How to Become a Real Estate Agent

If you’re interested in a career in real estate, becoming a real estate agent can be a great 

choice. Real estate agents are licensed professionals who work with clients to buy, sell, and rent properties. They act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers, helping negotiate deals, navigate the legalities of buying and selling properties, and guide clients through the often-complicated real estate process. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to become a real estate agent, including what a real estate agent does, the requirements to become one, and the potential salary you can earn.

What is a Real Estate Agent?

A real estate agent is a licensed professional who assists clients with buying, selling, and renting properties. They are responsible for guiding clients through the complex process of buying or selling a property, providing expert advice and assistance every step of the way.

At its core, the role of a real estate agent is to act as an intermediary between buyers and sellers, helping them navigate the often complicated and confusing world of real estate transactions. Agents work closely with their clients to understand their needs, preferences, and financial goals and then use their expertise to find properties that meet those requirements.

What Does a Real Estate Agent Do?

Real estate agents have a variety of duties and responsibilities, including:

1. Helping clients buy and sell properties 

One of the primary duties of a real estate agent is to help clients buy and sell properties. This involves everything from helping clients find properties that meet their needs and budget, negotiating deals, and handling paperwork and legal documents.

2. Conducting market research 

Real estate agents need to stay up-to-date on the local real estate market. They conduct market research to determine the value of properties, identify market trends, and understand their client’s needs.

3. Building relationships with clients 

Building client relationships is essential to being a successful real estate agent. Agents must establish trust with their clients, understand their needs and goals, and communicate effectively throughout the buying or selling process.

4. Marketing properties 

Real estate agents need to be skilled marketers, as they’re responsible for promoting properties to potential buyers. This involves everything from creating listings and marketing materials to hosting open houses and showings.

Real Estate Agent Requirements

To become a licensed real estate agent, you must meet specific requirements. These requirements vary by state but generally include the following:

1. Education 

Most states require aspiring real estate agents to complete a certain number of hours of pre-licensing education. The number of required hours varies by state, but typically ranges from 60 to 180 hours. You can complete this education through various means such as online courses, in-person classes, or home study courses. This education covers real estate law, contracts, finance, and ethics.

The amount of time required to complete pre-licensing education depends on the state requirements and the education provider you choose. Some programs can be completed in as little as a few weeks, while others may take several months. It’s important to choose a reputable education provider that is approved by the state real estate commission. DASH Carolina has partnered with Kaplan Real Estate education if you are looking to get started in pre-licensing courses.

2. Licensing exam
   

Once you’ve completed your pre-licensing education, you must pass a licensing exam. This exam covers the topics you learned in your pre-licensing education, and it’s designed to ensure that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to become a licensed real estate agent. The exams vary by state, but generally consist of two parts: a national portion and a state-specific portion. The national portion covers general real estate principles and practices, while the state-specific portion covers local real estate laws and regulations. The exams are typically multiple choice questions and may also include some math questions. 

3. Background check 

Most states also require aspiring real estate agents to undergo a background check. The requirements vary by state, but in general, certain criminal convictions can prevent you from obtaining a real estate license. These typically include felony convictions for crimes involving fraud, dishonesty, or violence. If you have a criminal record, it’s important to check your state’s requirements and consult with an attorney who specializes in real estate laws. In some cases, it may be possible to have a criminal record expunged or sealed which can improve your chances of obtaining a real estate license.

4. Age requirement 

You must be at least 18 years old to become a licensed real estate agent. In the United States, 18 is the legal age of adulthood. As a real estate agent, you will be entering into contracts and agreements on behalf of your clients and therefore need to be of a legal age to do so. Although you need to be 18 to actually apply for a real estate license, most states will allow you to start studying before. Some states allow you to start taking pre-licensing courses and preparing for the licensing exam at the age of 17 or even younger.

5. Continuing education 

As a licensed real estate agent, you are required to complete a certain number of hours of continuing education every few years in most states, including North Carolina. This continuing education is essential for agents to stay current on changes to real estate laws, regulations, and best practices.

There are different opportunities for agents to fulfill their continuing education requirements, including online courses, in-person classes, and webinars. These courses cover a wide range of topics, including legal and ethical issues, finance, marketing, and technology.

At DASH Carolina, we have partnered with Kaplan real estate school to offer our agents discounts on their continuing education courses. This partnership allows our agents to access high-quality, comprehensive courses that meet the requirements for continuing education in North Carolina.

Real Estate Agent Salary
 

The average real estate agent’s salary varies depending on several factors, including location, experience, and the type of properties they work with. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for real estate agents in the United States is $50,730.

How much does it cost to become a real estate agent?

The cost of becoming a real estate agent varies by state, but it generally includes the cost of pre-licensing education, the licensing exam fee, and the licensing fee. In addition, you may need to pay for additional expenses such as marketing materials, professional association fees, and continuing education courses.

What is it like being a DASH Carolina real estate agent?

Being a real estate agent is about more than just finding the perfect property for your clients. It’s about helping them make the most educated financial decision possible. At Dash Carolina Careers, we want to ensure clients know every possible situation about a property before purchasing it. We understand that buying a property is a significant financial investment, and we want to ensure our clients know exactly what they are getting into.

That’s why our agents are experts in their local housing market, providing clients with comprehensive market analysis reports that include recent sales data, market trends, and other relevant information. They also conduct property inspections to ensure that the property is in good condition and meets the client’s needs.

In addition, our agents are skilled negotiators, managing contracts and negotiations between buyers and sellers to ensure that all parties are satisfied with the terms of the contract and that all legal requirements are met. They provide guidance and advice to their clients throughout the buying or selling process, helping them understand the market, navigate legal requirements, and make informed decisions about their real estate transactions.

At Dash Carolina Careers, we believe every client deserves the best possible service and support. That’s why we go above and beyond to ensure our clients are satisfied with our work. We are committed to helping our clients achieve their real estate goals and making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Reach out to Dash Carolina Careers today to learn more about an exciting career in real estate.