How to Become a Certified Real Estate Agent
In a good market, experienced and skilled real estate agents can make $100,000 or more each year while the majority of agents make between $34,000 and $45,000 per year on average according to Salary.com. Agents are responsible for showing houses to prospective buyers, communicating with both sellers and buyers and coordinating the closing of properties. For this they are paid a commission, which is usually between 1 to 10 percent of the house's selling price. Of course, the commission has to be split down the middle between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent because they both do work toward selling the house.
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Instructions
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Take a real estate training course (also called a pre-license course) to learn the basics--and finer points--of selling real estate. The classes will cover sales techniques, real estate law, the process of closing on a home sale, and preparing for your state exam. You must pass your pre-license course in order to take your exam.
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Take the state real estate licensing exam. This exam will be the determining factor as to whether or not you are fit to be a Realtor. The test, fees, exam dates and other details vary depending on the state where you live. There is a list of state requirements in "Resources" below.
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Once you pass your exam, you will get your real estate agent license. Apply for open positions at as many local Realtor offices as possible.
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Join the National Association of Realtors. This organization will help you to network, learn beyond your real estate training, and develop your career further. If there is anything you need to know about the real estate industry, the chances are you will find it at the National Association of Realtors website (see link below).
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Tips & Warnings
Your Realtor license usually needs to be renewed each year. It is advisable to have at least two years of college course work under your belt when you are interested in a career as a real estate agent. However, plenty of high school graduates are able to pass the state exam and practice as agents. There are online classes that you can take from the comfort of home (see "Resources" for an online real estate agent school). Once you are enrolled in a real estate training class you will be led in the right direction from there.
