For people in search of a reliable job that will deliver a solid middle-class income, few careers offer as much promise as real estate.
Unlike other professions, which require multiple degrees and years of training to enter, it is possible to become a realtor relatively quickly. Furthermore, the financial investment required is relatively negligible, putting a career in real estate within reach of even low-income individuals.
So what is involved in becoming a realtor, and what steps should people interested in working in real estate take to launch their careers? In this article, you will learn about the three main requirements for receiving your real estate license, and how you can start practicing in 2019.
Take the Real Estate Course
In order to be eligible to take the licensing exam, you first need to take an approved real estate course designed to meet the requirements of your licensing jurisdiction (each state has its own requirements, as real estate law varies from state to state). Fortunately, in states like Texas, California, and New York, you can take your classes online and on your own time, which means you can prepare for your new career without quitting your day job.
Pass the Real Estate Licensing Exam
Once you have completed your real estate course, you can apply to take the state exam. Most exams are multiple-choice, with a minimum passing grade of seventy percent. Depending on which real estate school you sign up for, you may have the option of purchasing test prep packages designed to help you ace the exam on your first try.
Get Your License
Having passed the exam, you are ready to receive your very own real estate license. This is what will allow you to be hired by brokerages and start doing deals, and it is your ticket into the booming real estate industry.
Find a Sponsoring Brokerage
Once you have completed all these steps, you are ready to start working in the industry. But in order to do so, you will need to find a brokerage that is willing to take you on. In most states, realtors cannot operate independently and need to be working under a broker in order to make deals.
There are thousands of brokerages operating across the country, from massive national firms like Edward Jones to local companies that specialize in a particular area or type of housing stock. Choosing a broker who aligns with your interests is the best way to launch your career in the industry.
The median salary of relators is around $45,000 per year, but it is not uncommon for realtors to make significantly more than that. In fact, many realtors make upwards of $70,000, making real estate one of the few jobs that guarantee successful workers a healthy middle-class income.
If you want to start your career in real estate in 2019, get started by taking the real estate course today!
