So you want to become a Real Estate Agent?
Obtaining a real estate license is not difficult, if you know what to expect, and can fulfill the requirements. How you get a real estate license will vary from state to state, but usually involves minimum age requirements, certain education and/or experience requirements, applications and fees, and other state-specific details.
In most states, a minimum requirement to joining a real estate brokerage as a real estate sales agent is to have already earned a real estate license. In some states, however, a new agent needs to obtain a sponsoring brokerage prior to pursuing a license. Real estate licensing requirements typically involve pre-licensing coursework and passing a state exam (most states also require that you be a high-school graduate or hold an equivalency diploma). You can check your state requirements for real estate licensing from the list of state websites below. Some states also require post-licensing coursework immediately after you earn your license; and most states require continuing education throughout your career to keep your license active.
Keller Williams Realty agents in the United States are required to be members of their brokerage’s local real estate board and complete certification training and contract-completion training, and perhaps additional real estate training through that board. So, if you want to be a real estate agent, enroll in an accredited real estate licensing program and then submit your interest in a real estate career at Keller Williams!
Becoming a Real Estate Agent is within your reach if you follow these 8 steps:
- Find a Real Estate School
- Complete the required pre-licensing course hours
- Pass your pre-licensing course final exam
- Schedule your state exam
- Study for your exam
- Take and pass your exam
- Find a brokerage to work with
- Apply for your license
Let’s take a closer look at each of the steps.
Step 1 – Find a Real Estate School
This can be a bit overwhelming at first because there are lots of real estate schools offering both in-person and online courses. I did my research when I was first starting out and found that the top 3 schools were Kaplan, Aceable Agent and Real Estate Express. Not all schools are accredited in each state, so check accordingly. For additional information on FREE and DISCOUNTED courses, visit our Pre-Licensing Courses page .
Step 2 – Complete your pre-licensing course
The choice is yours but I suggest taking your course through a school that offers online training. These courses allow you to proceed at your own pace. I won’t lie, much of the course work is dry. I mean, boring with a capital B. To make it a bit more palatable (and even a bit fun at times), Aceable Agent offers their course work through slides, videos, chapter quizzes, section tests and the final exam. The jokes are corny and a bit hokey too but hey, it made it easier to learn. And, it’s earned the praise of industry experts such as Chris Heller (former CEO of Keller Williams). Explore KW Careers is pleased to offer you an exclusive 40% discount with on all courses at Aceable Agent! Just click this link, select your state and package. Your adjusted price with the 40% discount is shown at checkout. Click here to watch a short video on how redeem your 40% discount.
Step 3 – Pass Your Pre-Licensing Exam
You took the course, studied national, state and local real estate laws, standards and practices (which vary by state) and now it’s time for your pre-licensing final exam. Not sure you’re ready? Take a practice exam over and over until you’re confident you’ll pass! You’ve come this far, I know you can do it!
Step 4 – Schedule Your State Exam
This is really important. You must check your state’s Department of Licensing website (links below) regarding the scheduling of your State Exam. Depending on your state, there may be a delay of a few weeks before the next available exam date. If that’s the case, you may want to schedule your state exam date just before you’re ready for your pre-licensing final exam. If you don’t pass your final exam, you can always reschedule the state exam for a later date.
Step 5 – Study For State Exam
Alright, you’ve passed your pre-licensing final exam and your state exam is now scheduled. You’re almost a Real Estate Agent! Take every opportunity before the state exam to take the practice exams offered by your school! I cannot stress this enough. As stated previously, take the practice exams over and over. If you can pass the practice exams and the final exam, believe me, you’re well prepared for and will pass your state exam.
Step 6 – Take And Pass Your State Exam
The day is finally here! Your state real estate licensing exam is scheduled for today! This exam is administered in-person at a state run facility. Breathe deep. You’ve got this. You’re gonna go in there, sit down with your two #2 pencils at the ready and fill in the answers. And when you’re done, you can finally relax. You spent the last few weeks taking your re-licensing course, studied for and took that final exam and now, you’ve taken your state exam. In most cases, you’ll need to check your state’s Department of Licensing website for your test results.
Step 7 – Find a Broker to Work With
I knew you could do it! You stuck with it and you passed the state exam.! You’re going to be a Real Estate Agent. Now it’s time to start thinking about which brokerage to work with. By now, you know I’m partial to Keller Williams but I don’t want you to just take my word for it. I encourage you to do your own due diligence. You see, not every brokerage is the same. This site will tell you why I think you should join KW but you should see for yourself too. When you’re interviewing brokers, ask them about their commission splits, desk fees, marketing fees, technology, training, support and profit-sharing. Once you’ve done that, you’ll understand why I chose Keller Williams.
Step 8 – Apply For Your License
Hopefully, you and I have talked at length and I’ve been able to give you even more reasons why joining KW is the right career move. Once you’ve signed on with a broker, you can apply for your license. You must provide the state with the name of the broker you will be working with on the license application. As a licensed salesperson, you must work under a licensed broker who will hold onto your license.
Click Here for Your State’s License Requirements
Ready to change your life? Take the first step! Apply now, then schedule your meeting to discuss a career in Real Estate at Keller Williams.