How Long Does It Take To Get A Real Estate License 

If you have decided to get a real estate license, the next question is usually how long it takes to get one. You surely want to know that to estimate how long it will take before you begin to benefit from your education.

The passion to be a licensed real estate agent, satisfy your clients, and make them happy should be your focus. However, you’ll also learn the requirement to get a real estate license.

Real estate is the property, land, buildings, air rights above the land, and underground rights below the land. The term real estate means real or physical property. “Real” comes from the Latin root res or things.

The process, qualifications, cost, and timeline for becoming an agent differ from state to state.

So, it’s important to consult your local real estate bureau to learn exactly what steps you’ll need to take.

Just take your time and carefully read through the article. We have compiled every detail you need to know on how long it takes to get a real estate license in 2024.

So, before we continue, let’s review the table of contents below to get an overview of what the article entails.

What Is Real Estate?

Real estate is “property consisting of land and the buildings on it, with its natural resources such as crops, minerals or water; immovable property of this nature; an interest vested in this an item of real property, buildings or housing in general. 

What Is Real Estate License?

Real estate license is an authorization issued by the state government gives agents and brokers the legal ability to represent a home seller or buyer in the process of buying or selling real estate. Real estate agents and brokers must be licensed when handling real estate transactions in the United States and many other countries.

What Does A Licensed Real Estate Agent Do?

A real estate agent, as defined by Cambridge Dictionary, is a person whose business is to arrange the selling or renting of houses, land, offices, or buildings for their owners.

Each day is unique and different for a real estate agent. While this can be an appealing aspect of the real estate profession, there are different things a real estate agent does each day.

There are a number of administrative tasks that are at the core of a well-run real estate business. A good real estate agent:

• Keeps up with local and regional market activity and industry news
• Researches active, pending, and sold listings and reviews the daily MLS Hot Sheet or Activity Report
• Completes, submits, and files paperwork, such as real estate documents, agreements, and records, with the proper state agencies.
• Plans and coordinates appointments, open houses, showings, and meetings with clients and other real estate agents
• Develops marketing plans for listings and creates fliers, newsletters, and other promotional collateral
• Responds to incoming emails and phone calls
• Update websites, social media profiles, and blogs

What Is The Pros And Cons Of Getting License For Real Estate?

Real estate is a career with significant rewards and many more challenges. Though it can be lucrative and it requires more hard work and sacrifice.

However, we have put down some pro and cons, in case you are interested to go into real estate.

Pros

• You have the flexibility to choose your own schedule: In real estate, you are your own boss and you can arrange your day so that you can be able to do anything you want to do.
• You have unlimited income potential: The stronger your business skills are, and the more you put into the career, the more you’ll get out of it.
• Also, you get help and make dreams come true. As a real estate professional, you can be part of some of life’s biggest moments with your clients. You help them find that perfect home that will be in their family’s memories forever. It can be exciting and motivating.

Cons

• You have no safety net in a low period: Your earning is based on your transaction each month, so if you have a slow month, your takeaway is less.
• Buying and selling can be stressful for clients: Most clients won’t buy and sell homes regularly, and any purchase is a significant financial decision. This can make tensions run high, especially if your clients are conflicted about what to do.
• Without a set hour, you might end up working more

How Much Does A Licensed Real Estate Agent Earn?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average real estate agent earns $45,990 each year, but the range in income is massive. One-tenth of real estate agents earned less than $23,000, and 10% earned more than $110,000.

It is important to note that some real estate agents only work on a part-time basis, but must work a full 40 hours per week.

You can check this How Long It Take To Become A Real Estate Agent

How Long Does It Take To Get A Real Estate License?

A real estate license can be earned and at a fraction of the cost and in much less time than it takes to earn a traditional degree.

It allows realtors to legally sell, broker, or rent real estate to proposed tenants and buyers on behalf of a real estate brokerage.

So for you to legally work in real estate, you must procure a real estate license in the states where you want to work, as requirements vary from state to state.

In other words, we will break down the factors determining how long it will take to get a real estate license.

Real Estate Education Requirement

Educational requirements can vary greatly from one state to the next. In some states, the required coursework to qualify to sit for the real estate examination is extensive. Some may even require a college degree; however, this is not the standard. 

Most states have a needed number of hours of specified coursework that must be completed at an approved, accredited real estate school.

The real estate pre-licensing coursework can be completed in weeks in many states. While some states are 60 to 90 hours.

Real Estate License School

The place you can get your real estate education will also contribute to how long it takes to get your real estate license. Option one is a traditional real estate school where you can take courses in the classroom.

Also, depending on your state and the number of hours offered per week. In most situations, the educational requirements in a classroom setting can be completed in 4-6 months.

The second option is an online real estate school which can decrease the educational period from a few months to a small week.

It allows people to learn at their own pace, anytime, anyplace, through the accredited online real estate school. Also,  Coursework can be completed in significantly less time for motivated individuals. 

Real Estate License Application And Exam Process

The application and exam process can vary, depending on the state. It can be either day to several weeks until the time it takes to get a license. Many states have automated the process of submitting the license application and taking the real estate exam. While some state provides both your test result and temporary license at the test site.

Also, States that have not yet upgraded to an automated licensing system will still need mailing of applications, wait for exam results to be released, and wait for the license to be sent to the broker of record.

Note: In most states, you will have to work with a real estate broker as you begin your career. While in some states, you will need a broker who can sponsor you before you take the licensing test.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Real Estate License In Ca?

Once you have decided to get your California real estate license and you want to make it happen as quickly as possible is understandable. Note that the timeline is mostly dictated by the California Department of real estate(DRE), but something will be in your control.

However, below, you will see how long it takes to get a real estate license in California.

