What Do You Need to be a Real Estate Agent?

What are the requirements to be a real estate agent? Every individual brings something different to the job, but there are a few universal conditions you’ll have to meet.

To be eligible for a real estate license in most states, you need to be:

• At least 18 years old,
• A legal U.S. resident or citizen, and
• Able to meet the state’s moral and ethical standards.

The last requirement is called your “moral fitness.” They’ll look at your criminal, civil, and professional history. If you have blemishes in your past, it may still be possible to get a license, but you’ll need to be up-front about it.

To succeed in your new career, you’ll also need:

• Strong people skills
• Attention to detail
• The drive to be your own boss

How to Become a Real Estate Agent

Every state has a slightly different real estate licensing process, but every state requires you to:

1. Complete your state’s mandatory real estate education,
2. Pass your state’s real estate license exam,
3. Clear a fingerprint-based background check,
4. Submit a license application with the required fees, and
5. Find a real estate brokerage under which you can practice.

We’ll explore the process in more detail below, but it's important to check your state's license requirements on the real estate board or commission’s website. The order of the steps and the specific real estate agent requirements vary in every state.

Does Every Real Estate Agent Need the State’s Pre-License Courses?

There are a few special cases where you can get a real estate license without completing your state’s pre-license courses.

This may be the case if you:

• Have a college degree in business or finance,
• Are a licensed attorney,
• Have your real estate license in a state that offers reciprocity, or
• Are the spouse of active-duty military being moving to a new base.

Each state has very specific requirements for each of these cases, so check the real estate board’s website if you think you might qualify.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Real Estate Agent?

How quickly you can meet the requirements for earning your real estate license will depend on your state’s process, how much time you can devote to studying, the flexibility of your schedule, and more.

In many cases, you can earn your real estate license within six months. In some states, it’s possible to finish in as little as two or three months. Many states give you a maximum of one year to meet all requirements.

How Hard is it to Get Your Real Estate License?

Earning your real estate license will require determination and commitment, but most people can manage it if they study diligently and practice for the exam.

If your moral fitness is in question, it can be more difficult. Certain crimes, lawsuits, or professional reprimands will require you to get a moral fitness waiver. This blog article explores this issue and explains how to give yourself the best chance at a real estate license.

Getting your real estate license is an accomplishment you’ll need to work for, but once you have it, the real challenges begin. Learn more about the 9 Hardest Parts of Being a Real Estate Agent (and how to tackle them) on our blog.

How Much Does it Cost to Get a License and Become a Real Estate Agent?

The cost of earning your real estate license varies from state to state. In some places, you can get your license for under $500, while a few states require a financial commitment of at least $1,000. Most states are somewhere in between.

One big factor in your total cost will be your choice of real estate school. Online courses are more cost-effective than a classroom setting. They also provide more flexibility for your schedule and your learning style.

Once you’ve earned your license, you’ll essentially be launching your own business. While your brokerage will provide some resources, many of your business expenses will come directly out of your pocket.

Our 50-state cost guide breaks down the general costs associated with licensing, provides a ballpark for each state, and outlines the expenses you’ll encounter within the first few years as an agent.

You can also check out our individual state guides on the cost of a real estate license in Texas, Florida, New York, Georgia, and Virginia.

How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make?

As a real estate agent, your income will be based directly and entirely on the deals you close. You’ll get a standard commission for each transaction, minus brokerage fees and taxes.

This means it’s hard to predict any individual agent’s yearly income. It varies based on experience, skill, and market conditions. Check out our guide to salaries in all 50 states to learn the average income in your area and how you can maximize your earnings.

Should I Become a Real Estate Agent?

No one can answer this question but you! That said, our Real Estate Career Quiz can help you determine if you have the qualities necessary to succeed in the real estate business.

What is the Difference Between a Real Estate Agent and a Broker?

In most states, the entry-level real estate license is called a salesperson license, and people who hold one are “real estate agents.” A broker is usually the next license level up.

It’s worth noting that if you practice in Washington State, these roles are officially called “Broker” and “Managing Broker” instead of “Agent” and “Broker.”

Learn more about the Difference Between Real Estate Agents and Brokers on our blog.

What Careers Can You Get with a Real Estate License?

Most licensed real estate agents focus on buying and selling residential real estate, but there are many other directions you can go with your license. Check out our guide to real estate careers to learn more.