(Newswire.net — December 6, 2022) — Are you planning on becoming a real estate agent in Texas? If so, this is the guide for you. These will be the tips that you will need to follow according to the real estate experts we know.
You can have an exciting and rewarding career helping people buy the home of their dreams. Or you can help someone sell their home so they can start a new chapter in their life. If you plan on getting into real estate in the future, check out the following tips below.
Get coaching from people who know the industry
Even if you become a real estate agent, you’ll be working with people who might be investing in it. This means taking advantage of real estate investment coaching. You’ll be able to know the ins and outs of the entire investing process.
This way, you can be the go-to real estate agent for new and seasoned investors. You’ll understand the lingo and be able to work with those who are looking to get the best return on investment for their properties.
You need to be at least 18 years of age
This is the minimum age requirement to apply for a real estate license in the state of Texas. You will need to perform a fitness determination before the application is submitted. This is in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC).
Complete 180 hours of education in real estate
Education is necessary for those who want to become real estate agents. The TREC requires that you complete at least 180 hours of the required education needed. This will help you understand the basics of real estate including the laws, regulations, property types, and more.
At the end of the course, you’ll be able to apply for the Texas Real Estate License Exam. Kaplan offers four different real estate courses that will go towards your 180-hour requirement that you need to fulfill.
Find a licensed broker for sponsorship
A licensed broker in Texas will need to sponsor you in your efforts of becoming a real estate agent. You and the sponsor will need to complete a request form that can be filled out online. Once approved, you can move on to the next steps that will bring you closer to becoming a real estate agent.
Submit your application for the exam and fingerprints
Your next step will be to submit your application for your license exam. You will then need to schedule an appointment to take the exam itself. You will also need to schedule for getting fingerprinted (which is standard procedure for prospective real estate agents).
A background check is required for all prospective real estate clients. This will ensure that you don’t have a criminal background. You may be disqualified if you have been convicted of any crimes that may pertain to real estate or any financial transactions.
Other criminal activities that you may have been convicted within the past may also disqualify you from becoming a real estate agent in Texas.
Study for the exam
It’s always a good idea to study for the exam. The more you prepare, the more confident you’ll feel about taking it and successfully passing it. You can also take prep classes designed for the exam itself.
You can take it to live or on-demand depending on what your schedule permits. Don’t skip out on the opportunities to study for what might be the most important exam of your real estate career.
You can also take onsite real estate exam prep courses at local community colleges where available. Check to see what the class schedule is and whether or not it fits yours.
Take the exam
Next, you can take the state exam. After you’ve passed and your fingerprints are filed, you will receive an active or inactive real estate license from TREC. This will be delivered to you via email.
Please note that your license may end up in the spam folder of your email inbox. So keep your eyes open for both the main inbox and the spam folder until you receive the license itself.
How much will it cost to become a real estate agent?
Becoming a real estate agent in Texas will come at a price. If you need to know what the expenses are, here’s what you’ll be expected to pay for each part:
Education: Real estate school costs will vary depending on the institution. It’s important to find one based on your budget. For example, Austin Community College will offer an onsite course for $1020 for those residing in the district. Meanwhile, CE Shop offers an online course that you can access 24/7. The cost will be $519.
Application fee: The application fee for your Texas real estate license will be $205 as of 2022. This can include an additional $20 if you apply for it using a paper application.
Real estate recovery fee: This will be due along with the initial applications. The fee is $10.
How long does my application get processed?
According to TREC, you can expect your application process to last 2 to 3 weeks. During this time period, you will be able to check the status via the Application Status Tracker on their website. You can visit it right here at any time after submitting the application.
Final Thoughts
This guide will be your reference to becoming a real estate agent in Texas. It may be a long road, but the process is something you’ll want to trust. Once you’ve cleared all the necessary hurdles, you’ll be able to begin a rewarding career that will last a long time.
You’ll be helping people find a new home. You’ll help someone begin a new chapter in their life while closing the old one. Isn’t it time you thought about your future?
Your future as a Texas real estate agent may be a bright one.