Want to Know How Long to Get a Real Estate License in California?
Are you seeking a thriving, fulfilling career path where you can earn a six-figure income while having the flexibility to set your own working hours?
If yes, working in California real estate might just be an ideal career choice for you, especially if you want to be a part of a dynamic, fast-moving industry with growth prospects.
For countless individuals, a career in real estate is a way to unlock financial freedom and professional autonomy while enjoying the job fulfillment of helping others.
The Golden Gate State is home to thousands of real estate agents and brokers who are reaping the benefits and rewards of California’s booming demand for real estate.
California’s booming real estate is a land abundant with opportunities for professionals and real estate agents in CA can earn as high as $120K to $140K annually.
As a real estate agent, your work will revolve around helping clients and assisting them in matters of buying and selling properties.
Known as one of the hottest real estate markets in the country, California continues to witness strong growth in the number of homes sold and soaring property valuations.
Thanks to its pleasant climate, strong economy, presence of leading companies and industries, and booming job market, CA continues to attract buyers and investors.
With an average median home price of $850K and above, housing prices in California continue to be known as a real estate paradise for agents and brokers.
Working as a full-time real estate agent can give you a long-term profitable career path whereas working as a part-time agent can help you build a steady source of side income.
Does this make you already excited about starting your real estate career and enjoying a profession where you can make a six-figure income?
If yes, you should start preparing for getting a California real estate license first as it is the most important step in building a successful career.
Whether you want to work as an independent real estate professional or join a brokerage, getting a state-approved estate license is a mandatory requirement and key step.
With a CA real estate license, you can unlock the true benefits and advantages of this profession while maintaining regulatory and legal compliance.
The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) has established a set of license laws and requirements that must be fulfilled by everyone.
As a beginner, the process of getting a license might seem complicated, but if you approach it in a structured way, it is simple and straightforward and can be completed in a few months.
If you are ready and want to know how to get your California real estate license, keep on reading to learn about all the steps and requirements.
The Job Profile of a Real Estate Agent
By definition, real estate agents are responsible for helping their clients buy, sell, or lease real estate in the country.
Any licensed professional who is allowed to take part in a real estate transaction on behalf of their clients is a real estate agent.
Before diving deep into the California license laws and various state-specific requirements, it is important to take a step back and give you an overview of the job profile of an agent.
- Meeting with potential clients and prospects to discuss their requirements and needs.
- Following up with leads and inquiries to set up appointments and meetings and discuss their preferences for buying and selling properties.
- Reviewing the financial and personal documents of clients to verify the accuracy of the information to avoid any potential risks.
- Helping buyers find suitable and desirable properties in a specific location in California to meet their needs
- Helping homeowners set up their property for sale and arranging site showings and property tours to attract buyers.
- Explaining to clients about real estate laws, property laws, regulations, and best practices and helping them understand deeds and contracts.
- Assisting clients in navigating through the various stages of closing a real estate deal and transaction in a smooth way.
- Collaborating with brokers, property appraisers, and loan officers to expedite the process and deal.
- Communicating with clients regarding important updates and all the necessary information whenever needed.
- Staying updated with the latest industry trends, regulations, and developments and all the important happenings in real estate.
- Engaging in marketing and promotional activities to attract clients and generate new business opportunities.
As a real estate agent in CA, you can represent either the buyer or the seller, however, some agents can represent both buyers and sellers in a transaction.
Whether part-time or full-time, you can choose to work as per your own schedule while meeting the needs and requirements of your clients.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in CA real estate, you must prepare yourself to handle multiple tasks and perform a range of duties as part of your job profile.
By now, you might be wondering how long to get real estate license in CA and what steps you need to complete. Keep on reading as we dive deep into the process next.
Understanding California’s real estate landscape
With a GDP of around $3 trillion and counting, California is amongst the strongest economies in the country and it continues to attract wealth and opportunities.
California is the national and worldwide hub for innovation and entrepreneurship and is considered by many as the most attractive real estate market around the globe.
In addition, the state is also home to many of the country’s largest and well-connected entertainment and tourism spots which invites visitors and buyers from all across.
San Francisco, Los Angeles, Palo Alto, San Diego, Santa Clara, and Bakerfied are some of the hottest real estate markets in the state, renowned for their world-class amenities, scenic views, abundance of nature, and a plethora of entertainment and employment options.
The job outlook of CA has been growing steadily and the state continues to be the home ground for world-leading companies, enterprises, and industries.
Be it single-family homes or luxury condominiums, California’s real estate market is diverse and offers something for everyone.
Safe, private neighborhoods and a higher quality of living also make California a popular destination for migrant workers and affluent homebuyers.
Real estate agents in California can make a median annual income of $80K to $90K while enjoying the flexibility to work on their own schedule and find their own clients.
Thanks to the low unemployment rate, diverse living options, world-class amenities, and an attractive lifestyle, California continues to attract homebuyers and real estate investors.
Pros of working as a real estate agent in CA
Choosing a career requires careful planning and consideration, especially if you are a complete beginner.
Many aspiring professionals often face moments of self-doubt and think about whether putting in the time, effort, and cost required to obtain a license is worth it or not.
Since getting a license is a mandatory regulatory requirement and an essential step to starting a career, it is worth any cost and effort.
If you are on the fence of deciding whether or not to pursue a career in CA real estate, here are some of the key benefits and advantages you must know of:
You can make a good income
The number one reason why a career in real estate is attractive to many is the ability to earn a six-figure income and become financially free.
