Getting Started as a Real Estate Agent
Lets start at the beginning. Your Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Licensed Real Estate Agent
After 11 years in real estate, I’ve mentored dozens of new agents through the licensing process. While it might seem daunting at first, getting your real estate license is absolutely achievable with the right roadmap. Let me walk you through exactly what you need to do.
Why I Love This Career (And Why You Might Too)
Before we dive into the steps, let me be honest with you. Real estate isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. But if you’re a people person who loves problem-solving, enjoys flexibility, and doesn’t mind working evenings and weekends, this career can be incredibly rewarding. I’ve helped families find their dream homes, investors build wealth, and along the way, I’ve built a business that supports my own family beautifully.
Step 1: Check Your State’s Basic Requirements
Every state has different requirements, but most require you to be at least 18 or 19 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. Some states require you to be a resident, while others don’t. Before you invest any time or money, visit your state’s real estate commission website to confirm the specific requirements.
Pro tip: Don’t skip this step. I once had a mentee complete an entire pre-licensing course only to discover her state required an additional background check that would delay her licensing by months.
Step 2: Complete Your Pre-Licensing Education
This is where the real work begins. Most states require between 60 to 180 hours of pre-licensing education. You’ll study topics like real estate law, contracts, financing, property valuation, and ethics.
You have two main options (we will talk more about this later):
In-person classes: Great if you learn better in a structured environment and want to network with other aspiring agents from day one.
Online courses: More flexible and often less expensive. Perfect if you’re working full-time or have family obligations.
I took the in-person route, but many of my most successful colleagues did online courses. Choose what fits your learning style and schedule.
Budget: Expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $1,000 for your coursework, depending on your state and provider.
Step 3: Pass Your State Exam
After completing your coursework, you’ll need to pass your state’s real estate exam. This is typically a two-part test covering both national real estate principles and state-specific laws.
The pass rate varies by state, but nationally it hovers around 50-60%. That might sound scary, but here’s the truth: if you study properly, you’ll pass. And for even more confidence, I know several top agents who had to take the exam more than once to pass. How many times you take it or what your score was doesn’t matter. What matters is that you pass.
My study strategy that works:
- Take practice exams until you’re consistently scoring 85% or higher
- Focus extra time on the areas you find most challenging
- Study the glossary—knowing terminology is half the battle
- Flash cards, flash cards, flash cards!!!
- Don’t cram. Study consistently for 2-3 weeks before your exam
- Get a good night’s sleep before test day
Cost: Exam fees typically range from $50 to $200.
Step 4: Submit Your License Application
Once you’ve passed your exam (congratulations!), the next part is state specific but you may need to submit your license application to your state’s real estate commission. This usually includes:
- Your exam results
- Proof of completing pre-licensing education
- Fingerprints for a background check
- Application fee (typically $100-$300)
Processing times vary, but expect 2-8 weeks depending on your state’s efficiency.
Step 5: Find a Sponsoring Broker
Here’s something many new agents don’t realize: you can’t work independently right away. You need to hang your license with a sponsoring broker—an experienced professional or brokerage firm who will supervise your work.
This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Don’t just pick the first brokerage that accepts you. Consider:
- Commission split: How much of your commission will you keep versus what goes to the broker?
- Training and mentorship: What support do they offer new agents?
- Office culture: Visit the office and meet the team
- Fees: Monthly desk fees, technology fees, transaction fees—understand all costs
- Lead generation: Do they provide leads or are you responsible for finding all your own clients?
I started with a larger franchise brokerage that offered excellent training. It was the right choice for me, even though the commission split wasn’t the most generous. That foundation was invaluable.
Step 6: Invest in Your Business Essentials
Getting licensed is just the beginning. To actually do business, you’ll need:
- Professional headshots ($150-$400)
- Business cards ($50-$150)
- MLS fees (varies widely, $300-$1,000+ annually)
- Association dues (NAR, state, and local—expect $500-$1,000 annually)
- Errors and omissions insurance ($300-$800 annually)
- Marketing budget (at minimum $500 to start)
- Website or CRM system (optional for first year, but highly recommended)
Reality check: Plan to have $3,000-$5,000 available for startup costs and living expenses. It typically takes 3-6 months to close your first transaction and actually receive a commission check.
Step 7: Continue Your Education
Most states require continuing education to renew your license every few years. But beyond that, the best agents never stop learning. Take courses on negotiation, marketing, social media, specific property types, or investment strategies.
The market changes constantly. Technology evolves. Client expectations shift. Your willingness to keep learning will separate you from agents who coast on outdated knowledge.
The Real Talk: What Comes After Getting Licensed
Getting your license is exciting, but it’s just the beginning. Your real education starts when you begin working with actual clients. Here’s what I wish someone had told me:
Your first year will be humbling. You’ll work harder than you ever have for less money than you expected. You’ll question whether you made the right choice. That’s normal.
Relationships are everything. Your sphere of influence—friends, family, former colleagues, neighbors—will likely be your first clients. Don’t be shy about telling everyone you know about your new career.
Consistency beats intensity. The agents who succeed aren’t always the most talented or charismatic. They’re the ones who show up every single day and do the work, even when it’s not exciting.
Final Thoughts
Eleven years ago, I sat in a pre-licensing class wondering if I was making a huge mistake. Today, I can’t imagine doing anything else. Real estate has given me financial freedom, incredible relationships, and the satisfaction of helping people through one of the biggest decisions of their lives.
The path to getting licensed isn’t complicated, but it does require commitment. If you’re willing to put in the work, learn constantly, and serve your clients with integrity, you’ll build something truly valuable.
Feel free to reach out if you have questions about the process. We need more good people in this industry, and I’m always happy to help someone get started on the right foot.
Now go make it happen.
