Interested in Real Estate?
Here is how to Become a Real Estate Agent
And become part of our growing team!
Thinking About a Real Estate Career?
A career in real estate can be exciting, flexible, and financially rewarding. It offers the unique opportunity to guide people through one of the most significant transactions of their lives—buying or selling a home. But before you can start showing properties and closing deals, you need to earn your license.
The path to becoming a real estate agent is a structured process regulated at the state level. While the specific hours and costs vary, the essential steps are consistent across the country. This guide breaks down the general journey for those looking to enter the real estate industry.
Step 1: Meet Your State's Basic Requirements
Before you invest time and money, make sure you're eligible. While rules differ by state, you generally must:
- Be a legal US resident.
- Be at least 18 or 19 years old.
- Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED).
- Pass a background check (required by most states).
Step 2: Complete Pre-Licensing Education
Every state requires aspiring agents to complete a set number of hours in state-approved pre-licensing courses. This coursework provides the foundation for your career, covering topics like:
- Real estate law and regulations
- Contracts and agency
- Property ownership
- Real estate finance
- Fair housing laws
The required hours can range from as few as 40 to over 150, so be sure to check your state's specific requirements.
Step 3: Pass the State Licensing Exam
Once you've completed your education, it's time to take the test. The state real estate exam is typically split into two sections:
- National Portion: Covers general real estate principles, practices, and law.
- State-Specific Portion: Focuses on the unique laws, rules, and regulations for the state where you'll be licensed.
You must pass both parts of the exam to move forward. Many states allow you to retake the exam if you don't pass on the first try, though waiting periods and fees may apply.
Step 4: Join a Real Estate Brokerage
You've passed your exam! Now what? New real estate agents cannot work independently. You must work under a licensed real estate broker who sponsors your license and supervises your work.
Your broker will be your mentor, provide training, and be legally responsible for your transactions. It's important to interview several brokerages to find one that offers the right culture, training, and commission structure for your new career.
Step 5: Activate Your License and Get Started
After you have a commitment from a sponsoring broker, you can submit your final application and fees to your state's real estate commission. Once your license is issued, you are officially a real estate agent!
Your final steps will include joining the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and gaining access to your local Multiple Listing Service (MLS), the essential tool for listing properties and finding homes for your clients.
Becoming a Real Estate Agent Checklist
Use this checklist to track your progress on your journey to a new career.
Research: Confirm your state's specific requirements (age, education hours).
Educate: Enroll in and complete your pre-licensing courses from an approved school.
Schedule: Register for your state real estate exam.
Study: Prepare for both the national and state-specific portions of the exam.
Pass: Successfully pass the state licensing exam.
Interview: Research and interview potential sponsoring brokers.
Select: Choose a brokerage to "hang" your license with.
Apply: Submit your license application, background check, and fees.
Join: Become a member of your local MLS and the National Association of REALTORS®.
Launch: Start your career as a licensed real estate agent!