Real EstATE sPECIFIC

The licensing requirements vary from state to state. Check out our State Licensing Requirements FAQs for a comprehensive list.

Yes, most states require licensees to be at least 18 years old. 

We have a list of licensing requirements on each of our course Pre-licensing pages. Those are specific to the corresponding state. You can also find a detailed list at that state’s real estate commission website. 

If you are licensing in a different state, your path to licensure may be a bit easier. Some states share license reciprocity or have license recognition. You could check with that state’s real estate commission to see what options are available to you.

You would need to complete your state licensing courses and satisfy any other requirements they have for licensure. You would also need to become a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to use the REALTOR designation.

A sales agent is licensed to represent buyers and sellers in their respective states. A REALTOR is also a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). 

Yes, there are lots of real estate agents out there that keep their full or part time jobs and also work in real estate. 

Finding the right brokerage could be the difference between success and failure. You can talk to as many brokerages as you like before you make the decision on where to hold your license. 

You can check with your real estate commission. They will have your records on file and can tell you what courses and hours you need each renewal period. 

Real Estate agents are paid using a commission structure. The pay for an agent can vary wildly but according to the National Association of Realtors, the medium gross income was $54,330 in 2022.

It is recommended to have your fingerprints taken at a law enforcement office. That could be a state police, local, or sheriff’s department.

Each state’s real estate commission will have a set process for completing the criminal background check. That information will be given to you in the course document vault.

You will send your background check report to the commission, most require this to be sent with your license application. 

Your fingerprints will be sent to the FBI or State police for processing, depending on what your state requires. 

It is very beneficial to be apart of the MLS as an agent, some brokerages require it.

Joining the board of Realtors will allow you access to their MLS system. They also offer various free resources. Some brokerages will require you to be apart of the board of Realtors. 

E&O is Errors and Omissions insurance. This protects you and your clients from honest mistakes that can arise while working as an agent. 

Most real estate commissions require you to carry E&O insurance. This protects you, as an agent, and your clients from honest mistakes.

The cost of E&O insurance can vary from state to state and also from brokerage to brokerage. Your state’s real estate commission can give you a good idea of how much this will cost in your area. 

The cost to get started will vary widely. Your location, brokerage, and personally preferences can input your initial cost.   For a deeper look, check out our article on costs to being an agent in our Career Corner!

Our pre-license courses are the first step towards any niche in real estate, including commercial real estate.

A broker works under a managing broker to represent buyers and sellers in a transaction. A managing broker is not require to work with another managing broker to represent buyers and sellers. Managing brokers can also hire broker agents to work under their brokerage. 

A sales agent works under a broker to represent buyers and sellers in a transaction. A broker is not require to work with another broker to represent buyers and sellers. Brokers can also hire sales agents to work under their brokerage.