How to become a real estate agent | edX

How to become a real estate agentReal estate agents assist clients in buying, selling, and renting properties. They typically work for a real estate broker with a license to manage a real estate business. Becoming a real estate agent involves attaining education, passing an examination, and gaining work experience. Read on to discover how you can become a real estate agent.Browse online real estate programs and coursesWhat does a real estate agent do?Real estate agents help clients buy, sell, or rent residential or commercial properties. A real estate agent represents the buyer or the seller in a real estate transaction. Working for a real estate broker with a licensed real estate business, a real estate agent must be informed about the real estate market in the area where they work. Some of the responsibilities of a real estate agent may include:Soliciting prospective clients to buy, sell, or rent propertiesConsulting with clients on market conditions, prices, mortgages, and other informationAdvertising properties through listing services and open housesFacilitating negotiations between buyers and sellersDrafting purchase agreements, lease agreements, and other documentsSteps to become a real estate agentTo become a real estate agent you must be at least 18 years old and a legal US resident. Although details differ depending upon the state in which you work, these steps must be followed to become a real estate agent:Step 1: Earn a bachelor's degreeReal estate agents must have a high school diploma or GED. While a college degree is not required to become a real estate agent, it can help you learn the business and communication skills necessary for the job. A bachelor's degree in business, finance, marketing, accounting, or psychology may be helpful in becoming a real estate agent.Step 2: Know your state's real estate licensing requirementsReal estate licensing requirements vary from state to state. Check with your state's real estate commission for its specific licensing requirements. Be aware that reciprocity does not usually exist from one state to another. You must fulfill the pre-licensing requirements for each state in which you wish to work as a real estate agent. It is recommended that you find a real estate broker to work with early in the licensure process, as you will need them to sponsor you once you have completed licensure requirements.Step 3: Take a pre-licensing real estate courseEach state has its own education requirements that you must complete to qualify for licensure. Depending upon your state's mandates, you may choose to complete a real estate licensing course offered in-person or online. Topics covered may include real estate law, property types and ownership, valuation, financing, ethics, and real estate calculations.Step 4: Pass the real estate licensing examOnce you have completed your real estate education, you must pass the real estate licensing exam for each state where you wish to practice. You must pay an examination fee when you register for the exam. Depending on your state's requirements, you may also need to pass a background check. You will likely be tested on your knowledge of state-specific real estate law, real estate math and calculations, and English language skills.Step 5: Work for a real estate brokerAfter fulfilling your state's real estate licensure requirements, you must work with your sponsoring real estate broker to complete and submit the necessary documents. Once the state real estate commission has accepted your documents, you will receive a license to work as a real estate agent in that state. You must work under the management of your sponsoring real estate broker as long as you maintain an active real estate license and choose to be affiliated with that broker.Get started on edXFind real estate Executive Education programs on edX to advance your skills and keep your real estate knowledge up to date. Available courses cover topics including property development and investment, commercial real estate analysis and investment, and data science in real estate.Outcomes-based designAn immersive cohort-based learning experience that is designed to optimize learning outcomes and ensure global networking opportunities.Real-world impactCourses are tailored to address today’s organizational issues and opportunities so that you can make effective decisions to impact change.Dedicated supportSuccess Advisers provide administrative and technical support 24/7 and our tutors, who are subject matter experts, offer academic support.Explore all online real estate programs and coursesFrequently asked questionsWhat is a real estate degree?A real estate degree can provide you with extensive knowledge of the real estate industry. A real estate degree program may include courses in real estate law, finance, accounting, investment and appraisal, and technological issues affecting property.How much does a real estate agent make a year?According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2023 real estate agents earned a median annual salary of $56,620 or $27.22 per hour. The BLS projects that jobs for real estate agents will increase by 2% between 2023-2033. Salaries may vary depending on where you work, your years of experience, and your educational level.How long does it take to become a real estate agent?If you choose to study for a bachelor's degree, you can expect to complete your program in four years of full-time attendance. Completing real estate education and passing the real estate licensing examination should take another 4-6 months.