How to Become an Austin Real Estate Agent
I absolutely love my job as an Austin Realtor, and am often asked what it takes to become a real estate agent. The truth is, getting your license is the easy part. As many new agents discover, turning that brand new license into a viable business isn't nearly as easy. But as far as we're concerned, it's the best decision we've ever made.
To be a Texas Realtor, you must recieve a license from the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). It is TREC's job to protect the public by ensuring all Texas real estate agents are well-educated and are following the rules.
Step 1
So what do you do first? Basically you need to take a few classes. I took my real estate classes in the evenings at Austin Community College. The required courses are:
It is possible to take all these classes online, although I don't recommend it. When you're entering a new field such as real estate sales, it's important for you to have a chance to interact and ask questions of an experienced instructor. It made a huge difference for me.
Step 2
Once you get your classes out of the way, you'll need to send TREC all your certificates that prove you completed the above courses. There are specific procedures you'll need to take at this point, which are described in more detail on TREC's website.
Step 3
As soon as TREC approves your certificates of course completion, you'll then move on to the formal licensing application process, which sounds worse than it is. Again, just follow the steps and send in you application fees.
Step 4
Next, it'll be time to take the big test! TREC will ask you to report to a local testing center, where you'll spend about an hour taking a computerized test, which pretty much covers what you learned in your core courses. Before I took my test, I found a Texas Real Estate Agent licensing exam study guide for sale at Barnes & Noble, and it turned out to be a huge help. The practice tests found in the study guide were a big confidence-booster for me. I passed my licensing exam on the first try, although not everyone does.
Step 5
Once you pass your test, you'll need to figure out which brokerage you want to work under. All Texas real estate agents must hang their license underneath a brokerage. As a first-time agent, you'll want to make sure you work with a brokerage that's willing to offer training and maybe even some leads you can work on.
Again, this is just a boiled-down version of how to get your real estate license. For the best detailed description of all the steps you need to take, just head over to the TREC website.
There's a lot to love about being a licensed real estate agent, but there are a few pitfalls to avoid, as well. We've been there, and can tell you all about it. If you have any questions about becoming an Austin Realtor, feel free to call us, or contact us below.