Want to know how to become a Real Estate Agent? If so, you’re in the right place! In this article, we outline each step of the process and explain what you need to do to get started on your new career path.
Take your time and read through the steps carefully — they’re written in a way that makes them easy to follow, even if you have never considered becoming a real estate agent before! Once you are done reading, head over to our Find Your Career Tool where you can take an assessment and find out which careers might be right for you! Good luck on your journey!
1) Research your state’s requirements
There are many requirements that need to be fulfilled before you can become a real estate agent. These requirements vary from state-to-state. Some of these requirements might include training courses, exams or other qualifications. Be sure to research your state’s requirements before continuing on the process.
Most states require real estate agents to pay application fees in order to receive their license. If you’re wondering if these fees are required, be sure to ask your state’s real estate office.
Not only can they provide you with all of your state-specific requirements, but they can also help you with any pre-licensing requirements, such as education courses or background checks. Some states may even offer incentives for people that fulfill certain requirements or provide them with college grants.
These types of benefits might be particularly helpful if going into real estate was a sudden decision for you. Although most of these benefits are country specific, it’s definitely worth looking into.
2) Take the required pre-licensing courses
You’ll need to take pre-licensing courses that are approved by the state in which you live. This will give you the knowledge required for selling real estate. Courses typically last two days, but can be completed online.
3) Pass the state licensing exam
Pass the state licensing exam. It’s the first step to becoming a real estate agent. The exam will cover state-specific topics in real estate, such as contracts, land use, property law, agency relationships, and more. You can find out about your state’s requirements for passing the exam on the National Association of Realtors website.
Next, you’ll need to get approved for your state’s real estate license. This usually means taking additional education classes or passing an exam about local laws. You can find out more about your state’s requirements on your state’s real estate commission website. If you pass, you’ll receive your real estate license!
4) Join a real estate broker
The broker will typically require you to work on their team for a period of time in order to get enough experience before they feel comfortable giving you your own leads. Expect an apprenticeship where you will be answering phones and doing administrative tasks until the broker feels like it’s time for you to start getting leads from potential customers on your own.
5) Get fingerprinted and pass a background check
Visit the website of your state’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. From there, you can locate a list of licensing requirements for real estate agents in your state.
You’ll need to get fingerprinted and pass a background check, so make sure you have all the necessary documentation on hand. You may also need a broker license. This is usually required if you want to be an agent with a company like Century 21 or Re/Max. The site will also mention any prerequisites needed for these licenses, such as passing an exam or taking a course in real estate law.
6) Complete continuing education courses
You must complete continuing education courses to maintain your license. You should also consider taking additional courses that help you learn about the latest trends in the market.
It is important for real estate professionals to have an understanding of new technologies and how they can be applied in the industry. Finally, there are courses that teach agents how to avoid fraudulent activities within their profession, which can help them protect their clients as well as themselves.
7) Choose your real estate niche
There are many paths you can take when it comes to becoming a real estate agent. The first step is choosing the niche you want to work in. Some of the most popular choices are residential, commercial, industrial, or investment!
After you choose your real estate niche, you can begin studying for your license! In most countries, it’s essential to get your license before starting out. When choosing an educational provider, you’ll want to check that they are accredited by a recognized organization like The Real Estate Institute in Australia or International Association of Realtors in USA. Studying full time can take around six months and part time may take more than two years so it’s important to plan ahead.
8) Develop a marketing plan
Marketing is a critical part of your work. To make sure you are marketing yourself effectively, it is important to develop a marketing plan. This plan should be based on the four Ps: product, price, place, and promotion.
1) Product – Marketing yourself includes showcasing your skills as a real estate agent. If you have access to properties for sale in an area where there are few agents competing for buyers, you may want to emphasize that fact.
2) Price – How much do people need to know about the process of buying or selling a home? You may want them to know everything they can–or just enough information so they will contact you if they want more help.
3) Place – Where do people go when they are looking for information? Some places include newspapers, magazines, TV stations, web sites (both locally and nationally), business cards, yard signs (depending on the local regulations), and listings (again both locally and nationally).
4) Promotion – Once you’ve developed your product, set a price for it, put it in the right place with the right packaging to attract attention–then promote! Consider options such as advertising in social media posts , or sponsoring neighborhood watches.
9) Invest in real estate technology
The real estate industry is rapidly changing. Technology has brought about new ways for agents to work with clients. However, technology can be expensive. Invest in real estate technology that will help you find listings, make calls, send emails, draft contracts and more.
Tools range from client relationship management software that can help you manage your contacts and follow-ups with buyers, sellers, brokers and agents, to tools that can offer you in-depth information about property values. Be sure to read reviews of various products before making any final decisions. Remember: It’s worth investing in technology for your business if it increases productivity or helps you stand out from competitors. You might pay more up front, but it could yield greater returns later.
10) Join a professional organization
Joining a professional organization is a great way to expand your network, learn best practices in the industry, develop your skillset, and find leads. There are many different organizations to choose from, so do some research on their membership benefits before deciding which organization is right for you. Some of the top organizations in the industry are:
– National Association of Realtors (NAR)
– National Association of Brokers (NAB)
– National Apartment Association (NAA)
– Council of Residential Specialists (CRS)
– Women’s Council of Realtors (WCR)
There are also some state-specific organizations that might be worth exploring if you plan on working in a certain area.
11) Consider taking additional courses
If you’re thinking about becoming an agent, the best thing you can do is start learning as much as possible. One way to do that is by taking additional courses. Courses are available online and in person, so it’s important that you choose whichever type of education fits your needs best. For example, if you’re considering becoming an agent in order to work alongside your spouse who is also an agent, then you might want to take courses in-person at a local school.
However, if you’re planning on starting your career from scratch or don’t need the personal touch of taking courses in person, then taking courses online would be better.
12) Get involved in your community
Volunteering in your community is a great way to not only get involved but also develop relationships with professionals in the real estate industry. It’s important to start networking as soon as possible, and if you’re able to build up a strong network of contacts before you graduate, that will be easier. Plus, volunteering your time can help you understand what it’s like being on the other side of the transaction. Volunteering at events such as open houses or charity auctions are good ways for beginners to get started.
13) Build your referral network
The best way to grow your business is by referrals, which means that you need to build your referral network. This can be done in many ways, including:
– Giving each of your clients an informational packet with your contact information.
– Educating yourself on the neighborhood so you can make valuable recommendations.
– Following up with clients after they’ve moved in or out of the house they purchased from you.
– Checking in with clients that have recently been through a major life event (e.g., birth of new child, divorce).
– Working hard at being responsive and friendly when people contact you for the first time.
– Trading phone numbers with other brokers or real estate agents so they can refer their clients to you instead of trying their luck elsewhere.
14) Stay up to date on industry news
Stay up to date on industry news. This way, you’ll be aware of what’s happening in the real estate world. For example, new construction projects might require new agents to apply for pre-sale opportunities. You can also read up on what the latest trends are in terms of home design or remodels. Knowledge is power when it comes to your career!
15) Celebrate your successes
Celebrate your successes. Recognize your accomplishments. Successful agents are mindful of their strengths, know their weaknesses, and use them to achieve goals. Acknowledge what you’ve done so that you can do more in the future.