If you’re interested in a career in real estate, getting licensed is one of the first steps. Licensing requirements vary by state, but the process typically involves: completing your pre-licensing education, passing the state real estate exam, and then applying for your license with the appropriate government agency. It’s also a good idea to check your state’s real estate regulations for other requirements, like fingerprinting and background checks.
The length of time it takes to get your real estate license depends on how fast you can complete your pre-licensing education. Most states require at least 60 hours of courses covering topics like deeds, contracts, property ownership, and real estate law. You can take these courses in person or online, but you’ll need to make sure the school is approved by your state’s real estate regulatory authority. Read more https://www.acompanythatbuyshouses.com/sell-my-house-fast-benbrook-tx/
Most students choose to take their pre-licensing education courses online because they can fit the classes around their work and family schedules. The online courses are self-paced, so you can study at your own pace and choose the course package that best suits your needs. Most online real estate courses also come with study materials, such as practice exams and flashcards. Some even offer a pass-or-no-fee guarantee.
Once you’ve completed your pre-licensing course, it’s time to take your state licensing exam. Most exams are multiple-choice and cover national and state-specific real estate laws. Most states will allow you to retake the exam if you don’t pass the first time. Each state has its own rules about how many times you can retake the exam and how long you have to wait between each retake.
When you’ve passed your state’s licensing exam, it’s time to apply for your license. Most brokers will submit your application to the state for you, so that speeds up the process. You may have to pay a fee to apply, and some states will also require you to submit fingerprints or undergo a background check.
Some states have reciprocal licensing agreements that let you work in other states without taking their real estate exam. For example, if you get your license in Nevada, you can sell real estate in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Carolina, or Utah.
Once you’ve received your license, it’s important to maintain it by submitting your continuing education (CE) hours and renewing your license every two years. You can check your license status by logging in to the MLS Campus portal or contacting the state directly.