SUCCESS LEAVES CLUES
Changing your future means thinking differently.
Obtaining a real estate license can be done in just five simple steps, after which you’ll be able to complete all types of real estate transactions in California. Earning a real estate license usually takes around four months and can cost upwards of $1,300.
So you want to get your Real Estate license? The steps are simple.
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Step 1: Decide Whether This Career is Right For You
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Step 2: Take the Pre-Licensing Courses
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Step 3: Find a CA Real Estate Brokerage to Join
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Step 4: Complete the Licensure Process
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CAREER INFO SEMINARS CAN HELP!
This career path is substantially different from most others, which you should be prepared for. Your work as a real estate agent won’t come with a standard monthly paycheck at a base annual salary. Join us at a career info seminar or happy hour to understand how long it takes, how much it costs, and how you can actually make some serious money in year 1 ! You can do it - but will you?
California requires licensed agents to work under a professional broker.
It’s time to find a California real estate brokerage that you can join. When you indicate you've found a brokerage to work for on your application, it's normally processed faster. You'll need a wet signature from the broker for this.
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THE ONLY WAY TO GET A REAL ESTATE LICENSE IN CALIFORNIA IS TO PASS THE SALES PERSON EXAM.
If you want to study for this exam, you have several options at your disposal. Prep materials are available for purchase at online real estate schools. We recommend taking the crash course the weekend prior to your exam date, so before booking the exam, check crash course dates below.
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THIS WILL TAKE YOU A MINIMUM OF 54 DAYS
California education requirements for earning a real estate license are more stringent than many other states. You’ll need to obtain around 135 hours of education pertaining to real estate. These hours are separated into three courses, which include real estate principles for 45 hours and real estate practice for 45 hours. The remaining 45 hours of coursework can occur in one of the following courses:
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Property management
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Real estate appraisal
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Real estate economics
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Real estate finance
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Business law
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General accounting
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Real estate office administration
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So before you apply for a real estate license in California, you’ll need to take these pre-licensing courses.
Applications to the DRE
In order to receive your license when you first apply for it, it’s important that you fill out and submit an application correctly. Along with fingerprints, you’ll need to provide your individual taxpayer ID number or social security number. Documentation that proves you have taken the necessary courses must also be submitted (3 course certificates)
Even though license approval should occur within 2-3 weeks after the application has been submitted, it’s possible for the approval process to take longer if applications are backed up. We highly recommend having us check your paperwork prior to sending it in.
Start Your Dream Career in 5 steps