How to Become a Real Estate Agent (part 2)

You’re first step in becoming a real estate agent is to study and become licensed. You will need to contact the appropriate state agencies to ensure that you meet the requirements necessary for your region. The requirements vary from state to state regarding licensing so it is imperative that you contact your state’s licensing board to find out what the requirements are. You can access the NAR’s listing of state boards here: National Association Realtors.

It is important to understand the difference between a real estate agent and a real estate broker. When you first enter the real estate field, you will become a real estate agent (sometimes referred to as a real estate salesperson). A real estate agent is not the same thing as a real estate broker. It typically takes between 40-100 hours of class time to become a real estate agent, while it takes several years of experience for a real estate agent to gain the knowledge it takes to become a real estate broker. All real estate agents that have become licensed must work under the supervision and authority of a real estate broker. When a realtor becomes licensed, he or she will need to join their local real estate board. Then they will become members of the National Realtors Association. Becoming a member of the National Realtors Association offers many benefits; from education and technology to discounts in nationwide stores. Members of the National Realtors Association agree to pledge allegiance to the NRA’s code of ethics. The code of ethics ensures that all realtors will deal fairly with the public, other realtors, and their clients. Since 1908, the National Realtors Association has grown into the world’s largest professional association and has members in over 60 countries. This is your essential lifeline to your new career as a realtor. All of the information that you need is provided to you through the NRA, as well as requirements, training, and resources for continuing your real estate education and pursuing other realty related licenses.

After you have passed your pre licensing exams and have become a licensed realtor, you will then need to find a broker who will sponsor you. You should be fully aware of the fact that you will need to look at your future real estate business as an investment. That means, that for the first few months to possibly a year, you will be spending money promoting your new business. You will also discover that there are many fees that you will need to pay. Consider that you will be paying a cost of nearly $1,000 to get started and nearly $5,000 to promote your new business. Since the real estate agent doesn’t earn money except by commission, it is imperative that you have enough money saved to back you while you are just starting out. In fact, it is recommended that you have at least six months worth of income saved to fall back on. Once you have found a broker to sponsor you and have dedicated your time to hard work, you will begin to see your efforts rewarded and enjoy the benefits of your career as a real estate agent.