Becoming a real estate agent is not an easy task. It takes hard work and dedication to get where you want to go. How Long Does It Take To Become Real Estate Agent? It will depend on how quick you can put in the work and dedicate yourself to succeeding in the task.
You can expect to get licensed and start working in the real estate industry in six months or less. However, you will need to understand the process in detail.
This article will discuss how long it takes to become a real estate agent, what’s required to become one, and all the steps you must take to make your dream a reality.
What Is a Real Estate Agent?
A real estate agent is a professionally licensed individual who acts as the intermediary between buyers and sellers of real estate property. They are responsible for helping clients find and purchase properties, negotiating deals, preparing contracts, and managing paperwork.
Is Becoming a Real Estate Agent Right for You?
Becoming a real estate agent is an important decision. You don’t just want to jump into it hastily. Do your research before you begin the process. Weigh the pros and cons of working as a realtor in your area.
Real Estate Agent Pros
Flexible hours: As a real estate agent, you can set your hours and work when it makes sense for your family.
Potential to make a lot of money: With the right skills and market knowledge, there is the potential to make a good living in real estate. If you work in high-end markets, you can sometimes secure six-figure commissions.
Opportunity to help people: As a real estate agent, you can help people find the perfect home and make their dreams a reality. You might also specialize in getting business owners into attractive office spaces.
Fun and exciting work: Working in real estate can be enjoyable while providing a fascinating atmosphere. You get to meet new people, explore different properties and negotiate deals.
Variety of career paths: There are various career paths in the industry. From residential to commercial and from leasing to property management, you will continuously discover something new to learn and explore.
Real Estate Agent Cons
The long hours: As a real estate agent, you may have to work long hours to meet client needs and deadlines. For example, you may have to work well into the evening and on the weekends.
High stress: Working in the real estate market can become stressful. You are responsible for meeting deadlines and ensuring everything goes smoothly with deals.
Commission-based pay structure: You make money through commission in real estate, meaning you don’t get a steady paycheck. You will need to find third-party health insurance and other benefits.
Competitiveness: The real estate market can be competitive. You may have to deal with pushy clients or agents.
Inconsistent work: You may not always have consistent work, so you will need to hustle to find new leads and stay on top of the market. Becoming great in real estate requires that you learn how to market well.
How Long Does It Take To Become Real Estate Agent??
The time it takes to become a real estate agent depends on how quickly you can complete the necessary steps. In most states, it takes between four and six months from start to finish.
Your State
Each state has different requirements for getting licensed as a real estate agent. In some states, you can do everything from the comfort of your home. Other states may require you to take more courses or visit a physical location. Some states may require more exams than others.
How Long It Takes You To Study for the License Exam
You will need to pass a state licensing exam before you can become a real estate agent. The amount of time it takes to study and prepare for the exam depends on how much prior knowledge you have, how well you understand the material, and how fast you can retain information while studying.
The crucial thing here is to remain honest with yourself when it comes to your ability to study. Don’t rush through the process. Take your time and do everything correctly the first time. Doing so can avoid frustration later when you fail the exam due to improper preparation.
Real Estate License Requirements
Although each state is slightly different, there are some universal factors to becoming a realtor. Generally speaking, you must meet these requirements to become a real estate agent.
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Attain US residency
- Complete a pre-licensing course
- Pass an exam
What Will You Learn During the Realtor Licensing Process?
The real estate licensing process provides you with the necessary knowledge to become a successful realtor. Here are some of the topics you will learn.
- Complete all paperwork involved in a real estate transaction
- Assist clients with financing options
- Understand how to value and appraise properties
- Navigate the legalities of buying and selling property
- Effectively market homes and negotiate deals
Another big topic is learning about the real estate laws that exist in your state. For example, you will learn how to handle landlord-tenant law, manage escrow accounts, and file the proper paperwork. Or, you might learn how to deal with foreclosure proceedings and protect yourself from liability.
The Five Main Steps To Take To Become a Real Estate Agent
Are you serious about becoming a real estate agent? Do you meet the age, residency, and high school education requirements we listed above? If so, here are further details about the five steps you will go through to meet your goal.
Step 1: Understand Your State’s Real Estate Licensing Requirements
The first step is understanding how your state handles getting real estate agents licensed. You should research online and talk to the licensing board in your state to get familiar with how the process works. It will help you determine how much time it will take for you to become a real estate agent.
Step 2: Enroll in a Real Estate Pre-licensing Course
Before you can apply to take the real estate exam, you must complete the pre-licensing course. The laws and regulations of your specific state will dictate your course topics. It will include instructions about how real estate transactions work and give you a good foundation for how to conduct yourself legally.
Research your state’s requirements and how long it may take to get licensed. Some states may require less than 50 hours, while others might make you invest 200 or more hours in pre-licensing and licensing classes. On average, it typically takes between 40 to 80 total logged hours.
You can complete it faster if you have some real estate knowledge or experience. Depending on how difficult you find the material, it could take anywhere from one week to several weeks of studying to feel prepared.
Step 3: Apply To Take the Real Estate Exam
After completing your pre-licensing course, you should apply to take the real estate exam. You must wait a specified period in your state before you can take the test. The time frame is typically two weeks to one month after completing the course. The application process will involve paying fees and filling out paperwork at the licensing board in your state.
Step 4: Pass the Real Estate Exam
You will take the real estate exam in a proctored environment. Expect it to take two to three hours to complete. The questions will cover all the topics you learned in your pre-licensing course, such as how to handle the paperwork for transactions or the appraisal process.
You must pass the exam with at least a minimum score before becoming a licensed real estate agent. Your state will determine its minimum score expectations for you.
Step 5: Find a Real Estate Office to Work With
Once you pass your real estate exam, find a real estate office you can work with. Usually, you will need to join a broker in your state before you can conduct business as a real estate agent.
A broker is someone with a real estate license who oversees agents in their office. They will assign you to the appropriate office, mentor you, and provide resources to help build your business. Pay attention to what your broker does on a day-by-day basis. You may want to become a broker in the future.
Additionally, you should understand how long you need to hold your license before you can become a broker. In some states, it takes only two years of experience with a realtor’s license before you can become a broker. In other states, the requirements might be longer or have additional qualifications you must meet.
Conclusion
Becoming a real estate agent is not always simple. However, it can become rewarding in terms of career and lifestyle opportunities. Though the amount of time it takes to become licensed varies by state, the typical time frame is between four and six months. Are you excited to begin your real estate journey? Start by investigating the requirements in your state today.
