What Is Involved in Getting a Real Estate License?

by Sarah Williams Blogger, writer

Can getting a real estate license expand your income options? We might have the answer you're looking for.

There are currently more than 400,000 people working as real estate agents in the U.S. Are you interested in joining them?

A career in real estate is exciting and gives you flexibility and the opportunity to work with lots of different people. It's a great option for anyone who wants to break out of the traditional 9-5 world and do something different.

Before you decide to dive headfirst into the real estate game, though, it's important to know exactly what the job entails.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about getting a real estate license.

Why Work in Real Estate?

Before we get into what it takes to get your real estate license, let's go over why you might want to work in real estate. If you're still on the fence about a career as a real estate agent, these lesser-known benefits might help you change your mind:

Independence
If the idea of a boring, 9-5 job doesn't appeal to you, you definitely ought to consider working in real estate.
As a real estate agent, you have a lot of opportunities to work independently and get out of the office. You don't have to worry about having a manager breathe down your neck all day!
Fast Process
The process of getting a real estate license is pretty quick compared to many other career paths. In just a few months you can have your license in hand and be on your way to earning some serious cash.
Learn as You Go
There's not a lot of classroom learning involved in real estate, but there is a lot of on-the-job learning. If you're the type who prefers to learn as you go, real estate is a great option to consider.
Great Earning Potential
As a real estate agent, you have the potential to earn a lot of money. Depending on the types of homes or buildings you specialize in selling, you could quickly increase your income working in this industry.
Make a Difference
Finally, as a real estate agent, you get to make a difference in people's lives. You get to be there for them during a major milestone, and they'll always remember the role you played in helping them out.

The Process of Getting a Real Estate License

Okay, you're convinced that a real estate career might be right for you. How do you become a real estate agent, though?

Every state has slightly different requirements for real estate agents, but the same basic process applies no matter where you live.

These are the general guidelines that will help you get started:

Learn Your State's Requirements
The first step is to do some research and figure out exactly what your state requires of its real estate agents. Most states require you to complete a certain number of hours' worth of coursework covering basic real estate information.
There are lots of different courses available both online and in person. Before you choose and pay for a course, make sure it's offered by a school that is accredited by your state's real estate licensing authority.
Take the Pre-Licensing Course
Once you've found the right course, the next step is to sign up and pay for it. Most courses cost somewhere between $200 and $1,000.
After paying for the course, you need to complete it. Take this course seriously and make sure you show up for every class and complete the required homework.
Pass the Exam
When the course is complete, you'll need to take your real estate licensing exam. There is a fee to take this exam; it usually costs between $15 and $60 dollars.
The exam takes between 1.5 and 3 hours, on average, to complete. It covers information regarding national and state-level real estate laws and principles.
Most states require a score of 60-75 percent in order to pass and earn your license.
Apply for a License
After passing the exam, your next step is to apply for a license.
There is an application fee (it costs anywhere from $50-$250), and you may have to pay to have a background check performed as well.
In order to apply for your license, you must be at least 18-19 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED.
Getting Your First Real Estate Job
Once you have your license in hand, it's time to start applying for jobs.
The easiest way to start working in real estate is to find a brokerage that is hiring agents.
It's not always easy finding a real estate job, or any job for that matter. If you're struggling to find a brokerage and get hired, keep these tips in mind:
• Search online for brokerages in your area
• Reach out to friends who work in the field to see if they know of anyone who is hiring
• Join online networking groups to connect with other real estate professionals
• Join in-person networking groups to connect with local professionals
• Look for training programs in your area to connect with and learn from established brokers
Once you've landed an interview with a brokerage, make sure you prepare carefully for that interview.
Think of answers to common questions (e.g., why do you want to work in real estate? What are your short- and long-term real estate goals?), dress to impress, and be prepared to show the interviewer what makes you special.

Start Working in Real Estate Today

As you can see, there are a lot of perks that come with getting a real estate license and starting a career in real estate.

If the idea of working as a real estate agent appeals to you, be sure to keep this information in mind so you can hit the ground running with your new career.

Once you've got your real estate license, you're going to need to connect with other real estate professionals. The best way to do this is via social media platforms like ApSense.

Join ApSense today to connect with other professionals and start building your network. When you join, you'll also gain access to great educational resources that will help you continue to grow your business.