Did you know that there are more than 140 million housing units in the U.S and 43 million are renter-occupied? Well, there is no doubt that real estate is quite a lucrative business venture.
The best way to gain knowledge in the industry is to become a real estate agent? It will not only provide you with first-hand experience but also increase your chances of getting into the business.
Even so, selling real estate isn’t a walk in the park. It requires a passion for people and property. You also need a valid license to operate. Fortunately, getting a real estate agent license is quite easy.
All you need to do is ensure you meet all the qualifications and follow the required steps of application. Read on for a detailed insight into how to get Florida real estate license online.
But first!
Who is a Real Estate Agent?
As its name suggests, a real estate agent or broker is a professional who represents sellers, property, or buyers of real estate. While brokers operate independently, real estate agents require a licensed broker to represent their customers.
The responsibility of a real estate agent is liaising with a customer to market property in a way that will maximize the selling value. They are also tasked with carrying out negotiations on the letting and sale of properties.
What’s more, they should also ensure that acquisition and disposal is legal and done according to the law.
What are the Requirements?
If you are looking to become a real estate agent, broker, school instructor, or real estate associate, there are several requirements you should meet. Here is a highlight of some of the basic requirements:
• You must be at least 18 years old
• Have a good character
• You must have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• U.S Social Security number is a must
• You don’t need to be a Florida resident
Having met all the above requirements, you will be ready for the next steps.
Step 1: Take a Pre-License Course
The first step should be to complete a Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) pre-licensing course. It consists of 63 hours and focuses on the real estate math, laws, practice, and principles.
Besides, the course package is quite cheap. It varies from $100 to $500 and can be taken in a real estate school or online.
To proceed to the next step, you will be required to complete the 100-questions final exam and score of at least 70 percent. Notably, lawyers pre-approved to practice law in Florida are not required to take the pre-license course.
All they need to do is attach proof of approval to the exam application.
Step 2: Apply for the Florida Exam
After completing the pre-license course, you will be required to apply for the Florida Real Estate Commission exam. Additionally, this step will also require you to submit your fingerprints.
The Department of Business and Professional Regulations needs to check your criminal record before providing you with a license.
You can have your fingerprints taken at any authorized location at least 5 days before submitting your application. Although fingerprint vendors have different prices for their services, the average cost is $50 to $80.
The cost of submitting your application to the DBPR is $83 and can be done online.
After submitting your application, you should get a notification from Pearson VUE Company within 10-30 days if the application has been approved.
Step 3: Take and Pass the Florida Real Estate Exam
After receiving the approval notification, the next step should be to schedule and pass the Florida Real Estate Exam. The exam is offered online every day and can be taken from anywhere across the world.
One of the best things about taking a Florida Real Estate exam is that there is quite a wide range of test centers. They are located in almost every state in the U.S. Note that you will have 4 hours to answer 100 questions.
The passing score is 75% but you can retake the exam as many times as you wish. The only thing you need to do is wait for 24 hours before rescheduling for another examination.
You can find more information about the Florida Real Estate license examination in the candidate information booklet provided online.
If you are wondering; how hard Florida Real Estate exam is, well, although the exam can prove to be daunting, it is something that any student cannot handle.
Step 4: Activate Your License
Once you have successfully passed the above examination, the only thing left would be to activate your license and start your career as a real estate agent.
Nonetheless, it is imperative to note that your real estate license will not be active until you join forces with a licensed broker.
A licensed broker should be capable of activating your license according to the DBPR RE 11–Sales Associate form. Besides, you should know that sales associates are only required to operate with one employing broker at a time.
Alternatively, the license can also be activated by submitting the DBPR-RE 11 form.
Step 5: Join the Local Board Associated with Your Broker
You will probably choose to connect with the local company associated with your broker. However, you should note that local board offerings and dues vary, so ensure you thoroughly explore your options.
Technically, once you team up with your local board, you officially become a member of the National Association of Realtors and the Florida Realtors State Association. These boards are capable of offering quite a wide range of success opportunities.
Apart from that, you can also choose to take a post license course online.
How Long Does It Take to Get a License in Florida?
On average, the time it might take anywhere between 2-5 months to get a Florida real estate license. But it will depend on how fast you can learn.
Some people are able to complete the required 63-Hour Pre-License course in one week, while others might take several weeks.
Most importantly, students should spend an additional 1-2 months networking and trying to find a suitable sponsoring broker.
How About the Cost?
The cost of getting a real estate agent license in Florida can vary depending on the institution of application.
You will find varying costs of school tuition, fingerprint taking and background checks, and taking or retaking exams.
However, on average, the expected amount students should pay to get their real estate agent license in Florida is around $375.00.
Qualities of Good Real Estate Agent
No one understands the metrics of real estate better than real estate agents. It is, in fact, one of the main reasons why any property investors should employ the services of a knowledgeable real estate agent.
They Should Be Knowledgeable
These professionals should be well-versed with the current real estate market and everything that entails property management. They should also be capable of providing informative insight on the different factors affecting the real estate industry.
How are the unemployment rate and mortgage interest rates affecting the business? They should have in-depth knowledge of the market value on a street-by-street basis.
Top Agents Know What to Look For
If you’re buying a house without the help of a realtor, you’ll have to sift through all of the available options on your own. Anyone can understand how time-consuming this task is.
An experienced real estate agent, on the other hand, will shortlist properties based on your wish list.
Real estate agents typically know every house on the market, and it is their responsibility to find the one that meets your needs and budget. The agent will also walk you through the buying process, making it as easy and stress-free as possible.
Cost Estimation and Guidance
You may believe you know how much your house is worth as a homeowner. But is the price you’ve come up with reasonable? Most of the time, emotions can cloud your judgment.
You might end up placing an overly high value on your home, which can make it unattractive. Conversely, without the right knowledge, it is possible to undervalue your home.
The best way to ensure you don’t go wrong on the calculations is to find a good real estate agent. They will ensure that you are in the right price range. What’s more, these professionals are trained to help their clients get the best value for their property.
Get Florida Real Estate License Online Today!
Unlike other careers, you only need 2-5 months to get a license as a real estate agent in Florida. All you need is the required qualifications and one or two tests to gain access to the lucrative industry as an agent. It is also quite cheap and integrates an easy method of application.
Ensure you put the above factors into consideration when applying for a real estate agent in Florida and there is no doubt that you will experience exceptional results.
Are you looking to get Florida real estate license online? Contact us today and let us work on ensuring you get it in the shortest time possible.
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