When I first told my family I wanted to become a real estate agent, my dad laughed and said, “So you’re going to sell houses now?” He wasn’t wrong—but little did he know how much more there was to it. I thought I’d just get a license, put on a blazer, and start selling dream homes. Turns out, that’s only the beginning.
If you’re wondering what do you need to become a real estate agent, I’ve been there—and I can tell you it’s a mix of hustle, patience, and paperwork. Whether you want to flip luxury condos or help first-time buyers, the journey starts with understanding what each state expects of you.
How Old Do You Need to Be to Start a Real Estate Career?
Most states require you to be at least 18 years old, though a few (like Alabama, Alaska, and Nebraska) bump that up to 19. I started at 18, and let me tell you—it felt empowering to step into an industry full of adults twice my age.
Along with age, you’ll need to be either a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident. You’ll also need a high school diploma or GED. If you’ve already finished school, you’re off to a great start.
The final bit? States care about honesty and integrity. That means a clean background check—fingerprinting and all. Think of it as their way of ensuring clients can trust you with one of the biggest purchases of their lives.
What Kind of Education Do You Need to Become a Real Estate Agent?
Here’s the truth: you don’t need a college degree to make it big in real estate. But you do need to complete state-approved pre-licensing education.
Depending on where you live, the required course hours can range from 40 hours to over 130 hours. For example, California requires 135 hours, while New York and Texas fall somewhere in between. I took mine online after work, sipping coffee and highlighting terms like “eminent domain” and “escrow.”
Your courses will cover everything from property ownership laws and ethics to contracts and financing. They’re designed to prepare you for the state licensing exam—and trust me, those classes help more than you think.
How Hard Is the Real Estate Licensing Exam?
The state exam is the big hurdle. You’ll face two sections:
- A national portion, which covers general real estate principles.
- A state portion, which tests your knowledge of local laws and regulations.
Most states require a 70–75% passing score, and if you don’t make it the first time, you can retake it after a waiting period. I failed my first try (yes, really!) because I underestimated the state-specific section. The second time, I nailed it—and the feeling was incredible.
The best advice? Take practice tests and schedule your exam soon after finishing the course. Don’t let too much time pass, or the details will slip away.
What Happens After You Pass the Exam?
Once you pass, you’ll submit your license application to your state’s real estate commission. This part involves paperwork, application fees, and your course completion certificates. After approval, you’ll officially be licensed—but you can’t sell homes just yet.
Here’s the catch: you must work under a licensed real estate broker before you can start helping clients. Think of your broker as your mentor and business partner—they provide training, office space, and access to listings. Choosing the right brokerage is crucial; it shapes your career from day one.
Should You Join the National Association of REALTORS®?
When I first saw the word “REALTOR®,” I assumed it was just another word for agent—but it’s not. To use that title, you have to join the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and agree to follow their Code of Ethics.
It’s not mandatory, but it’s absolutely worth it. Membership gives you access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)—basically the holy grail of property listings—plus networking events and ongoing professional development.
Joining made me feel like I was part of a community instead of just hustling solo.
How Do You Keep Your License Active?
Getting your license is just step one. Keeping it is another story. Most states require post-licensing education soon after you start working—usually within your first year.
Then comes continuing education, which you’ll complete before each license renewal period. It’s a way to stay current on market trends, new laws, and best practices.
I actually enjoy these refresher courses because they keep me sharp and give me new insights into marketing, negotiation, and real estate law.
How to Become a Real Estate Agent Step-by-Step
Here’s a quick recap of what do you need to become a real estate agent, organized in an easy flow:
| Step | What You Need | Details |
| 1 | Be 18 or older | Some states require 19 |
| 2 | Legal residency | U.S. citizen or permanent resident |
| 3 | Education | High school diploma or GED |
| 4 | Pre-licensing course | 40–135 hours depending on the state |
| 5 | Pass the exam | Score 70–75% on state and national sections |
| 6 | Apply for license | Submit documents and fees |
| 7 | Join a brokerage | Work under a licensed broker |
| 8 | Optional NAR membership | Access to MLS and professional perks |
| 9 | Post-licensing and CE | Keep your license active and updated |
That’s the full roadmap—and every step builds your confidence and expertise.
FAQs About What Do You Need to Become a Real Estate Agent
1. How long does it take to become a real estate agent?
It depends on your state and how fast you complete your pre-licensing course. Most people finish in 4–6 months, including study time, exams, and application processing.
2. How much does it cost to become a real estate agent?
Expect to spend between $500 and $1,500, covering pre-licensing classes, exam fees, application costs, and background checks. Some brokerages may also charge startup or desk fees.
3. Can I take real estate courses online?
Absolutely. Many states approve online pre-licensing schools, which makes it easier to study at your own pace. Just make sure your course provider is approved by your state’s real estate commission.
4. Is being a real estate agent a full-time job?
It can be either. Many agents start part-time while keeping another job. Once you gain clients and confidence, you can transition to full-time. Real estate rewards the effort you put in—there’s no one-size-fits-all schedule.
Wrapping It Up with a Key Truth
If you’re still asking what do you need to become a real estate agent, here’s my honest answer: you need more than just paperwork—you need passion, patience, and people skills.
The process sounds long, but it’s worth it when you hand someone the keys to their first home or see that “SOLD” sign go up. I still get goosebumps every time.
So grab your study materials, find a brokerage that feels like home, and start your journey. Real estate isn’t just a career—it’s an adventure where every door leads to new possibilities.
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