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How to Get Started in Real Estate

Entry into the real estate profession takes preparation. As with other professions, licensing is required. Licensing requirements vary across the nation, but all states require applicants to pass a written exam.

Some states allow students to take pre-licensing educational courses accredited by the state licensing agency before they qualify to sit for the exam. In other states, students can take these educational courses within a specified time after being licensed.

In order to obtain a broker's or sales agent associated license, more than half of the states specify special education and/or experience or their equivalents. However, states are upgrading their license laws and prerequisites for both brokers and sales associates at a rapid rate. Current information is available from this website and the Texas Real Estate Commission website -- www.trec.state.tx.us

If you are interested in a career in real estate sales, here is a list of steps to get started:
(For detailed steps, visit the Pre-Licensing and Newly-Licensed sections.)

  1. Contact the real estate commission to determine the exact requirements for licensure.
  2. Take 60-hour Pre-Licensing Course through a real estate school.
  3. Take 30-hour New Affiliates Course through a real estate school.
  4. Take and pass the state real estate exam.
  5. Meet with your local Equity broker for a real estate career interview.
  6. Join your local Equity Real Estate office.
  7. Send in all your certificates and any other necessary documentation to the real estate commission.
  8. Once you have received your real estate license from the state, join your local board of realtors.
  9. Get into the swing of things at Equity -- attend Equity Real Estate College, weekly sales meetings, and meet with marketing to create your personal marketing campaign...
    10.
Do you need a real estate school?
If you have taken real estate-related courses before, get your credits evaluated (see Evaluation of Education Documents) by TREC to see if any of them count toward the required licensing courses. Your real estate education can be completed online or in a classroom setting. View real estate school information.