How to Become a Real Estate Agent

If you’re thinking of becoming a real estate agent, you’ve probably gotten so much advice about how best to go about it that your head is spinning.

The truth is, requirements — and the path — for becoming a licensed real estate agent can vary greatly from state to state, and from agent to agent. Here is some help to move you toward successfully becoming a real estate agent.

Meeting real estate license requirements

Real estate transactions are not just financial, they are also legal in nature. In most states there is a real estate commission or department, or the department of licensing, that handles the laws and requirements for how to become a real estate agent.

Each state handles things a little differently, but all have the goal of ensuring consumer protection. The authority in your state will have the definitive information on becoming a real estate agent.

There are two requirements that every state has: you must be a certain age, and you need to take an exam to get your license. More about the exam later. As for age, the minimum ranges from 18 to 21.

Beyond that the requirements are all over the place. Some states require you to be a US citizen or legal resident. Others, like Florida, have requirements about your arrest and conviction record, or that you are “honest and truthful” (California).

Most states require some number of hours of training before taking the exam, and some, like New York, require you to get a passing grade. Missouri, for example, waives coursework requirements and even the exam if you are a licensed attorney.

Real estate agent school

Most states require some classroom time to qualify for a license to become a real estate agent, and there are many schools to choose from, both in-person and online. The classes are generally preparation for the exam that is required by all states to get your real estate license.

Regardless of whether real estate classes are required in your state or not, it’s recommended you take them. The question, then, is often “which school should I choose?” and that can be a very personal choice.

A lot of people recommend an in-person class. Plus, some states don’t allow online classes for exam preparation. But that doesn’t work for everyone’s schedules — or learning styles.

Some online schools offer office hours with instructors, either online or in person, which could be a great compromise.

Most schools employ instructors who are experienced real estate agents and can answer your questions and help you understand concepts that are tough for you.

When deciding on a school, think about what works for you and how you learn. Google the schools in your area and read the reviews to understand the school’s reputation and past performance.

If you can, ask real estate agents you know and trust about their experience and advice. Keep in mind that everyone is different, and what worked for them might not be right for you.

And don’t assume that a more expensive school is better. There’s no standard for prices, and if the program isn’t right for you, then it isn’t worth the money.

Some schools offer tutoring or additional classes in certain areas that might be difficult for some students. For example, math might not have been your best subject in school, but a certain amount of it is needed to become a real estate agent. Look for a school that can offer you extra support in this area.

Another thing to look for is a school that offers an exam preparation course specifically. Jay Thompson, Zillow Group's director of outreach for agents and a former broker himself, strongly recommends these classes.

If the classes are required in your state, the schools that provide them are regulated to meet a minimum standard, so you can be confident that they all meet the standards of the state.

Taking the real estate exam

Is the real estate exam hard? It depends.

If you’re someone who gets nervous taking tests, the test could be a real challenge for you. If you’re good at memorization, it might be a breeze.

Most people report studying — and memorizing — intensively for weeks to pass the test, a little each day. Not everyone passes on the first try, or even the second, so don’t despair if you don’t.

While some people leave their last class to take the test right away, study and preparation is advised. Don’t forget those test prep classes that your school offers. They can really help!

Though each state is different, the exams themselves are a similar mix of questions about terms and definitions, laws, and yes, some math.

When taking the exam, be sure to take the time to read the questions carefully, and the possible answers, before choosing your response. And if you come across a question (or two, or three) that you don’t know, don’t fret! Skip it and go back to it later.

Finding a brokerage

Once you’ve passed the real estate licensing exam, you need to “hang” you license with a brokerage to start practicing. Oftentimes you’ll start getting contacted by brokers before the ink is dry on your certificate.

As a new agent, look for a brokerage that makes experienced agents available to help and mentor you. Ideally, the brokerage you choose also has programs to train new agents.

Beware of brokerages who are just looking for a warm body with a real estate license, and know that some brokerages just won’t take on new agents.

Also consider whether you want to be on a team of agents, where you could work alongside other, more experienced agents, or to be an independent agent in a larger brokerage or independent local brokerage.

Above all, look for a good cultural fit and other agents that you’ll want to spend a good part of your day with.

Don’t worry about the long term as you look for a brokerage to join. Though some stay put for the entirety of their career, many real estate agents change brokerages, sometimes as often as every couple years.

Now you’re ready to learn

One agent recalled something his sensei said to him after he got his black belt in karate: “Now you’re ready to learn.” The same could be said of real estate.

The classes and the exam, while necessary steps, don’t really prepare you for becoming a real estate agent.

What you’ve learned is important — vital even — to your work, but what really makes you a real estate agent is doing it.

So go on, get out there. Get a mentor or coach, join a team, sign up for as many seminars and other events as you can, go to those open houses and get to know the preferences of the buyers and sellers you’ll be working with.

You’ve got this!