Being a real estate agent can be a rewarding career choice that allows you to work outside of an office environment full-time.If you're interested in becoming a real estate agent in Texas, you have to meet some basic requirements.You need to pass an exam and be sponsored by a broker to become a full agent.
Step 1: You should pick a school for your education.
Most major cities in Texas have multiple schools where you can complete your education.The Texas Real Estate Commission provides a list of appropriate schools in each city, so community colleges or schools specifically for real estate are a good place to start.
Step 2: You must complete your education.
You have to successfully complete a set of required courses before you can take the Texas real estate license exam.What you need to know to be a real estate agent is covered in these courses.You will need to complete 30 classroom hours in each of the courses.60 classroom hours are required in the Principles of Real Estate.You should have certification on hand to file with your license application.
Step 3: There is a clean record.
To be a real estate agent, you have to be moral.Traffic tickets do not count, so that means you don't have a criminal record.You can file a Request for Moral Character Determination (MCD-5) if you're worried you won't be approved for this reason.If you fill out this form before your license application, you will know if you'll be rejected.If you default on your student loan, that could disqualify you.
Step 4: If you want an inactive license, you have to apply.
The process begins when you complete the Application for Inactive Sales Agent License.As of 2015, you have to pay a fee for the application, background check, and additional fee if you file by mail.Wait for the application to be accepted before moving on.The whole payment can be made with one check.You can make a check out to the Texas Real Estate Commission.
Step 5: Put your fingerprints in a vault.
TREC requires that you have your fingerprints on file.One of the agencies can take your fingerprints.On the TREC website, you can download the FAST Fingerprint Pass.You need this pass to make an appointment.You can schedule an appointment.You can use either MorphoTrust or Psychological Services Incorporated.You can book an appointment online or by phone at one of 70 locations.The Texas Department of Public Safety will register your fingerprints with the FBI.
Step 6: Wait to be notified of your eligibility.
You can't take the exam until the state tells you that your application has been accepted.The state will tell you if you can take the exam.
Step 7: You must study for the exam.
Before you take your exam, you need to review your notes and textbooks.You can purchase practice tests from Pearson Vue.You can get outlines, study guides, and a candidate handbook from Pearson.On their website, you can find them for free.
Step 8: If you want to take the exam, register.
You can use your legal name.It needs to be the same as your passport or driver's license.You can register online or on the phone.You have a year to take the exam.You have to take the exam within a year after you've supplied your application.You will need two forms of signature ID on the day of the exam.You could take your driver's license with you.Government-issued IDs include a passport, driver's license, or military ID card.Other forms of signature ID can include a Social Security Card, a debit card, or a state-issued ID.You will have to pay a fee for the test.The fee was $54 as of 2015.
Step 9: The test should be taken.
You need to show your two forms of ID.You can take a calculator with you on the test.It's a good idea to get there ahead of time.You will have four hours to take the exam.
Step 10: Wait for the results to be available.
You will get a score report at the end of the test.A pass or fail score will be given to you.You need to be correct on 56 questions of the national portion in order to pass.If you only pass one part of the test, you may have to take the other part again to see if you can pass it.You lose your application if you fail both parts of the test.
Step 11: Receive your license that is inactive.
You will get an inactive license once you pass the exam.You don't need to fill out any other forms to get it.
Step 12: Find a broker that sponsors.
Once you become a real estate agent, your sponsoring broker will be the firm you work with.When searching for a broker, you should ask a lot of questions.The broker should give you training in the first couple of years you are there.You should ask about costs, what you will make, and if they will increase over time.Ask about advertising practices and what territory you can expect as an agent.
Step 13: Put your sponsorship in the file.
You need to file the paperwork to show you have a broker sponsor if you haven't already done so.Your broker has to file paperwork to act as your sponsor.Your broker should know how to file this paperwork on a regular basis.You will be licensed as a real estate agent in Texas once your sponsorship paperwork is accepted.