How to Start Your Real Estate Career
A career in real estate can be very rewarding, with many different job opportunities to choose from. Real estate agents usually have flexible hours and can work on their own or as part of a group. Getting started in real estate involves undergoing a program and earning a license.
Pre-Licensure Coursework
The first step of earning your real estate license in Ohio is to complete the educational requirements outlined by the state. Here’s a breakdown of the courses you’ll need to complete.
In Ohio, you will need a total of 120 hours of instruction unless you’ve been a licensed real estate salesperson within the last four years.
Coursework focuses on the following areas:
- Real Estate Principles and Practices
- Ohio Real Estate Law
- Real Estate Appraisal
- Real Estate Finance
While you don’t need to earn a bachelor’s degree to become a real estate agent, the pre-licensing courses must be completed through a college or community college in order for you to sit for the exam.
In a traditional classroom setting, pre-license course work can take four to six months.The good news, however, is that many real estate programs offer online courses that provide flexibility for both your schedule and learning style.
Find a Broker
All states require that beginning real estate salespersons work under a broker. A broker is an experienced real estate agent who took additional courses and passed a broker exam. After passing the exam, a broker can oversee other real estate agents’ transactions.
Although it may seem a bit out of order, you actually need to find a broker to hire you as a real estate agent before you pass the salesperson exam. Part of the exam application asks you to enter the information for the company you plan to be associated with when working as an agent. The form asks for the broker’s company file number and contact information.
State Real Estate Exam
Once you complete the pre-licensure coursework, you need to apply for and pass your state’s real estate licensure examination. Though each state exam varies, you’ll need to pass the national and state-specific portions of the real estate salesperson exam. You can usually retake the exam after a waiting period, though there’s typically a limit to how many times you can retake the exam.
State License
Once you pass the exam, you can apply for a license. Requirements vary by state, but you’ll likely need to submit proof of completing a real estate course and a passing grade on the exam. You also will need to submit to fingerprinting and a background check during this process. Once you submit your application, it could take one to two months to process.
Most states also require you to renew your real estate license by taking continuing education courses. These courses help you stay up to date on any changes in real estate laws and regulations. In some states, you need to complete an additional training course within a certain amount of time after receiving your license.
Now what?
So you are a licensed real estate agent…now what? While a successful career is certainly within your grasp, it requires a plan of action and a dose of reality on what you can and should expect within your first couple years. Be sure to check out 9 Tips for New Realtors to Create, Build, and Maintain a Successful Business and How to Strengthen Your Real Estate Business.
We are here to help
The home buying and selling process is a complex financial transaction that requires the involvement of a variety of professionals. It is important to identify quality partners that you can rely on to assist your clients and that have their best interest at heart. Many real estate agents recognize the importance of aligning themselves with a company that has the necessary resources and commitment to service like Ohio Real Title.
Because title services are negotiable between the buyer and seller within the framework of a real estate transaction, agents find value in partnering with a title company to minimize the need for back and forth on this piece of the transaction.
At Ohio Real Title, we are not your typical title company. In a highly competitive industry with all the pitfalls that can occur with financing, we clearly stand out. As you work to build your real estate business, we hope that you are able to put these new realtor tips into practice and that you’ll consider a partnership with us. Contact us today to learn more.