Steps to Getting a Real Estate License in California

If you connect well with others, enjoy a commission based career, and love working variable hours you are off to a good start for a career in real estate. On the other hand, if you require a stable monthly income and a standard Monday through Friday nine-to-five type job, a real estate career will not be the best match for you. Before beginning your career as a real estate agent or obtaining your real estate broker license, you want to make sure that your personality is an ideal match.

Getting your California real estate license may seem like a daunting task at first. You may be wondering, “How hard is it to get a real estate licensee in California?” or “How to become a real estate agent in California?” We’ve simplified the process for you. Follow these five steps to get your real estate license in California:

Complete 135 hours (3 courses) of approved Pre-Licensing education.

Successfully complete 135 hours of California Pre-Licensing education.

1. CA 45-Hour Real Estate Principles

2. CA 45-Hour Real Estate Practice

3. CA 45-Hour Real Estate Finance

Pro Tip: Pick a method of education that works best for your style of learning. Visual learner? Maybe an interactive online class is for you. Like getting instant feedback? You should consider a live, in-person real estate class. Whichever method you choose make sure you set a goal and stick to the plan. You're well on the way to obtaining your California state real estate license and selling million dollar listings! 

Remember: Each state has its own pre-licensure requirements and procedures for becoming a real estate agent. It is important that you contact the Real Estate Commission for your home state to find out what these requirements and procedures are. In many states, you will need to be 18 years of age, have a high school diploma (or GED), and be able to pass a criminal background check. (Did you know: There is a difference between a Realtor and a real estate agent. So if you want to know how to become a Realtor in CA, you first need to get licensed as a real estate agent and then join your local association of Realtors.
 

Complete every course final exam.

Once you’ve completed your real estate program and are confident with everything you’ve learned you can schedule and take your state licensing exam. Make sure you have adequately prepared for the exam beforehand.  In many states the exam will take three to four hours to complete. If you do not pass initially, you may retake the exam after a designated waiting period.

Choose Your sponsoring broker.

As you prepare to obtain your license, you should begin to consider which real estate broker to affiliate with so that you can hit the ground running once you are issued your California real estate license. It is very important to find a good fit when choosing which brokerage to work with and it’s a determining factor to becoming a successful real estate agent in California. There are many wonderful brokerage firms to choose from. Visit a few real estate agencies before committing to one. You will want to choose the brokerage firm that you resonate with the strongest. 

The following questions should help you find the right broker.

• What is their reputation, both locally and nationally?

• What kind of real estate agents are they looking for?

• Are they technologically advanced and up-to-date with the latest systems?

• How do they support their agents with education and training?

• What kind of commission structure do they offer?

• Do they offer benefits?

• Do they provide their agents with leads and marketing material?

• Is there room to grow with the brokerage?

Submit your exam and your licensing application.

The California Department of Real Estate (CalDRE) website manages state licensing exam scheduling and facilitates the licensing application process. For more information on scheduling your salesperson exam in California and submitting your application license, please click here.

Finally, Receive your license!

Once your application is approved and you pass the California real estate salesperson exam, CalDRE will issue your California real estate salesperson license. You can check the status of your new real estate license on CalDRE’s eLicensing website within 4-10 days of passing your exam by clicking here. There will be a fee to have your license issued. 

Becoming a real estate agent isn’t complicated at all. It does require research, an investment of time, and dedication to completing each necessary step. It is a goal that can be accomplished in as little as a month (for the truly dedicated) or one that can be accomplished in a couple of years. 

How to Become a Real Estate Agent in California - Affiliate with Ashby & Graff Real estate

It's really a no-brainer, Ashby & Graff Real Estate offers you a pick-your-own commission structure including 100% commission splits, 21st century technology for you and your clients, a stream of buyer, seller and renter leads, unlimited broker education and support and so much more. Get your real estate license in California and sign up instantly here.  Questions about how to obtain your real estate license in CA? Feel free to reach out for help!

The past few decades have marked real estate as a reliable cash cow that investors are very interested in. With the rapidly growing population, the need for affordable housing has grown into an excellent opportunity for real estate agents to leverage and make good cash from commission splits.

It's a lucrative opportunity, but not just anyone can become a real estate agent. There are certain legal requirements, steps, and procedures to get licensed and start your career as an agent. Here's what you need to become an approved real estate agent in California.

Must Be Aged 18 Years and Above

You must have attained the legal age before getting your real estate license in California. Unlike some other states, you do not need to be an American citizen to obtain your California real estate license.

Complete Pre-Approved College-Level Real Estate Courses 

Real estate agents must undergo relevant real estate courses to learn matters such as Business Law and General Accounting. These courses teach you the basics of real estate management, and each student is entitled to 135 hours of study. It takes anywhere between 2-6 months to complete the courses, depending on your pace and study patterns.

After completing the course, you should take a final exam (California Salesperson License Exam) and pass with a 70% score. Each question takes about a minute. The proctor will decide which materials are allowed in the examination, but if you're unavailable on the examination day, you can reschedule and pay a small fee. It's also possible to retake the exam several times.

Choose a Sponsoring Broker

Choosing the right broker plays a significant role in your success as an agent. Some brokers are very selective with the people they work with, while others are open to as many agents as possible. You should also know how the commission is shared between you and the broker. Some firms require a 50/50 cut while others charge no commission at all. 

Working with brokers is necessary because they are very experienced, and some are licensed to manage other real estate agents. Just be sure to choose a professional broker who is interested in your career development.

License Application

After passing the final exam, you should apply for the Salesperson license within a year. The application process begins with filling and submitting the Salesperson License Application form along with the license fee. Remember, your license will not be issued unless the Department of Real Estate (DRE California) receives your fingerprint data. 

When all the requirements have been fulfilled, you will be issued with the California Real Estate License, and you'll be good to go.

Moral Values

To be a real estate agent, you need to possess a few moral values because you'll be interacting with people from different origins. Customers need to trust you if they're going to close a deal with you. You should be honest and truthful in your transactions.

You must have a clean record without a criminal conviction, or else you'll not be licensed. The fingerprint information will unearth most of the information, but if you have a few records that may have slipped the licensing body, you should inform them. Failure to do so may result in denial of the license.

Start Your Real Estate Career Today!

Your success as a qualified real estate agent depends on how you spend your time. Focus on making the hours count. It's also not a matter of luck as many people would think, rather than a subject of guidance from experienced professionals who help you attract a large number of prospects and close down deals easily.