Being a Real Estate agent in the US is becoming a lucrative job opportunity. Agents make handsome money moving houses and even when the economy is not so conducive to real estate investments, people still do not back down from investing their hard-earned money on houses. However, it is no easy task to become a real estate agent in Houston, US where the laws are strict and change from state to state when being involved in such a sensitive field.

This is what you should do to get a real estate agent license,

Learn the inside working of the trade

There are a number of key concepts associated with the trade of real estate. You need to familiarize, if not master them all before you jump head first into getting certified as a real estate agent. Each state has its own set of rules and you need to be familiar with the locality you plan to operate from.

Eligibility requirements change from state to state so make sure that you meet all the prerequisites before you start off your pre-license education and application filing to avoid losing the fee.

Getting schooled

Pre-license education is very important and make sure that you choose to go to an accredited school. Going to a licensed school in your state will greatly improve your credibility as a real estate agent once you assume position and hold office.

Make sure that you obtain all the documents necessary on completion of the course. Certification, real estate transcripts and any merits should be carefully preserved.

File for a license

Every state has its own Real Estate license application and an associated fee that is applicable. Each state has its own dedicated official government site that has the information required and the fee details. Some states has the mandate for real estate agents to obtain an E & O (Errors and Omissions) insurance within the specified deadline.  

Few states require a BGC (Back Ground Check) and registering finger prints. You might also require an experienced agent (2+ years in the field) to act as a sponsor.

The exam

Post filing, you will be required to take up an exam at a state-certified testing provider. Do inquire if this testing center offers simulation exams for the license before you take the exam up. The testing center is also liable to explain to you in advance about the test process and how it is scored.

You can then schedule a date and take up the exam. You will be required to sign an exam eligibility affidavit and take it along with a valid identification while attending the exam at the center.

Clearing the exam makes you a real estate “salesperson”, “agent” or “broker” as per the terms specified by each state. There is no typical or general license throughout the US and each state is different in the term it gives you. The trick is to understand the regulations of your state and use it to clear the test.

Many states require you to have a few training hours under your belt before they can certify you. In that case your sponsor would be able to help you out in getting the practical experience you require. Never skip on pre-licensing exams and exam prep tools that are available online. Applicants who take this up are more likely to clear the test for sure! 

All the best for your Successful Career !