Become a Real Estate Agent in California – complete step by step Guide

If you are asking this question: HOW DO I GET MY CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE LICENSE? Well, this article on how to become a real estate agent in California is all you need to get insight into the requirements for becoming real estate agents in California.

California has some of the most diverse regions in the United States. The beautiful coastline of the Golden State, lush valleys, and breath-taking mountain views offer unparalleled real estate opportunities. If you're looking to become a California real estate agent, enroll in the appropriate courses at a local college, take the license exam, and start building your portfolio.

That being said, you still need to put actual boots on the ground and get to work. As saying goes "Rome was not built in a day", you may ask me how? Then read to the end.

Becoming a real Estate Agent in California

If you're planning on starting a real estate career in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento, or any other city in the state, you will need a California real estate license. To receive your California real estate license, you must be at least 18 years old, successfully complete 135 hours of pre-licensing real estate course at an approved school, have your fingerprints, and pass the California License Exam.

After our post on Want To Be A Real Estate Agent? See the Complete Guide, we realize that giving specific details on what every state requires will go a long way to help you become a good real estate agent.

Thus, the process of becoming a real estate agent is similar in most states, each state has unique steps that must be followed. The four steps to becoming a California real estate agent are as follows:

Step by Step Process to become a real estate Agent in California

If you want to become a California real estate agent, you cannot simply acquire clients and start managing real estate transactions on their behalf. There are certain requirements that must be fulfilled before a potential California real estate agent begins to earn commissions on properties that are legally bought, sold, and rented with their assistance.

Let's take a look at everything you need to know and achieve before starting a career as a real estate professional in the state of California.

General Requirements to Become a Real Estate Agent in California

To become a California real estate agent, a person must meet a variety of requirements.

• The prospective real estate agent must be at least 18 years of age before they can work in this role.
• Each applicant must provide evidence that they are US residents and have a college degree.
• Applicants should be of good temperament and honesty as a failure to disclose a crime or prior disciplinary action will result in a denial of a California real estate license. However, a conviction for a crime doesn't always result in denial of the California real estate license.
• To become a broker, a candidate must have at least two years of experience as a full-time licensed salesperson in the past five years. This work should be done under the supervision of a professional with experience as a broker or seller. If the candidate can demonstrate that they have received the equivalent of that amount of experience, they will pass the experience component exam.
• Valid documentation proving the applicant's experience can be provided on the state employment verification form RE 226. This form is prepared by the applicant's employer broker/seller.

For more information on experience requirements for the California Realtor Examination, visit the State Department of Consumer Affairs real estate office on the World Wide Web.

Course Requirements to an Agent in California

Potential California real estate agents are required to complete a total of 135 hours of required training.

Unless a person completes 135 hours of BRE-approved college real estate courses, they will not be able to apply for the California real estate exam.

As of October 1, 2007– Completion of 45 hours in Principles, 45 hours of Practice, and a 45-hour elective (Legal Aspects recommended). A 4-year license issued upon passing the state licensing exam. 135 total hours of education required.

Basic Steps to Get Your License in California

In order for a person to even apply for the license exam in the state of California, they must meet the educational requirements above. Those who meet all of the above criteria will qualify to write the Examination but only those who scored 70% or more will pass.

Hence, it is advisable to sign up for an exam preparation course to increase your chances of success. Such a prep course will help potential brokers understand the key concepts and areas that will be asked in the exam. Hence, here are the basics steps you must take to become a real estate agent in California.

#1. Get Fingerprinted.

All California real estate agents must have their fingerprints obtained through an approved live scanning provider.

Each candidate must also pass a comprehensive background test. Please note there is a $ 56 fee for fingerprinting after the property review application process.

Those who do not reside in California can still qualify as a real estate agent in the state if they meet certain criteria. These people must submit their fingerprints to CalBRE.

Out of state applicants will also receive a fingerprint card with their original license application. This should be forwarded to the applicant's local law enforcement agency for completion.

These out of state applicants are then required to pay the fingerprint fee to CalBRE and provide their final fingerprint card, license fee, and original license application.

#2. Get the California Real Estate Agent Examination Application

Contact the California Department of Real Estate, commonly known as "DRE", in person or online through the organization's website to obtain a California Real Estate Agent Examination application. This application must be completed in full and submitted to the California Department of Real Estate with the appropriate fee.

#3.The California Real Estate Broker Examination Specifics

The California Real Estate Agent exam takes approximately 5 hours. It is divided into two separate test sessions, each lasting two and a half hours. Each session contains 100 multiple choice questions.

