How to become a real estate agent

What does a real estate agent do?

Real estate agents help clients buy, sell, or rent residential or commercial properties. A real estate agent represents the buyer or the seller in a real estate transaction. Working for a real estate broker with a licensed real estate business, a real estate agent must be informed about the real estate market in the area where they work. Some of the responsibilities of a real estate agent may include:

• Soliciting prospective clients to buy, sell, or rent properties
• Consulting with clients on market conditions, prices, mortgages, and other information
• Advertising properties through listing services and open houses
• Facilitating negotiations between buyers and sellers
• Drafting purchase agreements, lease agreements, and other documents

Steps to become a real estate agent

To become a real estate agent you must be at least 18 years old and a legal US resident. Although details differ depending upon the state in which you work, these steps must be followed to become a real estate agent:

Step 1: Earn a bachelor's degree

Real estate agents must have a high school diploma or GED. While a college degree is not required to become a real estate agent, it can help you learn the business and communication skills necessary for the job. A bachelor's degree in business, finance, marketing, accounting, or psychology may be helpful in becoming a real estate agent.

Step 2: Know your state's real estate licensing requirements

Real estate licensing requirements vary from state to state. Check with your state's real estate commission for its specific licensing requirements. Be aware that reciprocity does not usually exist from one state to another. You must fulfill the pre-licensing requirements for each state in which you wish to work as a real estate agent. It is recommended that you find a real estate broker to work with early in the licensure process, as you will need them to sponsor you once you have completed licensure requirements.

Step 3: Take a pre-licensing real estate course

Each state has its own education requirements that you must complete to qualify for licensure. Depending upon your state's mandates, you may choose to complete a real estate licensing course offered in-person or online. Topics covered may include real estate law, property types and ownership, valuation, financing, ethics, and real estate calculations.

Step 4: Pass the real estate licensing exam

Once you have completed your real estate education, you must pass the real estate licensing exam for each state where you wish to practice. You must pay an examination fee when you register for the exam. Depending on your state's requirements, you may also need to pass a background check. You will likely be tested on your knowledge of state-specific real estate law, real estate math and calculations, and English language skills.

Step 5: Work for a real estate broker

After fulfilling your state's real estate licensure requirements, you must work with your sponsoring real estate broker to complete and submit the necessary documents. Once the state real estate commission has accepted your documents, you will receive a license to work as a real estate agent in that state. You must work under the management of your sponsoring real estate broker as long as you maintain an active real estate license and choose to be affiliated with that broker.