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How to Become A Real Estate Agent

In the United States, real estate agents are intermediary parties that help to negotiate the sale of real estate properties. When they are working for a seller, these agents can assist in marketing efforts that attempt to sell the property for the highest possible amount. When agents are working for a buyer, they try to negotiate a low price with the best accompanying sale terms. Because many real estate agents work on commission, the profession is appealing to self-starters who can work hard and close deals.

  1. What can you do with a Real Estate degree?
  2. How much do real estate agents make?
  3. How to become real estate agent?
  4. Real Estate agent career opportunities
  5. Job Growth For Real Estate


What can you do with a Real Estate degree?

There are a variety of different things you can do with a real estate degree. Entry-level jobs are those of real estate sales agents or brokers who work for agencies. They act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers of property. Appraisers and assessors of real estate are responsible for visiting properties and determining a fair price for them. Property, real estate, and community association managers are those who are involved in coordinating the buying and selling of properties. As managers, they have a wide range of powers with regards to the property and oversee any dealings to ensure it retains its value.

Job Titles with Real Estate Degree
  • Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers
  • Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate
  • Real Estate Brokers
  • Real Estate Sales Agents

How much do real estate agents make?

Salaries for real estate agents are likely to vary with market fluctuations. Furthermore, a real estate agent earns commission based on the sale price of the home. An agent typically makes a commission of 6% which is then split with the broker or agency. According to data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) real estate agents and brokers earned an annual median salary of $41,990 per year in 2012. Appraisers and assessors earned $49,540 per year while property, real estate, and community association managers made $52,610 per year.

Occupation Median Wages per Year
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $52,610 per year
Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate $49,540 per year
Real Estate Brokers $41,990 per year
Real Estate Sales Agents $41,990 per year

How to become real estate agent?

Although you may become a real estate agent after completing your high school diploma, it is highly recommended that you pursue further education as the market is very competitive. In order to become a real estate sales agent or broker, you may need an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in business administration. The same holds true for appraisers and assessors of real estate. If you are interested in becoming a property, real estate, or community association manager then, however, you may need a bachelor’s degree as well as master’s degree. Furthermore, in order to become a broker, appraiser, assessor, or manager, additional vocational training is required. Real estate agents also need a license to practice

Job Title Required Degrees
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers bachelor, master
Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate associate, bachelor
Real Estate Brokers associate, bachelor
Real Estate Sales Agents associate, bachelor

All states require that real estate agents take certain courses prior to obtaining a license. The specifics of these vary greatly from state to state; in some, candidates need to take several college-level classes, while others have an established number of hours that must be completed. Additionally, real estate agencies may only employ agents who have specific educational backgrounds, so some people may need to take extra courses as conditions of employment.

After completing the state’s required coursework, candidates must take state and national exams. Those who pass these tests will then hold inactive real estate licenses. License holders must work with a real estate broker in order to have their licenses changed to active status.

Real Estate agent career opportunities

As of 2012, data from BLS shows that there were 422,000 real estate brokers and sales agents, 83,700 appraisers of real estate, and 297,000 property, real estate, and community association managers. It is important to note that this profession fluctuates with market conditions. When the real estate market thrives, more jobs are likely to open up. Career outlook will also vary by city and state and therefore it is important to do some research into the prevailing market conditions in your specific area.

Job Title Employment Count
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers 297,000
Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate 83,700
Real Estate Brokers 422,000
Real Estate Sales Agents 422,000

Job Growth For Real Estate

According to data provided by BLS the job growth rate for real estate brokers and sales agents is projected to grow 11% between 2012 and 2022. For appraisers and assessors of real estate, the job growth is slower than average from all other occupations at 6%. The reason for this is the fluctuations in the real estate market. For property, real estate, and community association managers the job growth is projected at 12%; slightly higher than average.

Real Estate Related Occupation's Growth Rate
Real Estate Occpations growth rate
Those who are considering careers in real estate may want to consider whether they want to enter the market in residential or commercial sales. Each has its benefits and drawbacks. Generally, residential real estate agents see success in a shorter time period, whereas it may take a year for a new agent to close a commercial sale. The tradeoff for this is that commercial sales will usually pay agents more on a per-deal basis because the average price of these properties is often much higher than residential properties. Depending on the market, it is possible for some real estate agents to do both residential and commercial sales.

For those whose ideal work conditions include independent time management and pay for performance, while working with many different types of people, becoming a real estate agent may be an ideal career choice.

States with the highest employment level in this occupation:

State

Employment

Employment per thousand jobs

Location quotient

Hourly mean wage

Annual mean wage

California 1660 0.11 1.26 18.13 37720
Florida 1130 0.14 1.68 17.97 37370
Illinois 960 0.16 1.92 17.9 37240
Texas 760 0.07 0.78 16.62 34570
New York 650 0.07 0.85 20.12 41840

Source: bls.gov

How to Become a Real Estate Agent in California?

In order to start a career as a Real Estate Agent in California, you must be at least 18 and possess a high school diploma. You must also understand the legal requirements to work in the California real estate sector. In order to obtain your real estate license, you must undertake the California real estate licensing exam after completing the pre-license educational requirements. After successfully getting your license, you can find work with a real estate brokerage firm.

How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Texas?

To become a Real Estate Agent in Texas, you need to properly understand Texas real estate laws and fulfill the criteria to obtain your real estate license. These include being at least 18 years old and possessing at least a high school diploma. You will then have to sit for the Texas real estate licensing exam in order to get your license. Once you have your license, you can then find work with a real estate brokerage firm.

