Before going into the details of how to get a Texas real estate license and launch a very rewarding profession, let us check the career options before you in this industry.
Even though the designation is one, a real estate agent, you can specialize in different fields. Some of the more common ones are as follows.
Residential real estate where you help clients buy and sell houses. Here too, you can choose to deal in luxury properties only. While the turnover might be slower than say, single-family homes, the massive commission from one transaction will set you up for months.
Then there are commercial and industrial property deals where you will help high-end clients buy space for office, retail, or setting up manufacturing plants. While the process is complex, your services will be much sought-after if you can make a name for yourself here.
Property management is another very lucrative field. High-net-worth individuals and investors with rental properties will want you to manage them on a turnkey basis. Your work will entail collecting rent, maintenance, and everything else to ensure that the property remains in good condition.
Before choosing any one of these branches of real estate in the state, you must first get a Texas real estate license.
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Why should you become a real estate agent in Texas
There are several reasons why becoming a career real estate agent is a very lucrative profession. First, it is your business and you are your boss. No fixed hours or targets to fulfill, the harder you work, the more money you earn. It is entirely up to you. Further, you can decide your work times, unlike regular 9 to 6 jobs. You thus get to spend quality time with your family and friends.
However, there is a downside to the job too. While the working hours flexibility is present, you might have to work odd hours or over the weekends. Typically, clients want showings when they are free and working on Sundays or in the evening is a distinct possibility for you. The rewards though make up more than your inconvenience in this regard.
How to get a Texas real estate license
The journey to get a Texas real estate license is almost common to all states in the USA apart from the duration of the pre-licensing coursework required. Each state also has its own controlling body for real estate and separate rules and regulations.
So, let us go through the steps to get a Texas real estate license.
# You must be at least 18 years old and a citizen of the US before you can apply for a license. Legally-admitted migrants can also apply for a license provided they have working rights in the country. A high school education or equivalent is also required.
# The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), which controls the real estate sector in Texas mandates that aspiring real estate agents must complete 180 hours of pre-licensing education. These 180 hours are divided into 6 modules of 30 hours each. They are:
- Principles of Real Estate I
- Law of Agency
- Principles of Real Estate II
- Promulgated Contracts
- Real Estate Finance
- Law of Contracts
The reason why this pre-licensing course is mandatory to get a Texas real estate license is that it imparts knowledge and skill sets to be a success in this profession.
You have the option to either study online or in a classroom environment. Online classes are generally preferred because of the convenience and flexibility that they bring to the table. You can study from anywhere and at any time without upsetting your daily routine provided there is an Internet-enabled device with you.
One of the leading providers of online courses in Texas is RealEstateU. Experienced real estate professionals design their courses and provide study guides and test prep that replicate license exam questions. Thus, candidates can face the license test with added confidence.
# Submit fingerprints for verification of past criminal records. Real estate agents must maintain high moral standards and any adverse remark can make you ineligible for a Texas real estate license.
# Schedule a license exam date with the TREC. Visit their website and pay the requisite fees. You will be allotted a designated center to appear for the test. Though the exam is online, you must be physically present at the center.
# Appear for the exam and the date fixed and pass it. The exam has two sections – the national level which is the same as the rest of the country and the state level which is related to real estate laws and rules in Texas. You must score at least 75% to pass the exam and the results in pass/fail mode will be informed soon after completion of the exam.
# After passing the exam, pay the fee and apply for a license. Submit proof of having completed the 180 hours of pre-licensing coursework and the fingerprint fitness certificate along with the application. You will now be issued a Texas real estate license but that will not be activated unless you complete the next step.
# Find a sponsoring broker
This is the final step to getting a Texas real estate license. A sponsoring broker will guide and mentor you at the start of your career and will provide office space along with referrals if required.
Your real estate license, already issued by TREC, will now be activated by the body. You can now launch a very rewarding and fulfilling career as a real estate agent in Texas.
