California, it’s about 135. Pass your state’s licensing exam. After completing your pre-licensing courses, you’ll be eligible to take the real estate licensing exam.

How long does it take to pass the real estate exam?

The exams vary by state, but all are multiple-choice and take between 90 minutes and three hours to complete.

What is a realtor?

Realtor: Realtor is a special designation for real estate agents that are active members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and adhere to its code of ethics. Some real estate agents become realtors for extra credibility and to take advantage of NAR’s additional tools and courses. Seller’s agent: A seller’s agent represents ...

What are the different types of real estate agents?

5 Types of Real Estate Agents. Here are the different types of real estate professionals: Broker: A real estate broker is an agent who is licensed to run their own firm. They can either work independently (as opposed to under a brokerage) or serve as a brokerage for other agents. Buyer’s agent: A buyer’s agent represents the interests ...

What is a real estate agent?

A real estate agent (also called a real estate salesperson) is a licensed person who helps buyers, sellers, and renters of property enter into and complete transactions. Basic real estate agents must work underneath a real estate broker (either an individual or a firm) and are paid by commission, earning a small percentage from each real estate ...

Can a real estate agent work part time?

They can work either part-time or full-time and may typically work weekends when sellers or buyers are more readily available. “Real estate agent” is a general term that refers to an array of real estate professionals, including brokers, buyer’s agents, dual agents, realtors, and seller’s agents, each with their own specific expertise.

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

It takes about four months to become a California real estate agent. This time may vary depending on how long it takes for officials to process your application, complete background checks, and grade your exams. The length of time is also dependent upon you.

What is the hardest part of being a real estate agent?

“If I had to pick one thing as the most difficult part of becoming a real estate agent, it would be maintaining faith in yourself that you’re going to be successful. Faith that you’re on the right path, and that the actions you’re taking every day will lead to that success. So much of what we do doesn’t show results in the short term, and it can be easy to veer off course, let doubt creep in, or talk yourself out of the career you knew you would thrive in. Even years down the road, after experiencing success, I sometimes still find myself turning to that blind faith to get me through the valleys in between the peaks.”

How much commission do brokerages give?

You may discover that the brokerage will give you 70% to 100% commissions. Those brokerages will, in turn, charge higher monthly fees. Some brokerages may offer you 70% of your commissions, which may rise to 100% after you have met a specific sales goal for the year.

How much does it cost to get a real estate license in California?

It costs around $1,335 to get your California real estate license. Some of these costs are the same for everyone, such as the costs of taking the exam, applying to get a real estate license from the state, and membership dues for the National Association of Realtors and the Multiple Listing Service.

How long does it take to get a sales license in California?

You must complete the application within one year of passing the exam.

Is real estate more complicated than TV?

Real estate is much more complicated than most TV shows can make it seem. No matter what your TV says, you’re not qualified to become a real estate agent based on the fact that you enjoy pointing out features of high-end homes. As a real estate agent, you’ll be assisting your clients with one of the most important financial decisions of their lives.

Do you have to be a broker in California?

Even when you pass your real estate salesperson exam, the State of California requires that you work under a broker. A broker has received additional training, has worked successfully in the industry, and has passed the broker’s exam.

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 s…

See more on realestateexpress.com

Post-Licensing Courses

Continuing Education Courses