How long does it take to become a real estate agent?

The time taken to become a real estate agent depends on how you choose to go about it. If you decide to get a college degree, it may take longer time than simply passing a state licensing exam or taking a few courses in real estate. An associate's degree in real estate will take two years to complete whereas a bachelor's degree will take four years. Licensing would take 1 to 3 years as well. Generally, it should take a minimum of 1 to 2 years to become a real estate agent.

What are the requirements to become a real estate agent?

The requirements to become a real estate agent are listed below. There may be some differences from state to state but the following are the general requirements. All aspiring real estate agents:

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Complete a few real estate courses
  • Pass a licensing exam
  • Should have 1 to 3 years of experience
  • Must renew their license every 2 to 4 years

How much can I make as a real estate agent?

Real Estate agents find perfect homes for people and typically work in a team with a broker. The median wage for Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents as of May 2018 was $50,300 per year $24.18 per hour. The number of jobs available in the industry in 2016 was 444,100 and is expected to grow. This data has been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Sources

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/real-estate-brokers-and-sales-agents.htm#tab-1

Frequently Asked Question(s)

Q:How long does it take to become a real estate agent?

A:It can take you 1-2 years to become a real estate agent. After completing your high school you may have to pursue certain real estate courses and acquire formal training. You must complete a minimum number of education hours to qualify for a license. The requirements will vary from state to state. (Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Q:Why become a real estate agent?

A:Real estate agents are professionals who assist home buyers and sellers. This career can be flexible in a number of ways, allowing real estate agents to schedule their work according to their preference. Apart from this, real estate agents can start up their own business and work independently as well. Becoming a real estate agent can be suitable if you prefer professional freedom and diversity. (Source: National Association of Realtors)

Q:What do real estate agent do?

A:Real estate help and represent potential buyers and sellers of property. They advise their clients on which property to buy, when to buy, what to sell, when to sell and also help their clients with setting a selling or a buying price. Real estate agents also act as mediators between the buying and the selling parties. (Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Q:What degree do you need to become a real estate agent?

A:Real estate agents need to at least have a high school diploma. In many states, individuals must also complete a course in real estate education to qualify or a license. Real estate education programs are designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge of the property market, marketing tools, and business strategies. The minimum education requirements may vary from state to state. (Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Q:Is there a license required for becoming a real estate agent?

A:In most states, you must be licensed to work as a real estate sales agent or broker. The licensing requirements will vary from state to state. However, general requirements for getting a license include: completion of real estate courses and passing the licensing exam in the state. You must be over the age of 18 to qualify for a license. You can check with your state’s licensing division to find out what the exact requirements are. (Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Q:Can you tell me about the skills I will need to develop to become a real estate agent?

A:To become a real estate agent, not only should you have academic knowledge of the field, but should also develop a professional skill set. Real estate agents must possess the following skills: business skills, interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, negotiation skills, decision-making skills, persuasion skills, clerical skills, legal skills, and organizational skills. (Source: O*Net Online)

Q:How to become a real estate agent in NY?

A:To become a real estate agent in NY, you must first complete 75 hours of coursework in real estate sales. It is recommended that you pursue this course from a state approved institute. The next step is passing the licensing examination administered by the Department of State. This exam will test your level of knowledge and determine your readiness for the field. (Source: NY Department of State, Division of Licensing Services)

Q:If I become real estate agent, how much income will I make?

A:According to data provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage of real estate agents was $41,990 in 2012. As the property market is growing steadily, the demand for these professionals is growing. More than 40,000 job openings are expected in the coming few years. (Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Q:After becoming real estate agent, will I have to renew my license?

A:Real estate agents are required to renew their license after every 2 to 4 years. The requirements for license renewal will vary from state to state. Typically, real estate agents must complete continuing education courses in real estate to get their license renewed. (Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Q:How to become a real estate agent in Indiana?

A:To work as a real estate agent in the state of Indiana, you must have a license and meet the requirements set by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. This agency is responsible for conducting the licensing examination. You must be over the age of 18, you must have successfully completed your high school diploma, and you should have completed 90 hours of a real estate pre-licensing course to qualify for the exam. (Source: Indiana Professional Licensing Agency)

Q:How to become a real estate agent in Oklahoma?

A:All real estate agents and brokers in Oklahoma must be licensed. There are different types of licenses offered. For a provisional sales associate license, you must be over the age of 18, must have completed 90 hours of basic real estate education, and must successfully pass the licensing exam conducted by the Oklahoma Real Estate Commission. This is the most basic license offered in real estate. With more work experience and education, you can qualify for a sales associate license and a broker license. (Source: Oklahoma Real Estate Commission)

Q:How to become a real estate broker?

A:In order to become a real estate broker, you must work as a real estate agent for 1 to 3 years and pass a licensing examination. You may also be required to take continuing education courses. The exact requirements for this occupation will vary from state to state. (Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Q:What will i learn in a real estate agent school?

A:A real estate agent course will introduce you to various theories and concepts of mortgage lending, equity investment, valuation, development, brokerage and property management. You will gain insight on real estate firms and industry trends. Many schools are offering such courses to individuals who are preparing for the real estate license examination in their state. It is important to remember that the exact curriculum of a real estate course may vary from school to school. (Source: National Association of Realtors)

Q:Can you tell me the important step to become a real estate agent in USA?

A:The important steps for becoming a real estate agent in the U.S. may vary from state to state. But the general requirements for all states remain the same. These include being over the age of 18, having a high school diploma, completing a state-approved real estate course, and passing an exam. For you to begin your career, you will be required by all states to get licensed from the relevant state commission.

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