How to Become a Real Estate Agent

Do you want to know how to become a real estate agent?

With the decision made to become a real estate agent, the next stage is to meet the licensing requirements, which will include passing the state real estate exam.

The steps to becoming a real estate agent will vary depending on your location. You might be required to have a certain level of education or to have completed a particular amount of real estate coursework, and only then will you be able to take the licensing exam.

So, in essence becoming a real estate agent is state dependent. Many folks consider entering the real estate industry due to have lucrative it can be.

The best real estate agents can make a significant amount of money. You might be wondering how much?

Maximum Real Estate Exposure has an excellent article on how much a real estate agent can make. Have a look to get an idea of the income and how an agent is paid.

It breaks how much an agent makes on a sale and yearly income potential. The majority of agents are paid via commission so it is essential to know.

How to Become a Real Estate Agent

While the requirements in different states vary, they all follow a basic process. To become a real estate agent, you should follow these steps:

1. State Requirements

The first thing you need to do is be clear on the requirements in your state. They will have pre-license requirements that you must meet before you can begin a real estate course. You must also understand which courses you must complete before the exam.

2. Choosing a Real Estate School

There are options to complete the courses online or attend a real estate school. Before you choose, make sure the organization is accredited. Also, compare their prices and check their customer feedback before signing up.

3. Coursework

Before taking your state’s licensing exam, you must complete pre-licensing coursework. What is needed will depend on the rules in the state, and the amount required will also vary.

4. Study for the Exam

Just like any other exam, you should study before you take it. If you haven’t studied for an exam for a long time, a prep program could be tailored to the exam in your state.

The exam will also be conducted online if you opt for online coursework. Whether your exam is online or in the classroom, there are plenty of study tips on the internet to help.

You will receive a certificate or official transcripts when you successfully pass the exam.

5. Scheduling Your Exam

With the pre-licensing coursework out of the way, you need to schedule the state licensing exam. There will be a small fee to apply for the exam, and you’ll need to check when the next one will take place.

If you aren’t going to be doing it online, you also need to find out where you will need to go for it. Ask about parking as well, and get information on any materials you need to bring with you.

They might also need a background check or to take your fingerprint. Some states may even require Errors and Omissions Insurance before taking the exam.

6. Passing the Exam

Now the important part, passing your state licensing exam. If you can’t do this, all the other steps will have been for nothing. There are different requirements for passing the real estate exam between states, so make sure you know what is expected.

7. Sending Out Your Real Estate Resume

Once you have your real estate license, you can think about getting hired. It will be smart to start sending out your resume to some potential real estate brokerages in your area.

Think about where you might like to work. If you know any real estate agents already working within a company, ask them how they like the environment.

Here are some expert tips on how to write a real estate resume.

8. Choosing a Broker

Your state might need you to be sponsored by a broker before the exam. But even if this isn’t the case, you will need to select a broker at some point, which is a very important decision.

The broker you choose will greatly influence your career, the amount you get paid, and the niche you specialize in. So that you select the broker that fits the direction you want your career to take, you need to do some research.

9. Post-Licensing Coursework

In some states, you will need to do more coursework after passing the exam. You might have a year or two to complete this, but it is still important.

Staying up to speed via continued education is always worthwhile. You can study, take a test, and do well. However, that doesn’t mean you will remember what you’ve learned.

Staying sharp is always a good idea. Continuing education classes do just that for you. You don’t want your clients thinking they hired the wrong real estate agent.

10. Joining Professional Organizations

When you have your real estate license, you should join the National Association of Realtors and your local and state Multiple Listing Services. Many folks do not realize that a real estate agent and Realtor are NOT the same thing.

Being a Realtor means you will follow the code of ethics and be a standup agent. Putting your clients needs first will be paramount.

These organizations offer some essential resources and help with networking. They will allow you to attend conferences as well as help you in your real estate career.

11. Starting Your Career

With the coursework completed, the state exam passed, and your broker selected, you can begin actually doing the job. You can start finding potential clients for your business and begin earning commissions from property transactions.

While this might seem daunting, you should seek advice from a more experienced real estate agent. This will ensure you are better serving your clients and not missing crucial mistakes.

Once you have helped your first client through closing, you will really feel like a real estate agent. Some of the best real estate agents will try to get better at a specific niche.

For example, would you rather be a buyer’s agent or a listing agent? Maybe you will like to specialize in condo sales or luxury properties?

There are so many possibilities that real estate can bring.

Final Thoughts

Real Estate agents work hard for their money. There are long hours including nights and weekends. Don’t expect to make a king’s ransom the first few years in the business.

It takes a while to get established and become a top producing Realtor.

About the author: The above article on “How to Become a Real Estate Agent” was written by Bill Gassett. Bill has been working in the real estate industry for the past thirty-three years. He works for RE/MAX Executive Realty in Hopkinton Massachusetts. Bill loves providing trustworthy information to buyers, sellers, and fellow real estate agents to make the best possible decisions. His writing has been featured on RIS Media, National Association of Realtors, Inman News, Placester, Today.com, Credit Sesame, and others.

About Rochester’s Real Estate Blog: Rochester’s Real Estate Blog is owned and operated by Kyle Hiscock of the Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.

Since being launched in 2013, Kyle has published more than 150 quality, in-depth, and unique real estate related articles on the Rochester Real Estate Blog pertaining to topics varying from home selling to mortgages and everything in between!  In addition to quality real estate related content, there are also many quality articles pertaining to the Greater Rochester NY area.

The Rochester Real Estate Blog has been recognized by many reputable websites as one of the best real estate blogs to visit and follow!  In addition to being recognized as one of the best real estate blogs, Kyle has been recognized as one of the top Realtors on social media by several organizations and websites.

With over 40 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise.

We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.