Embarking on a real estate career is an exciting adventure. Becoming a real estate agent requires state licensure. Although states vary with basic requirements, most states have a uniform requirement of being 18 years of age and completing a specific amount of training in order to be eligible to take the state real estate license examination. On average, a minimum of 75 hours of class training is required.
There are multiple venues that offer pre-licensure real estate courses. Real estate agent training is offered at accredited real estate schools, universities and online real estate schools. The average cost for real estate agent pre-licensure programs is approximately $500. Leading realty firms like Prudential and Coldwell Banker also have their own real estate schools. Common topics for pre-licensure real estate courses include:License law and regulations
The contract of sales and leases
Valuation process and pricing properties
Real estate mathematics
Legal Issues
Human rights and fair housing
Taxes and assessments
Condominiums and cooperatives
Land use regulations
The law of agency
Commercial and investment properties
Client broker relationship
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Becoming a Licensed Real Estate Agent
The coursework to become a licensed real estate agent is comprehensive and intense. There is much to learn about contracts, real estate terminology and legal issues. Deciding whether or not to attend training in a traditional classroom setting or online is really a personal choice. Of course, taking the course online is very convenient, since you don’t have to drive anywhere, and you can take the course at convenient intervals 24/7. However, there are many real estate schools that offer day, night and weekend courses for those with busy schedules.
Prepping yourself to pass the state exam to become a licensed real estate agent takes study. Not everyone passes the first time around. Many of the traditional and online real estate schools offer additional comprehensive exam prep courses. Often, there are practice licensing exams and hundreds of practice questions. Traditional real estate schools provide workbooks along with live instructors who are licensed and experienced. Typically, the exam prep class takes two days. On the flip side, online real estate classes provide you with ebooks and access to online instructors.
Once you feel prepared to take the state licensing test, you can sign up with your local real estate board for an exam date and time. The fee varies with states, but $100 is the average cost for taking the test. You can expect the real estate exam to take approximately two hours and cover 200 questions. It’s a computerized test, and you’ll be given scrap paper for math computations. Calculators are allowed. If you don’t pass the exam the first time, you can take it as many times as you need for a passing score. The test is computer scored, and you’ll know right away whether or not you’ve passed. If you do pass, the state realtor board will mail your real estate agent license in three to six weeks.
After you obtain your real estate license, it’s your responsibility to stay up-to-date with your state’s continuing education requirements and renewal requirements. It’s not uncommon for realtors to have to take continuing education credits every year. Topics typically cover ethics and new contracts. States also vary with license renewal procedures. Some states require licensed real estate agents to complete 30 hours of continuing education every two to three years for license renewal. Usually there is flexibility in the required courses. Agents can choose to take courses in subjects like core law and best practices.
After the License
With license in hand, you’re ready and likely anxious to get started. You’ll find that many realty firms will welcome you with open arms. After all, you’re the main source of their revenue. When deciding on what realty firm to get started with, it’s important to realize that all realty firms are not equal. Scheduling several appointments with different realty firms will give you an opportunity to get to know the broker in charge and compare offerings. As a new agent, there are many questions that you should have answered before making the decision on which firm you want to work for. Here’s a list of some important factors to consider:
Is there further real estate agent training and support for new agents?
The best realty companies will offer strong support for new agents, including meetings for training on prospecting, office procedures, office software and contracts.
What is the broker fee?
You’ll definitely want to know what percentage of a sale will go in your pocket.
Are leads provided?
As a new agent, this is very important, as you need time to cultivate your own buyer and seller list. Companies that offer leads for relocation and local prospects can help get you off to a lucrative start.
What are the required office duties?
Most realty firms will require that you be in the office on certain days for phone duty. Knowing this can help you with planning your schedule. Phone duty also gives you the opportunity to develop leads with call-ins along with assisting prospects who walk in.
Is there real estate training and assistance for marketing?
Becoming a successful real estate agent requires many types of marketing. Sending out postcards and flyers in the local neighborhoods is a great way to cultivate leads. However, the costs can add up. There are many leading realty firms that will pay for a certain amount of marketing materials per month.
Another option for realtors after they attain their real estate license is to go work for a new home builder. When the new home market is good, positioning yourself as a new home salesperson can be very lucrative. It’s not uncommon for new home salespersons to make over $100,000 per year. D.R. Horton, Pulte, Lennar, KB and Beazer are just a few of the top new home builders in the United States. These companies offer extensive training for their on-site salespeople. Salespeople typically have several of the builder’s communities to choose from. Much time is spent showing walk-in prospects the local area and properties.
Whether you decide to work for a realty firm or new home builder, becoming a real estate agent is a great way to start a new career and earn a great salary......Property Management Bendigo