While the process of acquiring a real estate license may seem relatively simple on the surface, it is far more complex than meets the out. California is one of the states that has more straightforward requirements, though, which also makes it one of the best places to pursue a real estate license. Regardless of the more straightforward requirements, successfully earning a California real estate license will still take serious time and dedication.
What is a Real Estate License?
In some cases, a person may not have realized that they needed to acquire a real estate license. Give this, it’s perfectly acceptable to have never even heard the term before. It’s currently estimated that there are over three million active license holders in the United States, though, which goes to show the importance of understanding this certification.
A real estate license is an authorization issued by a governmental body, typically a state, which allows a person to act as an agent or broker, depending on the license, during real estate transactions. Whether a person is buying a home or selling a home, an agent or broker will help to facilitate the transaction. There are also different careers in real estate which require the specialized knowledge that comes from a license, but the two aforementioned are the most commonly seen.
How Do You Get a Real Estate License?
For those who are now navigating the process and timeframe to get your license, learning how the process will actually occur is beneficial. In California, there are a few requirements that must be met prior to ever applying for an application. These requirements include:
- You must be at least 18 years of age to be issued a real estate license
- You must either be a California resident or meet the requirements for out-of-state-applications
- You must be entirely truthful during the course of your application process
- You must show transcripts for three completed courses:
- Real Estate Principles
- Real Estate Practice
- One of:
- Real Estate Economics
- Real Estate Finance
- Real Estate Appraisal
- Real Estate Office Administration
- Legal Aspects of Real Estate
- Property Management
- General Accounting
- Business Law
- Escrows
- Computer Applications in Real Estate
- Mortgage Loan Brokering and Lending
- Common Interests Developments
Once all of the above requirements have been met, a person is eligible to submit an application for a real estate license. The steps for the actual application process are quite simple, though the process itself will take some time:
- Gather all necessary documents such as identifying information, transcripts, and any applicable disability information
- Create a user profile within the state’s eLicensing online system
- Select that you are applying to take the salesperson exam application
- Complete all applicable questions and upload your documents
- Certify everything in the application is true
- Submit the application fee
If your application is approved, you will be given a date on the calendar. At this time, you will complete the salesperson examination and, if passed, you will be issued a real estate license. In the future, should you wish to become a broker, you will likely have to take additional coursework and a broker salesperson exam as well.
What Does a Real Estate License Allow a Person to Do?
Once you have received your real estate license, you may be wondering what exactly you can now do in the field. There are a number of jobs in real estate, some of which don’t require a license, which can be considered:
- Real Estate Agent: As mentioned, real estate agents are the starting point in a career in real estate. These professionals facilitate transactions between a buyer and seller and take commission off the top.
- Real Estate Broker: Real estate brokers typically own a firm and have a large number of agents working under them. They will also help to facilitate high level transactions in the real estate market.
- Property Manager: Finally, a property manager essentially manages a property on an owner’s behalf for a fee.
The Bottom Line
While a career in real estate may not be the right choice for everybody, it can afford many people new options in life that they never previously had. There are a number of different career options in the field that a person can consider depending upon their personality type, meaning there is something for everybody. Regardless of the specific career a person pursues after acquiring their license, however, it is important to dedicate yourself to building your network and making connections in the field of real estate.
Hey welcome to my blog . I am a modern women who love to share any tips on lifestyle, health, travel. Hope you join me in this journey!
Speak Your Mind