Tips To Launch Your Career As A Real Estate Agent in Texas
A Comprehensive Guide To Becoming A Realtor in Texas
A career in real estate is perfect for those who crave financial and professional independence. If you are tired of working 9-5 or simply want to avoid doing repetitive work in the same space, then real estate can be your calling.
Meeting new people, setting ambitious goals, earning handsome commissions - this might be the dream job you are looking for.
This post gives all the details about how to become a real estate agent and get your career off to a flying start.
Difference Between Real Estate Agent &Realtor
A salesperson is the most common niche among all real estate professionals.
A career as a real estate agent is a popular choice, simply because, every real estate transaction requires one.
A real estate agent and a realtor have different roles though the two are often talked about in the same breath.
Before we go into the job roles, let us understand the different responsibilities of a real estate agent and a realtor.
Buying, and selling properties on behalf of clients against commissions are among the main jobs of real estate agents. Again, the same agents are called realtors when they become members of the National Association of Realtors.
As a member of the NRA, a realtor is responsible for strictly upholding the code of ethics.
This implies that to become a realtor, a real estate agent must meet a specific set of requirements.
How to Become a Realtor in the State of Texas
To practice as a real estate agent, the first step to get your career off the ground is to get a real estate license.
After becoming a real estate agent, apply to the National Association of Realtors (NRA) in your state.
Becoming a realtor in Texas is not easy. Apart from the membership of the NRA, you must have certain years of experience in this industry too.
Also, you must have a clean record without any sanctions against you.
Additionally, complete and pass the code of ethics to get accepted as a member of the NRA.
Pay a one-time fee for admission and annual membership fees to retain your membership status with the NRA.
Tips To Become A Real Estate Agent in Texas
Texas, one of the fastest-developing real estate markets in the country, has thousands of real estate professionals. Hence, it continually draws aspiring agents to its fold.
If you are still undecided about whether to launch your real estate career in Texas, be assured that now is the best time to do so.
Launching Your Career in Real Estate in Texas
To start with the right foot forward, follow the set of guidelines established by the state regulatory body TREC.
Step 1: Being Eligible to Apply for A Real Estate License
The first step is to ensure that you are at least 18 years old and have proof of state residency.
Further, you should also have good moral standards without any past criminal records. To confirm this aspect, you must submit your fingerprints to the Texas Department of Public Safety for verification of any charges of felony against you.
Step 2: Submit your Licensing Application
A real estate license is proof that you have the necessary knowledge, skills, and training to carry out the purchase, rent, or lease of real estate.
Along with your application, you will need to pay the corresponding one-time fee of $200.
You can pay this fee online along with your application using the My License website.
Step 3: Complete your Pre-Licensing education:
As part of getting a real estate license in Texas, the first step is to go through the pre-licensing education coursework.
The total duration of the pre-licensing training is 180 hours, divided into 6 courses worth 30 hours each.
The following modules form a part of the pre-licensing course.
- Principles of Real Estate 1 & 2
- Real Estate Finance
- Law of Contracts
- Law of Agency
- Promulgated Contact Forms
While both offline and online 180-hour courses are available, most choose the latter as it fits well into any work-life routine. The online courses are self-paced, which means you can take your time.
Step 4: Passing the Real Estate Licensing Exam
A real estate license exam is the final test of your knowledge and competence. To obtain a license in Texas, you must take the final exam and pass by scoring at least 70%.
You can easily schedule the final exam at your convenience, whether at a state-approved facility or online by paying a fee of $43. The duration of the exam is 4 hours.
If you choose to appear for the final exam online, you can only do so in the supervisory presence of a proctor.
Step 5: Seek Sponsorship
After completion of the licensing exam, you will receive the confirmation with the help of a scoring document.
Applicants who have successfully passed the exam will receive an inactive license with which they cannot carry out real estate transactions.
Hence, how do you activate your real estate license and launch your career? To do so, simply reach out to a state brokerage firm or a licensed broker who will be willing to sponsor you.
You then have the chance to work with experienced professionals from the real estate industry.
Once you complete all the steps as given above, a real estate license in Texas with a validity of two years will be sanctioned to you by TREC.
Exploring Fast Real Estate Agent Programs
Earning your real estate license from Texas is easier than you think. All you need to do is to enroll in a faster real estate program.
Thankfully, there are numerous options and choices available online to learn from. You can easily search for the best online real estate training program to start with.
A fast-tracked program guides you through the many aspects of quickly getting a real estate license in Texas. It handles everything required to get a license from the final exam to license applications.
Keep in mind that you should only choose from state-accredited education providers.
Tips for Fast-tracking Your Real Estate Agent Career
To fast-track your application process, you must start by understanding what exactly makes for an ideal application.
There is no “fastest way to become a real estate agent in Texas” as you have to go through all the steps in the timeframe set down by TREC.
Real estate is a game of data and relationships.
Earning commissions and growing sustainably will require time, patience, and skill.
Seek the help and guidance of an experienced industry professional to fast-track your licensing process.
As per the Texas Real Estate Commission, every applicant must follow a clear process in a step-by-step way.
The Texas state has fixed minimum requirements for pre-licensing courses that typically cost between $300 to $800.
In addition to the licensing exam, you must also submit your identity proof and background verification.
What are the processes to get your Texas Real Estate License
Having a high school education or even a post-graduate degree will help you stand out.
Here are the five key steps:
- Meet the minimum requirements for a license in the state of Texas.
- Schedule the final licensing exam by applying to the TREC. Once you get the date, sit for the licensing exam and pass it.
- Complete the mandatory 180 hours of pre-licensing coursework as established by TREC.
- Send an online application to TREC to be awarded a real estate license
- Get a sponsoring broker and get the benefit of guidance from an experienced professional.
Go through these steps to launch your career as a real estate agent in Texas.