Exploring a career in California Real Estate
If you are interested in exploring a profitable, exciting and satisfying career, real estate could be
an interesting option for you.
A career in real estate is like a roller coaster ride where there is never a dull moment.
Working as a real estate agent, broker, appraiser or realtor can be your chance to build a thriving career where you get to earn a handsome salary and make extra commission on top.
A lucrative profession, working in real estate means getting access to a lot of perks. Whether you are starting afresh or already have experience from other industries, real estate is welcoming to all.
Working in real estate in California can be your way to achieve your professional goals and fulfill your dreams of being your own boss.
Wondering how to go about achieving your professional dream? You must get your California real estate license first.
Yes, it can be difficult to get a license in a competitive market for some people but that should not discourage you at all.
However, with enough preparation and planning, you can easily set yourself on a path to success in the fascinating world of real estate.
To help you kickstart your real estate career, we have compiled a list of tips and steps you should take to get your license fast. Keep on reading to find out!
Why a California real estate license is a must have
Some people want to join real estate to work as part of a big firm, whereas others have a dream of owning their own firm or business. No matter where you want to go in your career, you must start by getting your California license first.
According to the California Department of Real Estate (DRE), only licensed professionals can assist clients in a real estate transaction.
To be compliant with the state and federal laws, you must have a state approved valid license.
Agents who have an active license are fully authorized to take part in the sale, purchase, lease or rent of commercial and residential real estate in California.
A license gives you the opportunity to help homeowners buy and sell real estate and earn money. It provides the authority to represent yourself as a professional who can provide services to clients.
Requirements for Getting A California Real Estate License
The licensing authority that governs the real estate industry in the state is the Department of Real Estate. All licensing requirements in California are decided by this body. Let us look at them below:
- Every applicant should be a minimum of 18 years old to apply for a real estate license. Every applicant must be a legal resident of California
- Every applicant must have a high school education or equivalent
To proceed further with your application, you must meet the above basic requirements.
Next comes the educational requirements mandatory to obtain a license in California.
As per the rules of the Department of Real Estate (DRE) in California, all aspiring real estate agents must go through a pre-licensing course that has to be approved by this body. The coursework is spread over 135 hours and covers best practices and fundamentals of the real estate sector.
The purpose of this coursework is to make candidates aware of the rules and regulations related to the real estate sector in California and a few federal laws too.
To complete the coursework, there are two options before you. The first is to enroll in a classroom environment school or go through an online course. Both must be accredited by the state.
One of the top online course providers in California is RealEstateU. Their courses are not only very affordable but are also designed by top professionals in this field.Â
You are eligible tp apply for a California real estate license only after completing the 135 hours of pre-licensing coursework. Note that you will have to submit a proof of completion or a certificate to the DRE.
Apart from the proof of completing the course, you have to also submit a fingerprint clearance certificate. This is required to confirm that you do not have any past criminal records.
The DRE in California requires every applicant to meet the standards of ethics, honesty and trustworthiness.
You should not have any history of felony or any criminal conduct against you. If you have any past records, you must submit the proof and related documents.
On the basis of this evaluation, the DRE might choose to grant or reject the application.
If your application is approved and your background check is completed, you will be eligible for taking the California salesperson licensing exam.
The exam consists of 175 multiple choice questions which will be based on the courses and topics you have covered during the pre-licensing education.
Clearing this exam is mandatory to obtain your license and to do so, you must score at least 70% or above.
Applicants who clear the exam successfully will be notified of their score and they will receive the state approved license within a few weeks.
Get A Broker to Sponsor You
After being awarded your California real estate license, you must get a broker to sponsor you in the initial stages of your career. Join a brokerage firm in California to activate your real estate license and launch a very rewarding career in this industry.
Now the next step is to start working in the industry and activate your license. To do so, you must seek the sponsorship of an active, licensed broker or brokerage firm in California.
This is a mandatory step for newly licensed agents and salespeople to represent yourself in a real estate transaction.