What Do You Need to Become a Realtor in Washington State?
Most real estate brokers in Washington work as independent contractors for a licensed firm. Brokers, formerly known as salespersons or agents, work closely with clients interested in buying or selling their residential property. To become a real estate broker in Washington, the Department of Licensing requires coursework and a passing score on an examination. Many startup costs are required for new brokers, and earning a steady income might take several months.
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Coursework
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The first step toward becoming a real estate broker in Washington is to complete 90 hours of required coursework. As required by DOL, you will need to take Washington Real Estate Fundamentals, a 60-hour course in law and basic concepts, and a 30-hour course in Washington Real Estate Practices, which covers business matters. You must obtain certificates reflecting completion of your coursework.
Broker's Exam
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Passing the real estate broker's exam is the next requirement in Washington. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics from both WREF and WREP. Registration for the test may be completed online, in person or by mail, according to the DOL. Once a passing score is obtained on the exam, the results are valid for one year and then may be submitted to the state with an application for a broker's license.
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Application
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A completed application is the next requirement of a prospective real estate broker. A firm must be chosen and information regarding supervising brokers' names, firm address and license number should be included. Other required information includes responses to personal data regarding criminal background, license violations and court orders.
Fingerprint Card
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All prospective real estate brokers in Washington must submit a fingerprint card to receive a license to represent clients. A local fingerprinting service, such as a police station, will charge a fee to stamp the fingerprints, and the card then is attached to the application. An additional processing fee is due when the application is submitted, and a background check is conducted using the fingerprints.
Startup Costs
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Having a startup fund is wise for most beginning real estate brokers. In addition to coursework and application fees, many other initial and recurring costs are necessary to start a career in real estate. The brokerage firm may charge monthly fees for office and support services, the multiple listing service requires bi-yearly dues and a keypad is required to enter listed homes. Other costs may include signs, gas and car expenses, marketing materials and local or state association dues.
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