Getting A Real Estate License in Georgia - An Overview

Georgia has it all-natural beauty, historical places, temperate climate and a diverse, inviting culture in one place. It is no wonder then people from all over the country are continuing to migrate here temporarily and permanently to make Georgia their home. 

This makes the state ideal for getting a real estate license in Georgia and starting a lucrative career in the real estate industry.  

The state has quickly become one of the most popular and favorable destinations for short and long-term property investment. 

In fact, market data shows that the supply of real estate has been exceeded by the demand in many parts of Georgia.

You can make the most of the housing boom in the state and find a strong foothold in Georgia’s rising real estate market. 

However, to achieve your professional dream of starting a career in real estate, you will first need to obtain a state approved real estate license.

A Guide to How to Get A Real Estate License in Georgia

For those intending to join the industry, it is important to first know how to become a real estate agent in Georgia. Thankfully, the process to acquire a license is not complex and can be completed online. With a little effort, you can achieve your dreams and earn an average base income of $104k annually! 

Without a license, however, your real estate career will not start and your career growth will be restricted. Thus, getting one is a must if you are serious about making money and growing your career. 

This means you do not have to wait in queues or visit multiple places to complete your licensing journey. The process is quite simple and easy to follow so keep on reading this article to understand what it will take. 

Let’s look at the different steps involved in the licensing process, including the basic requirements, costs, duration and licensing exam in detail next. 

How Do You Acquire a Real Estate License in Georgia

Educational requirements as required by the Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC)

Below are the three main educational requirements, from which you must meet at least one to qualify for the licensing exam: 

• Complete 75 hours of pre-licensing education. The coursework must be from a state-approved provider.  
• A degree in real estate or a major course of study in real estate from an accredited college or university. 
• Successful completion of 6 hours of semester work or the same coursework in 10 quarter hours from a regionally accredited university in the U.S. or Canada. 

If you are not sure, you can find a list of state authorized course and education providers on the GREC website. 

The Georgia Real Estate Licensing Exam

After completing the 75 hours of pre-licensing education, schedule and pass the licensing exam to get a real estate license in Georgia.  

You can easily apply for the exam online on the GREC website and decide whether you want to take an online exam or opt for appearing for the exam in-person at a state approved center. 

Let’s discuss more about the licensing exam - the Georgia real estate exam is designed to test your knowledge and understanding of the key principles and fundamentals of the industry. 

You have to pay exam fees of $121 for sitting for the test. 

The exam consists of 152 questions in total, and these are multiple choice questions i.e. you will have to choose the correct answer from multiple options. The licensing exam is of four hours duration and examinees have to attempt all the questions within that time. 

In order to successfully pass the exam, you must score at least 72% or above. 

Now don’t worry if you are unable to pass the exam on your first attempt. You can retake the exam with a second attempt by paying $121 again. 

However, if you fail to clear the exam even after the second attempt, then you will be required to re-appear for the pre-licensing course.

Wondering how long it will take to find out the result of the exam? Since the test is conducted online, the results are declared immediately at the center after the exam is completed

Fingerprinting for Background Check for Felony

The next step for all applicants is to submit fingerprints to undergo a background check and verification as part of the Georgia real estate license requirements. 

This is to ensure that only sincere, trustworthy and earnest candidates with a criminal or felony-free background can join the real estate industry.

The fingerprint check can be done at any state police station or sheriff’s station and the report is issued by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

For applicants with a history of any criminal activity or felony, you must also complete and submit a background clearance application. You will also need to procure and submit any documents, legal proofs and jurisdiction paperwork alongside the clearance application. 

Finally, you will be required to submit your electronic fingerprints from a state approved verification center. This will cost you $51.50 approximately as a one-time fee. 

The background check and fingerprinting process must be completed within 60 days of applying for a Georgia real estate license. 

Applying for A Georgia Real Estate License 

You cannot apply online for a real estate license in Georgia after passing the state-approved licensing exam by paying a one-time application fee of $170.

You can submit this application online on the Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC) website or can obtain the same by walking in at any of the four approved PSI test centers.

How Lucrative is A Real Estate Career in Georgia? 

Working in the real estate industry is a rewarding and satisfying career path, and this is why thousands of people choose this path every year. 

So, what are the benefits of getting a real estate license in Georgia and working as a real estate agent or broker? Let us find out more in detail about them below.

Flexible Schedule and Potential for High Earnings

What draws people to the real estate industry is the opportunity to work at their preferred pace and be their own boss. 

Whether you are an aspiring real estate agent, broker or realtor in Georgia, a career in real estate will give you the freedom to work on your own terms and create a flexible schedule as per your convenience. 

On top of it, you can easily make good money as the average salary of a salesperson can range between $50K to $100K annually in Georgia. Plus, the bigger your network and clientele, the higher will be your earning potential. 

Opportunities for Growth and Advancement

Real estate is a constantly growing and evolving industry as people are always looking for investing in property, renting their property or moving to new cities and states. 

The U.S. real estate industry is worth trillions of dollars and is continuing to grow at a steady pace. If you have been looking for a sustainable, high-growth career, then working in the real estate industry is a good move. 

Over time, you will get enough experience to build your own clientele and maybe start your own real estate firm. This means that if you have the passion and dedication, you will be able to advance in your real estate career. 

Rewarding Career Helping People Buy or Sell Properties

One of the many reasons why people choose to start a career in real estate is the ability to help people buy and find their dream property. 

Whether you are working as a real estate agent, broker or realtor, spending time with clients and understanding their needs and preferences is going to be a big part of your job. 

This means you will get to know people better and help them navigate the vast market of choices with your knowledge, skill and expertise. 

If serving people and helping them realize their dreams sounds exciting to you, then a career in real estate can be your calling. 

Independence and Control over Your Business

In the real estate industry, your calendar is truly yours to make and break, and you can enjoy a professional life of freedom and independence. 

Yes, as a junior salesperson or broker you will be answerable to more experienced seniors and firm owners but with time you can continue to carve your own path in the industry. 

Once you reach a point where your network, clientele and reputation is well-established, you can truly create a flexible work environment to suit your own needs. 

You can have complete control and independence to run your real estate business the way you want and take it in the direction of your choice.