How to Become a Real Estate Agent/Broker

From Picking a Real Estate School to Getting Your Real Estate License, This is the Ultimate Guide to a Career in Real Estate.

Choosing a real estate school, Online vs. Live: deciding which real estate classes are right for you, getting your real estate license, to becoming a REALTOR©, this is the ultimate Guide to Starting a Real Estate Career in Indiana.

There are many reasons why someone considers a career in real estate; flexible schedules be your own boss and know that your potential is unlimited. And, it is a career that you can start right away. However, although becoming a Real Estate Agent is has low barriers for entry, there are some questions many people will have. This guide will attempt to answer all of those.

Steps to Become a Real Estate Agent

1. Know Your State’s Requirements

States vary in their requirements for Real Estate Agents. In Indiana, it is straight forward:

18 years of age
High school diploma or Equivalent
Complete a 90-hour State Approved Real Estate Course, including a General Portion along with Indiana Law, with a passing grade of 75%
Pass a State Exam

2. Research and Choose A Real Estate School

Schools can offer a variety of services and products, and the difference in cost, initially, can be very different. It is important to compare carefully.

At IBREA, we offer the most comprehensive VIRTUAL or ONLINE Real Estate Licensing Programs available in Indiana in each of our program levels. For instance, our Online Classes include videotaped classes, so you feel like you are in the live class. In addition, we include unlimited access to virtual classes and reviews.

We have three different levels of programs. Check them out HERE.

4. Complete the Real Estate Courses

All states require the completion of their State Approved Pre-licensing courses prior to taking the State Exam. It needs to be completed within the school’s timeframe and have a passing grade. In Indiana, the passing grade on the school’s tests is an accumulative 75%, over the three 100 question exams. In other words, you must receive 225 points over the three exams; if one exam is under 75%, you can make it up on the other tests.

5. Schedule Your State Real Estate Exam

Once you pass your real estate pre-licensing coursework, sign up for your state licensing exam. There will be a fee which can vary by State. In Indiana, it is $53.00 and there are a few locations. Make sure you get information about hours, parking, and any materials you’ll need to bring with you, or not bring with you, on test day.

6. Complete the Exam Requirements

You may need to get fingerprinted and complete a background check before you can take your state real estate exam, and these requirements can change. Before you take your exam, ask the testing center what requirements you’ll need to have on test day.

7. Pass Your State Licensing Exam

Each state has different passing requirements for the licensing exam. You can view this information on your state’s website. In Indiana, there are 80 General Real Estate questions and roughly 12 of those are math. You will have 2 ½ hours for that portion. The second section has 50 questions and covers Indiana Law. You will have 1 ½ hours for that portion. A passing grade of 75% is required, and they are scored separately. The goal is to pass both the first attempt. But, if you pass one section and not the other, you only need to take one again.

8. Choose Your Broker

In Indiana, you will be able to choose your employing broker after your test. Choosing a broker is one of the most important choices in your career, especially as you begin in Real Estate. It can determine how much you earn per transaction, and how you work including areas of focus, resources available, and real estate agent training after you become a real estate agent.

9. Join Professional Real Estate Organizations

Once you have passed the State Exam, and if you are interested in becoming a REALTOR©, you will join the National Association of REALTORS®. This will give you many advantages, including giving you access to the local Multiple Listing Services. In Indianapolis, that is called the Broker’s Listing Cooperative (BLC). Many Brokerages require you to join these organizations.

10. Start your Real Estate Career

Create a marketing plan and get started! You are now a real estate agent.

https://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/articles/how-to-become-a-real-estate-agent

Next Up:

Is Real Estate A Good Career?

Or skip ahead:

How Much Does a Real Estate Agent Make?

How do Real Estate Agents Get Paid?

Choosing a School to Get a Real Estate License

How Long Does It Take to Get Your Real Estate License?

How Much Does It Cost for a Real Estate School?

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