Becoming a Realtor in Iowa

Real-estate agents can represent the buyer or the seller or, in some cases, both.

Pursuing a career in real estate requires time and study. In order to work as a real estate agent, you must meet strict age and education requirements, in addition to passing an exam to gain licensure from the Iowa Real Estate Commission. After you become a licensed real estate agent in Iowa, you can apply to join the Association of Iowa Realtors.

Things You'll Need

• Real estate education
• Background check
• License

Instructions

1. Wait until you are almost 18 years old to pursue a career as a real estate agent. Though you may take courses and the exam for licensure before you are 18, you cannot actually apply for the real estate license in Iowa until you are 18 years old.

2. Take the pre-license courses that are approved by the Iowa Real Estate Commission. You can find a list of approved courses and course providers on the website for the Iowa Professional Licensing Bureau. As of 2009, in addition to the 60 hour prelicense courses, you must also take 36 hours of additional courses, which include 12 hours of listing practices, buying practices, ethical practices and developing professional conduct.

3. Complete a criminal background check. You don’t have to wait for the result of your background check, which could take up to three months, to apply for a license, but the state cannot issue you a license until the background check is completed.

4. Submit fingerprints through the Iowa Real Estate Commission’s fingerprint card. To obtain the fingerprint card, contact the commission at 515-281-7393. When you submit your fingerprint card, you will also have to send a check for $52.25 to the Iowa Real Estate Commission.

5. Take and pass the Iowa Licensing Exam when you complete the pre-license courses. You can register for the computer exam at www.psiexams.com. The cost of the exam is $90.

6. Fill out the real estate license application when you receive your passing score report in the mail. You can find the license application in the forms section of the Iowa Professional Licensing Bureau’s website. Keep in mind that you need to have your signature notarized on the license application before you submit it to the state.

7. After you receive a real estate agent license from the state of Iowa, you can apply for membership from the Iowa Association of Realtors.

References

• Iowa Realtors: Realtor License Requirements
• Iowa Professional Licensing Bureau: Real Estate Salespersons and Brokers
• Iowa City Area Association of REALTORS
• Iowa State Licensing Bureau: Forms
• Iowa Association of REALTORS