Ready to start a rewarding career in Texas real estate? This guide will give you all the information you need to get your real estate license in Texas quickly and help you avoid costly mistakes. We’ll cover everything from understanding the requirements to passing the state exam.
Let’s start your journey!
Texas Real Estate License Prerequisites
Before you start your journey to becoming a real estate professional in Texas, it’s essential to understand the prerequisites. If you want to become a real estate agent, there are certain things you need to do.
Qualifications
These are the minimum qualifications you must have:
- Age: Be at least 18 years old.
- Status: Citizen of the USA or lawfully admitted alien.
- Meet Texas’ Real Estate Commission’s qualifications for honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity.
Requirements
To become a licensed real estate sales agent in Texas, you must fulfill the following criteria:
- Complete Education Requirements
- Submit TREC Application
- Pass the State Exam
- File Background Check and Fingerprints
- Find a Sponsoring Broker
Texas Real Estate License Step-By-Step Guide
1. Complete Education Requirements
Make sure you meet the education requirements set by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). This involves completing six 30-hour Real Estate Qualifying Education (QE) courses:
- Principles of Real Estate 1
- Principles of Real Estate 2
- Law of Agency
- Law of Contracts
- Real Estate Finance
- Promulgated Contract Forms
2. Create an Account and Submit Application
Navigate to www.trec.texas.gov and select “Real Estate Sales Agent” from the “Become Licensed” menu. Proceed to “File Your Application” under “Online Services.” Follow the prompts to establish your account and upload your course completion certificates.
3. Attend State Exam Prep Class
It’s a good idea to sign up for a preparation course for the state exam. This course gets you ready for both the state and national exams. You can retake the course multiple times within a year at no extra cost.
4. Receive Exam Eligibility and Schedule
Upon approval of your application by TREC, you will receive an eligibility notification. Use this notification to schedule your State Exam at a Pearson VUE Testing Center, following the instructions provided.
5. Complete Fingerprinting and Background Check
Arrange for fingerprinting during your estate exam prep course. TREC requires a background check, including reviews by the DPS and FBI, before issuing your license.
6. Secure a Sponsoring Broker
Start researching licensed brokers in your area and inform them of your intention to obtain a real estate license. It’s advisable to begin this process early, even before completing your exam. Once you’ve identified a broker, submit a sponsoring broker form to TREC. Your active sales agent license will be emailed to you and your sponsoring broker upon approval.
Real Estate Schools to Consider
Choosing the right real estate school is a critical step in your journey to obtaining a real estate license in Texas. Here are some top options to consider.
Kaplan
Kaplan is one of the most trusted names in the entire education field. They offer complete packages to help you pass your real estate exam. These packages include exam preparation and other support. Key features of Kaplan’s offerings include:
- Interactive study groups: Engage with fellow students and instructors through interactive study groups, enhancing your learning experience.
- Career mentor support: Kaplan’s Career Mentor Connect program provides guidance from experienced real estate professionals to help you navigate the early stages of your career.
- Interest-free payment plans: Flexible payment options make it easier to manage the cost of your education.
Champions School of Real Estate
Champions School of Real Estate offers a variety of class formats to suit different learning preferences, providing flexibility and convenience. They include:
- Various class formats: Choose from different class types—like blended, virtual, online interactive, and online correspondence—to match your schedule and learning style.
- Multiple campuses across Texas: with locations in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and other cities, Champions offers convenient access to in-person classes.
Colibri Real Estate
Colibri Real Estate offers self-paced course packages. These packages have extra resources to help you learn and develop your career. Here are some important things about Colibri’s offerings:
- Self-paced course packages with extra features: Perfect for self-starters, Colibri’s courses allow you to learn at your own pace, making it easier to balance your education with other commitments.
- Ultimate learning package: This comprehensive package includes Colibri’s Career Booster Pack, which provides job aids for new agents, action plan templates, and buyer/seller checklists.
Real Estate License Prep Courses & Practice Exams
To make sure you pass your real estate licensing exam on the first try, choosing the right prep course is essential. Here are some top real estate license prep courses to consider:
PrepAgent
PrepAgent has great courses that prepare you for the real estate career with confidence. These courses include:
- National and state-specific questions: PrepAgent’s content covers both national and state content.
- Online interactive flashcards and interactive vocabulary worksheets: PrepAgent makes it easy to learn important real estate words, concepts, and vocabulary for exams.
- Exam Prep Ebook and hundreds of recorded webinars: Every course has an eBook containing 100 pages covering the essential topics of the Texas real estate exam and numerous webinars.
- Audio lessons: You can study at home or on the go with PrepAgent courses.
Kaplan
Kaplan has great programs to prepare you for your real estate exam and career. These programs will give you the knowledge and confidence you need to succeed:
- Real estate accelerator program: This program goes beyond exam prep, offering practical insights and strategies for your first few years as a real estate agent. It includes live online sessions and on-demand content to help you transition smoothly into your new career.
- Career mentor program: At Kaplan, you can talk with experienced mentors who can help you learn the real estate business. They’ll give you one-on-one guidance and support so you can feel confident in your new career.
Selecting Your Real Estate Brokerage
Choosing the right real estate brokerage is a critical decision that enhances your career as a real estate agent. The brokerage you choose will influence your training, support, commission structure, and overall job satisfaction. Here’s how to make an informed choice:
How to Choose Your Brokerage
When selecting a brokerage, consider the following factors:
- Training and support: When starting your real estate career, look for brokerages with good training programs. These programs often include mentorship, ongoing education, and access to experienced agents. These resources can be very helpful as you begin your career.
- Commission structure: Understand how commissions are split between the agent and the brokerage. Some brokerages offer higher splits with fewer resources, while others provide extensive support for a larger share of your commission.
- Company culture: The culture of your brokerage should align with your values and work style. Consider the work environment, team dynamics, and the brokerage’s reputation in the industry.
- Technology and tools: Modern brokerages provide advanced tools and technology to help you manage your business. Evaluate the CRM systems, marketing tools, and online platforms they offer.
Which Real Estate Brokerage is Best?
It’s hard to say which brokerage is the best. The best one for you will depend on what you want and what you plan to do with your career. Think about the things we talked about earlier. Look into different brokerages, talk to agents who work there now or who used to, and go to some office meetings or events to see what it’s like.
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Common Questions About Getting Your Real Estate License
When you start the process to become a licensed real estate agent in Texas, you may wonder what you need to do and what the requirements are. Here are some of the most common questions prospective agents ask.
What Questions Are On the Texas Real Estate Exam?
The Texas Real Estate Exam consists of two parts: the national portion and the state portion.
In the national portion, you can expect 85 questions covering general real estate principles and practices. In the state portion, you must answer 40 questions focused on Texas-specific real estate laws and regulations.
To pass the exam, you need a score of 70% or higher in each portion.
How Hard Is It to Pass the Texas Real Estate Exam?
The difficulty of the Texas Real Estate Exam can vary depending on your preparation and familiarity with the material. The exam is comprehensive and covers a wide range of topics, so thorough study and understanding are essential. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Complete a prep course
- Take practice exams
- Review course material
- Stay calm and focused
What Disqualifies You from Getting a Real Estate License In Texas?
Certain factors can disqualify you from obtaining a real estate license in Texas. These typically relate to your criminal history or professional conduct. Here are some common disqualifiers:
- Criminal offenses
- Failure to disclose
- Professional sanctions
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