Completing The Required Real Estate Courses

The DRE requires all applicants to take three college-level real estate courses, But you can speed things up by taking the courses at a DRE-approved private real estate school.

However, courses taken at an institution of higher learning are either three-semester units or four quarter units. This means each course is either three hours a week for a semester unit (15-16 weeks) or four hours a week for a quarter unit (10-11 weeks). 

Correspondence courses must be 45 hours each, working at your own pace. But (and this is a big but) the DRE mandates that a single course can’t be completed in less than 2.5 weeks.

So, if you plan to focus most of your time on completing the education, the shortest time frame is 7.5 weeks for completing correspondence courses.

Wait Time For Application Process

As soon as you complete the required real estate courses, it’s a good idea to get your Exam Application submitted. You’ll need to gather certifications or transcripts proving you fulfilled the education requirement. If anything is missed, your application approval will be delayed. It typically takes the DRE 6-8 weeks to process applications.

Applicants must also submit fingerprints from a live scan service provider when applying for a license.

If you want to speed up your application, you must submit the combination exam and license application and pay for them both at once. But you won’t have to submit a separate license application after taking the exam.

Getting The Exam Schedule

After submitting your application, you can choose the DRE to schedule your exam for the earliest date or schedule yourself after getting approval. The DRE notes that taking to self-schedule can lower the application processing time.

Exams are held in five locations across the state and are typically given weekly.

Passing The Exam

The exam will be a week or so after the application approval. So give yourself plenty of time on exam day to do a final study session and get to the test location at least 30 minutes before the exam starts.

You’ll be given three hours and 15 minutes to take the test. Waiting for the result is a lot quicker. You’ll find out whether you passed as soon as you’re done. Anything that’s 70% or higher is considered a passing score. 

Didn’t pass? Don’t worry; it happens. You can retake the exam as often as needed within two years of submitting your application.

How Long Does It Take To Get your Real Estate License In Texas?

Working in real estate can be lucrative while still giving you the time to do other things or other business.

Texas needs real estate agents to be licensed, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills to guide buyers and sellers through a complex transaction.

Getting a real estate license in Texas takes four to six months. But, you can complete the requirement in 8 weeks if you are committed to an intense study schedule.

Below are the process for getting your real estate license in Texas.

You can read this How to Get into Dartmouth: Tips, Requirement, Essay samples

Qualifying To Be A Real Estate Agent

To qualify, you need to be up to 18 years old, a resident of Texas, a U.S. citizen, or a lawfully admitted immigrant; also need to meet the Texas Real Estate Commission’s standards for honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity.

All license applicants must undergo a TREC criminal background check once they apply. Still, suppose anything in your background could raise a red flag, such as criminal offenses or unpaid judgments. In that case, you should request a Moral Character Determination before beginning the process.

Education Requirement For Licensing

If you meet the qualification, getting a realtor license in Texas needs completing 180 hours of real estate education. You must complete the following courses:

• Principles of Real Estate I (30 classroom hours)
• Principles of Real Estate II (30 classroom hours)
• Law of Agency (30 classroom hours)
• Law of Contracts (30 classroom hours)
• Promulgated Contract Forms (30 classroom hours)
• Real Estate Finance (30 classroom hours).

So, if you take an in-person course, it follows a semester calendar, meaning you can complete your requirements in a few months.

You could also opt for a self-paced course, usually delivered online, which allows you to complete the classroom requirements on your own timetable in a few weeks.

License Application And Testing

So, after the classroom education, you must submit your application and submit to a background check.

However, you can submit your application online or through paper application, but an online application is preferred because it takes just two to three weeks to process.

Once you have processed your application, you will get a TREC ID number which will authorize you to take the exam and be fingerprinted. Do this immediately so that TREC can conduct the background check while you prepare for your exam.

You must schedule an exam date and time with Pearson VUE at a testing center near you to take the exam. You can take the computer-based test as soon as you are ready and receive your scores immediately.

How Long Does It Take To Get Florida Real Estate License?

The time it takes to get a Florida real estate license sale associate may vary sometimes. It may take up to a few months to complete the 63 hours of pre-licensing coursework; you will need to find a sponsoring broker, go through the application process, and take the licensing application.

Benefits Of Getting a Licence For Real Estate

If you have a tough time deciding whether the investment to get a real estate license is worth it or not. then it will be good to list down the benefits. In addition, the benefits of a real estate license are not something you can ignore.

Here are the benefits of getting a license for real estate

• You can earn an extra income
• You will gain access to more details: Getting your license opens doors to deals you may have never thought of before. Instead of waiting for your Realtor to alert you of new deals, you will be the first point of contact.
• Getting a license for real estate will expand your contact network: You will have the opportunity to develop contacts internally at banks that could give you the inside track for bank-owned properties. The more people you can meet, the greater your chance of closing more deals.
• Your business knowledge will increase: Knowing how the real estate side works will give insight into how to structure a contract and even what to look for in a property.
• Also, you can earn commission: If you close just six investment deals a year and act as the realtor, you are saving and making over $10,000. Since you would buy these properties anyway, extra income could be added to your business. 

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FAQS

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, real estate is a career with significant rewards and many more challenges. Though it can be lucrative and it requires more hard work and sacrifice.

Therefore, everything you need on how long it takes to get a real agent license in penned down in this article, and i believe it will go a long way for you.

REFERENCES

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Real_estate_license
• https://www.realestateexpress.com/career-hub/become-a-real-estate-agent/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-real-estate-license/
• https://www.kapre.com/resources/real-estate/just-what-does-a-real-estate-agent-do/
• https://www.fortunebuilders.com/5-advantages-to-getting-your-real-estate-license/
• https://thecollegeinvestor.com/22356/real-estate-agents-money/

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