Realtor school how long

Once a real estate agent completes the licensing requirements in their state, the sky is truly the limit. The process, qualifications, cost, and timeline for becoming an agent differ from state to state, so it's important to understand exactly what it takes to begin this exciting career.

A real estate license allows realtors to legally sell, broker, or rent real estate to prospective tenants and buyers on behalf of a real estate brokerage. A real estate license is required to do this work, and the requirements to obtain one vary from state to state. According to the U. Yes, some states have online courses for completing your prerequisites. However, most states require the exam to be completed in person through a third-party exam provider.

Depending on your state, there will be designated cities and testing centers where you can take the real estate license exam. Once you apply to take the exam, your local real estate commission will provide you with those details. A real estate agent is a licensed real estate sales professional who is recognized by the state in which they work. Only those who are members of the NAR can be considered realtors. First, get your bearings. The requirements for pre-licensing courses and licensing applications are different in every state.

Check with your real estate commission to understand what's required to obtain your license. Classes are available in person and online, but your courses and school must be approved by your state's real estate licensing authority. Before you pay for a real estate school, make sure it's accredited and acknowledged by your state. If a reciprocity agreement exists, you may already meet the pre-licensing requirements. This doesn't mean you don't need a license in your new state — but you might be able to skip a step or two in the licensing process.

For example, Idaho has reciprocity agreements with Wyoming, Oregon, and Montana. If you have an Idaho real estate license, you're not required to take real estate pre-licensing courses if you're applying for a license in one of the other three states.

You are, however, required to take state-specific portions of the exam in Wyoming, Oregon, and Montana. Other parts of the country have reciprocity agreements in place as well — read this guide to learn more about these agreements if you're interested in taking your real estate license across state lines. Becoming a real estate agent requires time and financial investment. For example, some pre-licensing schools meet for a set number of classes over several weeks, while others allow you to move through courses at your own pace.

Know what your options are, and choose the one that's right for your lifestyle and schedule. District of Columbia. New Hampshire. New Jersey. New Mexico. Attending real estate school online also works well for those with busy schedules as you can log in and complete classes any day or time that works for you. In-person classes are ideal for those who enjoy having guidance and direction when learning a new industry and want in-person interaction with a teacher and other students.

Attending in-person classes may be challenging for those with extremely busy schedules, as you will have to attend classes on a certain day and time. If real estate is new to you and you anticipate having several questions, attending in-person classes may be helpful as you will have a teacher available to answer questions. Step 2: Research programs and ask other real estate agents you know how they obtained their real estate license, in person, or online.

You will most likely enroll through the real estate school on their website by inputting your contact information and payment details. They will then provide information regarding the next steps. If you enrolled in an online course, you will most likely log into a private portal that will provide access to the online videos you must complete. If it is an in-person class, they will provide information regarding when and where to go for your first class, what materials you should bring, etc. Pricing ranges state-by-state and school-by-school.

Every real estate school will have its own licensing structure in place. In some circumstances, attending real estate school online may be cheaper than in-person classes, and vice versa. In addition to attending classes online or in-person, you will also most likely need to purchase study materials including a textbook, flashcards, real estate exam preparation materials, and more. Some schools may have similar teaching methods and maybe equally rated, but one may be considerably cheaper than the other.

While real estate school is not considered terribly challenging, it does require focus and dedication. While attending real estate school, you will learn several new terms and concepts that you will have to study, memorize, and understand to pass the real estate exam.

You will also learn several mathematical equations that will also be on the test. Those who apply themselves, pay attention while attending in-person or online classes, and study the terms thoroughly should not have a problem completing the class, passing the exam, and obtaining their real estate license. Those who go the opposite route will most likely spend a considerable amount of time trying to study the terms, concepts, and equations on their own. While in real estate school, you will study various legal aspects of real estate as well as important industry practices.

You will study the processes behind buying, selling, closing, escrow, taxes, mortgages, and more. You will also learn about the various land descriptions along with how to acquire and transfer property.

You will study the legal disclosure policies that apply to your state and will be educated on legal and illegal practices in real estate. You will also study some mathematical equations, such as how to calculate acreage and square footage. While these equations are not difficult, they will require memorization in preparation for the real estate exam. You will also study the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits real estate discrimination based on religion, gender, age, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, veteran status, sexual orientation, and marital status.

You will study how to avoid unethical situations and learn how to ensure all clients are treated equally and fairly. An online real estate school can decrease the educational period from a few months to mere weeks. An accredited online real estate school will allow people to study at their own pace, whenever and wherever they chose. Coursework can be completed in significantly less time for motivated individuals.

Do your research to determine which is the best online real estate school. The application and exam process can also vary, adding anywhere from days to several weeks onto the time it takes to get a license.

Many states have automated the process of submitting your license application and taking your real estate exam. Some states will provide you test results and a temporary license at the test site. Choose the method that works best for your learning style and schedule. Also, do your research and be selective when it comes to picking a program. The quality of the instructors and materials will influence how well prepared you are to take the exam.

The exams are multiple-choice format , and the number of questions and time allotted for the exam vary by state. Each section is scored separately, and you must receive a passing grade on both sections to pass.

Each state has its own rules regarding the number of times you may retake an exam, how long you must wait between exams, and the deadline for completing any retakes. When your application is approved, the state will mail your real estate license certificate, and your name will be searchable under the licensees' section of its website.

Many people use the terms real estate agent and Realtor interchangeably, but they actually differ. Though both are licensed to help buyers and sellers throughout the real estate transaction process, Realtors are members of the National Association of Realtors NAR and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics.

The National Association of Realtors is the largest trade association in the U. Though membership is optional, being a Realtor can add to your credibility as a real estate agent. It includes information on zoning, permits, mortgage and lien data, schools, and a large database of foreclosures.

As a real estate agent, you work under the umbrella of a supervising broker who is licensed by the state to oversee real estate transactions and make sure you and the other real estate agents follow the required legal and ethical standards. Instead, the brokerage will likely pay you a percentage of the commissions it collects from your real estate transactions.

Depending on the arrangement you have with your brokerage, you may have to pay for desk fees, tech fees e. Getting a real estate license takes time and money, but it can help secure a rewarding job in the real estate industry.

Keep in mind that a career as a real estate agent can be as flexible as you want it to be. You can limit your hours to mornings three days a week or never work on weekends. The trade-off, of course, is that this will greatly limit your ability to be successful.

Though you can work part-time as a real estate agent, most successful practitioners treat it as a full-time business, making themselves available to clients throughout the week and on weekends. For increased flexibility and career opportunities, you may eventually decide to get your broker license. You may also want to consider the variety of real estate designations and certifications available, including those specific to mortgages , appraisals, residential property, commercial property, and property management.

These designations can enhance your career and marketability as a real estate professional and increase your earning potential. National Association of Realtors. California Association of Realtors.