Real estate sales is a fulfilling, financially rewarding, and fast-paced career. If you’re looking for information on joining the almost 2 million licensed real estate agents in the United States, you are not alone. Every month, tens of thousands search the internet to become a real estate agent, and now so did you. Let’s take a closer look at the perks and the process.
What About A Real Estate Career That Has People Taking A Closer Look?
A career in the real estate game, you’re looking at some upfront investment of money and time, depending on where you get your license. So look at why the career is so hot and why it’s interesting to you.
Financial Reward
The money is not bad either. The average real estate agent’s annual wage in the United States was $62,060, while the average annual wage for real estate brokers was $81,450 in 2020. This perk varies depending on the types of properties you sell and the area you live in. However, the more time you invest, the bigger those returns, which leads us to the next perk.
Flexible Schedule
A majority of real estate agents get into this business either because they require or desire a flexible schedule. Real estate sales allow the freedom from a routine nine to five job because being a real estate agent is anything but routine. Mom’s and college attendees might require daily workload flexibility or, for some agents, they travel part of the year with a retired spouse. Although there are more opportunities for more significant financial gain in the real estate market, the more time you spend obtaining clients, having showings, researching properties, and networking.
Easily Accessible Career
Compared to other career paths with similar earnings potential, getting into the field is relatively quick and inexpensive. Great for someone who doesn’t want to get into debt or have a lot of money to invest in a career upfront. On average, it takes four to six months to obtain a real estate license. In addition, you don’t need a college degree, which is a roadblock for some searching for something other than minimum wage-earning potential. Many entities even offer an affordable, convenient online real estate license course taught by industry experts. One popular such site is the Summit Real Estate Training.
The Process of Achieving Licensed Real Estate Agent Status.
Specific requirements differ by state. Your state’s real estate regulatory office website is the best place to start or by visiting the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials regulatory agency directory. Although a professional online real estate licensing entity provides courses and exam preparation for Pre-Licensing, Post-Licensing, and Continuing Education that abide by the rules and regulations of licensing authorities in your state, you should familiarize yourself with the general requirements.
General Requirements for Application
Each state typically has specific requirements for:
Age
Education requirements
Prelicensing courses and post-licensing requirements
Exams and exam eligibility
Application process and fees
Background checks and fingerprinting
Continuing education
Prelicensing Course
No matter what state you seek a real estate license you have to take a pre-licensing course from an accredited real estate licensing school before you sit for the real estate license exam. The required number of hours varies by state. Most states offer several ways to take the prelicensing course including online classes like the Summit Real Estate Training website mentioned above.
Take the Licensing Exam
Exams are computerized and are two parts: a national part on general principles and practices in real estate and a state-specific part covering your state’s real estate laws for licensure. The time allotted for the exam and the number of questions vary by state but are always in multiple-choice format. The estimated average national cost for exams is $100-300.
When you pass the exam, it’s time to apply for your license. When your application is approved, the state will mail your real estate license certificate and your name listed under the licensee’s section of the state’s website. You’re on your way to an exciting career in real estate. However, your real estate education goals shouldn’t stop there. Improve your earning potential by taking a Broker License Course and Real Estate & Broker Continuing Education Courses. These courses are also available on the Summit Real Estate Training website.