Every year, thousands of individuals are allured by the opportunity to earn commissions by participating in real estate deals.
Compared to other high-paying professions, working in California real estate has a lower entry barrier and is easier to achieve.
Working in CA real estate can be incredibly rewarding, especially as there’s no cap on how much you can earn as an agent.
This means the more deals you close, the more money you can make, giving you the ability to put in the desired number of hours and make extra income.
Many individuals also choose real estate as a means to create a profitable side income and generate additional revenue.
You can work flexibly.
For many individuals, achieving a stable work-life balance is more important than financial success.
If you are seeking a career where you can define your work schedule and stay in control of your time, real estate might just help you achieve your goals.
Licensed real estate agents in CA are allowed the flexibility to work as per their desired schedule and career goals.
As long as you are meeting your targets and achieving your professional goals, you are free to choose your working schedule and timings.
Having control of your time means you can choose how to spend it - whether for your personal or professional needs.
You can help people.
As a licensed real estate agent in California, you will get the opportunity to help people achieve their home ownership dreams and goals.
If you are someone who is good with people and wants to help others with your knowledge and skills, a career in real estate can be an ideal profession.
For many real estate professionals, helping others can be incredibly satisfying and fulfilling, especially those who wish to do meaningful work while earning good money.
Clearly, there are numerous practical and aspirational benefits to choosing to work as a real estate agent in California.
However, to enjoy these career benefits and rewards, you must first obtain a valid salesperson license.
If you are eager to learn more about how to become real estate agent in CA, keep on reading till the end to find answers to your questions.
Eligibility requirements to become a CA real estate agent
Many aspiring part-time and full-time agents choose this career path due to its low barrier to entry as one does not require any advanced education.
However, you must fulfill the minimum eligibility requirements to qualify for a real estate license first.
The exact eligibility and qualifying requirements vary from state to state and it is recommended to check with your state’s local real estate authority for accurate information.
In California, the Department of Real Estate (DRE) has established the minimum eligibility requirements that are applicable to all aspiring professionals. These are:
- You must be at least 18 years or older
- You must be a legal resident of the state of California or a lawfully admitted alien
- You must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
To confirm your eligibility, you can take a fitness determination test which will ensure that you fully qualify for a career in real estate.
Education requirements for a California salesperson license
Like most states, California also requires individuals to complete a minimum level of education and training to qualify for a career in real estate.
The California State Real Estate Department only allows qualified and educated professionals to work with consumers.
As per the DRE in California, you must complete 135 hours of pre-licensing education to qualify for a salesperson license.
If you want to work with clients, close deals and earn commissions, you must learn about the various state and federal laws and other fundamental principles of your profession.
As per the DRE in California, every applicant must complete 135 hours of pre-licensing education to qualify for a salesperson license. Here’s what you can expect to learn:
- Principles of Real Estate (45 hours)
- Real Estate Practice (45 hours)
- Real Estate Finance (45 hours)
Pre-licensing courses help you learn about real estate principles and fundamentals and become knowledgeable about your duties and responsibilities.
You should think of your pre-licensing education as the gateway to more money and growth and investing in knowledge and training will equip you with the skills to become successful.
When it comes to choosing an education provider in California, it can get overwhelming, especially when there are numerous options available.
Before you make a decision, it is important to do your research and learn about the course packages, features, benefits, and reviews.
Students have the flexibility to choose their preferred medium of learning i.e. you can opt for physical, classroom-based learning, or online courses to complete your course credits.
Although there are numerous real estate schools in California, it is important to ensure that you choose a state-approved education provider only.
The cost of completing pre-license education varies for different schools, but as a general estimate, it should cost anywhere between $200 to $700.
There are full-time and part-time study plans and courses available for students, depending on your learning needs and schedule, you can choose the one suitable for you.
Many students often wonder how to obtain real estate license in CA and how long it takes to complete pre-license courses and generally, it could take you anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months.
For full-time working professionals who are transitioning into real estate from a different career, managing coursework along with a job can be challenging.
Luckily, there are numerous self-paced online courses formulated to give yo
u maximum flexibility to complete your course credits at your convenience.
Passing the Salesperson licensing exam in California
After completing 135 hours of coursework, your next task is to take the California real estate license test and prove your competence.
As per the DRE in California, it is mandatory to take the test and pass it by scoring at least 70 percent or above.
The test consists of state-specific and national-specific sections consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions based on topics you will cover during your pre-licensing education.
You will get a total of 3 hours to complete all the questions and if you are unable to pass the test on your first attempt, you can retake the test after 24 hours.
If you are wondering how to obtain a real estate license in CA by passing the state license test, you must invest in practicing using mock tests and sample questions.
Practice exams can help you become familiar with the exam questions and the format, which will boost your confidence.
Clear Background Verification for Real Estate License
Now that you have successfully completed all the steps discussed above, you are ready to meet the state and federal background verification check.
In the state of California, aspiring real estate agents are required to meet the minimum standards of honesty, integrity, and truthfulness to prove good moral conduct.
Since the DRE in California is responsible for establishing and promoting the highest standards of professionalism and ethics, it requires you to meet and fulfill them.
To complete this requirement, you must submit an electronic scan of your fingerprints to the State Department of Justice (DOJ) for verification.
Once your background is verified and cleared, you will receive your salesperson license within a few weeks.
Lastly, to start working with clients in CA, you must activate your salesperson license by finding a sponsoring broker or brokerage firm to work with.