One of the most common questions people ask themselves before becoming a real estate agent is “how long does it take to get a real estate license?”
Well, one thing is for sure. It does not happen overnight. However, getting a real estate license also does not take as long as some other professional licenses.
Before you become a licensed real estate agent, you are not required to have a bachelor’s degree. All you need to pursue a career in the real estate industry is a high school diploma.
In fact, a couple of states do not even need it.
Why Should You Become a Real Estate Agent?
If you’re reading this article, you have probably decided that you want to become a real estate agent. However, why do people want to become one?
First of all, as a real estate agent, you have a lot of options. You will not be doing the same thing every day. You will visit a lot of houses, work with various clients, and more.
Furthermore, you get to be your own boss. You’ll enjoy the satisfaction of helping sellers and buyers navigate through one of the biggest events of their lives.
According to statistics, the median pay for a real estate agent is around $49,000 a year.
Real estate agents with more experience, testing, and education average $62,000 a year. On the other hand, the highest 10% of agents earn more than $100,000 a year.
It’s easy to get into the industry. Unlike other careers that need a college degree, getting your real estate license is quite affordable and quick.
So, how long does it take to get a real estate license? Here are several factors that can affect the length of the process.
Real Estate License Exam Process and Application
Before you can get a license, you will need to pass an exam and application. However, the process differs from state to state.
This factor adds around days to weeks to the time you need to get your license. A lot of states have automated processes of submitting the application and getting the exam.
A couple of states will offer you a temporary license and the results of your exam at the test site. If you live in a state that doesn’t have automated processes yet, you’ll have to mail your application.
Aside from that, you’ll also have to wait for them to release the exam results. Lastly, you’ll have to wait for them to send you the license.
In every state, as you start your career, you will need to collaborate with a real estate broker. In a couple of states, you will have to look for an agent who could sponsor you before taking the exam.
Real Estate License School
Another factor that affects how long it takes to get your real estate license is where you acquire your real estate education.
One option is a traditional real estate school. Just like a normal school, you will take courses inside a classroom with other students.
On most occasions, the education requirements of a traditional school setting can be accomplished in 4 to 6 months. However, this depends on the state that you’re in and the number of hours offered a week.
Another option you can choose is an online real estate school. This option will lower the educational period from 4-6 months to just weeks.
An accredited online real estate school will enable you to study at your own pace. You can also study wherever and whenever you want.
You can finish the courses in a lot less time, especially if you’re motivated. You should do your homework to figure out which is the ideal real estate school for you.
Should You Choose a Traditional or Online School?
As mentioned above, real estate courses can be offered by state-approved 3rd-parties, professional schools, and local colleges.
A choice you’ll have to make is if you want to take the course in a traditional setting or online. The option you pick will affect the time it takes to meet the educational needs.
Traditional classes at a local college or real estate school will be taken over the course of a semester. On the other hand, online classes enable you to go at your own pace. Thus, you can finish the course in weeks if you’re motivated enough.
Real Estate Education Requirements
The education requirements to become a real estate agent can significantly differ from state to state. But these 20 soft skills are a must in order to succeed in real estate.
In a couple of states, the needed coursework to be eligible to join a real estate exam is huge. A couple of them might even need a degree in college.
Luckily, you should not worry because that isn’t the norm.
Almost every state has a required number of hours of particular lessons that you have to complete at a qualified and official real estate school.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Real Estate License?
After doing all of these things, how long can you get your license? In general, finishing the educational aspect will take around 4-6 months.
Always keep in mind that the length of time you need to complete your education, pass the exam, and finish the application process greatly varies by state and yourself.
If you choose to get your education at an accredited online school, you can make the process faster. However, you can also make it slow, especially if you procrastinate.
Finishing the licensing application process and passing the exam might take a bit of time. However, you should expect to begin your career in just a couple of months.
Conclusion
Acquiring a real estate license will require money and time. However, it can help secure a rewarding job in the industry. Aside from that, being a real estate agent can be flexible as well.
There are a couple of factors that affect how long you’ll get your real estate license. However, if you don’t delay the process, you’ll get your license as soon as possible.
Author Bio:
Author Name: Liran Koren
I’m Liran Koren. I’m a real estate pro and co-founder of Luxury Property Care. I believe that through common work we can create a healthy ecosystem, that serves investors, landlords and even tenants altogether.
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