The California Real Estate Agent exam can be taken at a variety of institutions across the state. These locations are in Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, Oakland, and Fresno.

The planning dates are determined by the number of inquiries received from real estate agents in California.

Seat availability is determined by the number of seats at each test location and the number of candidates who apply for the exam at those locations.

Those taking the computerized version of the test will receive their test results when they leave the testing facility.

While other applicants will receive their results via USPS mail within the next five business days.

#4.Applying for the California Real Estate License

Those who pass the California Real Estate License Exam will receive a license application. This must be submitted to the California Bureau of Real Estate along with the certificates and license application. The license will not be issued until the applicant provides evidence that they have completed all of the required courses described above along with their residence information and fingerprints.

In Summary:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• Register and get 135 hours of required training.
• The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) has a minimum wait of 18 days for all license training final exams. You have to wait 18 days to try each final exam. Due to the minimum waiting times required by the DRE, students need at least 54 days to complete the required training.
• Apply for your salesperson verification/license application including fingerprint and background verification. This must be done at your local sheriff's station and can take up to 3 months.
• Once you have received the required certificates of completion, the application can be printed out from the California Bureau of Real Estate (BRE) website: www.dre.ca.gov. Students must send their certificates with the request.
• California DRE will send you approval to take the license exam. This process can take 1 to 2 months.
• Take the California Salesperson License Exam. To pass the exam, you need a score of 70% or higher.

How Much Is The Salary For A Real Estate Agent In California?

Obtaining a real estate license in the state of California can put you on the path to success. California's real estate agents are well paid.

Many professionals earn more than others. It's important to note that real estate agent salaries in California vary by region. Some cities have extremely expensive properties that real estate agents can use to earn monstrous commissions.

Other properties have more moderate prices, which means that real estate agents can earn more than a living wage without going over the six-figure figure.

Alternatively, Indeed.com reports that the average salary for a California real estate agent is $ 82,000, which is 7% higher than the average US real estate agent.

When it comes to real estate, the bottom line is that a broker's ability to close deals determines their salary.

If he completes a significant number of real estate transactions, he will no doubt pile the commissions and earn a good salary.

How to Build Your Portfolio as a Newly Licensed Agent

Now, you have your license the next thing on your mind should be hitting the ball rolling and build that outstanding portfolio. Become that go-to agent whenever anyone thinks of selling or buying a property.

1. Find a brokerage in California.

A brokerage is an agency or office that oversees real estate agents. Finding the right broker will give you the resources to learn the industry. You can get a California real estate license without having an agent, but you cannot exercise a real estate license without a broker.

If you are eligible to become a real estate agent in the state of California, it is imperative to find a qualified real estate broker.

The startling truth is that any new California real estate license issued by a real estate agent will remain inactive until it is eventually posted to a real estate agency where they choose to work.

Don't choose a broker at random to start your career as a real estate agent. Be very selective when considering the merits of each broker.

There are all possible extra costs to consider, e.g. B. Office costs, commission sharing, and lead generation.

The state requires all real estate agents to accept payments through brokers only. Therefore, you should consider one when applying for your real estate license.

2. Find a mentor

If you're just starting out, a mentor can help you build a contact list of California buyers and sellers. Your mentor can help you grow by learning to apply what you learned in school to the real world.

Your broker may be able to put you in touch with an experienced real estate agent to become your mentor, or you can ask your school's teachers for recommendations.

Know that it is common for you and your mentor to share commissions.

3. Use your personal network to help you find clients. 

If you have friends or family in California, there's a good chance you know someone looking to buy or sell their home. Contact your personal network to find potential customers.

4. Advertise with business cards, signs, and television ads.

If you want to expand your portfolio, make your name known. Plan on spending between $ 1,500 and $ 2,000 on business advertising, including business cards, signs, and even television or internet advertising. Pay a photographer for a good headshot that captures your personality and uses it in your ad.

How to Do your License Renewal and Costs to Consider

Once you receive your California real estate license, you will need to renew the license every four years from the date the license was issued. To renew the license, you must complete 45 hours of continuing education. All California realtor applicants must pay a California exam fee for their real estate license. This is equivalent to $ 60. There is a renewal fee of $ 245. The California broker license exam fee is $ 95 with a renewal fee of $ 300.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, all prospective California real estate agents should be aware that the state of California and all other states regularly update their requirements. Before taking the exam, you should check with the state to ensure that you are fully familiar with all of California's unique licensing requirements.