Real Estate License

Most people who are buying or selling their home or condo will engage the services of a real estate agent.  Real estate agents in most states are licensed and must adhere to not only state laws but federal laws as well.  To get a real estate license in any state is no easy task and by passing the exam indicates the work involved and the level of professionalism of the person who has chosen this as their profession.

There are certain requirements to obtain a real estate license and most states will follow similar guidelines.  Listed below are the most common requirements:

1. You must be at least 21 years old.
2. You must be a high school graduate or equivalent (GED)
3. Successfully complete the pre-license 45 hour basic transactions real estate education course.
4. Pass the state exam.
5. Be sponsored by a licensed broker.

The first two of these requirements are self-explanatory but the rest need a little more information to understand if you are interested in getting a real estate license.  The 45 day pre-license course is mandatory in some states.  It will cover all areas of real estate transactions including financing, real property laws and ethics among others.  Today the course can be completed a number of different ways but most commonly is done online.  The next area that needs explanation is the state exam.  State exams can be difficult and lengthy but are necessary to insure the professionalism of each agent.  Once you have passed the exam you will need to be sponsored by a licensed broker in the state you intend to practice.  This simply means that you will work under the umbrella of a licensed broker who is responsible for your actions.  Getting your real estate license can be time-consuming, costly and no easy task but the benefits far outweigh the efforts.