How Long Does it Take to Become a Real Estate Agent in Texas?
Becoming a real estate agent in Texas can be an exciting and lucrative career choice. However, it’s important to understand the process of getting your license and the costs involved before jumping in headfirst.
To start, you’ll need to pass a background check through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). This process is relatively painless and will only take about an hour to complete. Once you’re done, you’ll receive your eligibility letter to proceed with the exam.
Then, you’ll need to take 180 hours of pre-license education from a TREC-approved education provider. These courses cover subjects like real estate finance, the law of contracts, and principles of real estate. They can be taken in person at a local college or online.
Once you’ve completed the course, you can then begin studying for the licensing exam. This is one of the most intimidating parts of becoming a real estate agent in Texas, but with careful study and prep, you should be able to pass it on your first try.
Upon passing the exam, you will need to find a broker who will sponsor your license. You can do this through the TREC’s Online Licensing Service. It’s a good idea to reach out to several brokers until you find one who agrees to sponsor you.
You’ll need to submit fingerprints, pass a background check, and pay a fee for your license. Once you’ve completed these steps, it should only take about three to four weeks for you to get your license.
To make the process easier, you should also consider taking an online pre-license course. These are typically less expensive than in-person options and offer more flexibility.
The courses in these online programs are designed to prepare you for the licensing exam and teach you the basics of the industry. The courses are generally not very extensive, but they will cover most of the basic topics that you’ll need to know in order to be a successful real estate agent.
Once you’ve finished your 180-hour pre-license coursework, it’s time to apply for a real estate license. The application process is streamlined and easy to navigate through the TREC’s Online Services.
In addition to the application, you’ll need to submit fingerprints and a photo. You’ll also have to provide a criminal history report. Once you’ve completed these steps, you can begin working with clients and building your new career!
If you’re not a native Texan, you’ll need to take the Lone Star State’s Real Estate test. This exam will cover all the material from your real estate course and will be broken into two sections. The national section covers all of the material from your courses and is broken into several categories, while the state-specific section is designed to test your knowledge of the real estate industry.
After you’ve passed the exam, you’ll need to complete 90 hours of post-licensing education and two four-hour legal update courses before you can renew your license. These courses can be taken in person or online and are available from TREC-approved providers.
