What is necessary to obtain a real estate license, how does one do this, are there tests, how much time?

Question

how much time is needed to obtain a real estate license, does a test have to be taken, and where does one apply for such license and test? any answers welcome, thank you

Answer 1

In my area, it is a 150 hour course, a background check and a test.  If you pass all this, you can apply for your license.  Start up is not cheap, you could easily have $1,500 to $2,000 tied up in this before you even hang your license with a brokerage.

Answer 2

As a couple of other people said it really depends on the state in which you reside.  Typically you are required to have between 20 and 120 pre-license course hours, some states require college credits, and of course application time to be processed and so forth.

There are a lot of online resources for finding information on getting a real estate license in your state, the one I recommend is below:

Answer 3

People are going to be giving you their money to hold for them.  You get licensed so the state knows who and where you are.  You pay $350 and go to realty school.  Several schools in every city.  You take a state test.  You pass.  You go to work for a realty company. People hire you to sell their home.  Then they ask if you would help them buy a new home.  You say yes.

The realty school lasts under a month if you can attend all day.

Answer 4

As many have mentioned the rules vary from state to state but here are the general requirements...

You must meet a minumum age requirememt which is typically 18.

You must complete a state-approved pre-license course which includes passing an exam.  These courses are available online.

You must pass a state exam.  The pre-license course you take will prepare you for this exam plus there are exam prep programs available online.

After you pass the exam there are some fees to pay but they are typically minimal.

I am a partner in an online real estate school called realestateexpress.com .  If you are interested in becoming a licensed sales person or broker in any of the states we serve please give us a call and we can give you more specific information.

Answer 5

The requirements vary by state. In MI you have to take a 40 hour course, a state exam and work under a broker for three years.  

I recommend going to a large real estate firm such as Century 21, or any other large company that offers training and leads.  They will put you in touch with a good real estate school, and might pickup some of the costs.