A great way to start your journey toward financial success is by obtaining a real estate license in California. Being a real estate agent is a common goal for those who obtain their real estate license. They are aware of the job’s numerous benefits, including its potential for endless financial gain, freedom at work, and other things to consider before beginning the process of obtaining a California real estate license. It’s imperative to advertise your real estate agent status to everyone. Although obtaining your California real estate license may seem difficult, we are here to help you every step of the way.
How to Get a Real Estate License in California
You only need to follow these easy steps to obtain a real estate license in California. When you have finished all steps, you are an active agent and are prepared to begin your real estate career. In California, licenses to practice real estate must be renewed every four years. The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) renewal procedure entails finishing continuing education programs, paying a fee, and updating any personal or professional data on record.
Real estate license holders must remember their renewal date and take the required actions on time because the precise requirements and deadlines differ. Real estate licenses can become inactive if they are not renewed by the deadline, in which case the license holder may need to reapply for a license.
Steps To Get a Real Estate License in California
#1. Meet the California Standards
These requirements were established by the Department of Real Estate (DRE) to preserve the integrity of the California real estate market. Be certain to fulfill the following prerequisites to obtain a California real estate license:
- 18 years or older
- Possessing the necessary qualifications to work in the United States.
- Honesty: Applicants need to be truthful and honest.
#2. Enroll in an Approved Real Estate School in California
You must enroll in an accredited real estate school after you have met the requirements for your real estate license. You can learn the salesperson pre-licensing information that has been authorized by the Department of Real Estate (DRE) in California. Each student will need to pass three courses:
- Real Estate Practice
- Real Estate Principles
- One elective course
Every course has a certificate of completion that you can receive once you finish it. Your certificate serves as evidence that you registered for and completed your course. To be qualified to take the state exam, students must finish all three courses within a year of the date of their enrollment. So, stay focused and don’t procrastinate! You can apply for the California real estate exam once you have all three certificates.
#3. Apply to the California Real Estate Exam
There is a final exam you must take after finishing each Pre-Licensing course. The time allotted for each question on the final exam is one minute, and you have two chances to pass. Each of these final exams has a passing mark of 70%, and proctors are not necessary.
You must apply along with the following documentation to sit for the California real estate exam:
- A valid photo ID
- Completed live scan form
- State exam fees
- 3-licensing course certificates
- Completed DRE Forms
You can apply online for the California real estate exam through the DRE’s eLicensing portal. Everything can be done online, including setting up an account, completing the necessary forms, and submitting your certificates.
You must complete a live scan background check before you can take the real estate exam. Any criminal activity will be revealed by this background investigation, which will also determine whether you are qualified to work as a real estate agent in California. The best course of action is to speak with the DRE and be open and truthful about your criminal history.
#4. Take and Pass the California Real Estate State Exam
It takes three hours and fifteen minutes to complete the 150 multiple-choice questions on this test, and a 70% or higher is required to pass. You can arrange your state exam test date after your application has been approved.
The state exam is challenging. You must thus pass with a passing grade of at least 70%. Some schools offer extra materials to assist you in passing the state exam. These training sessions provide you with in-depth course reviews and test-taking techniques.
#5. Join a Real Estate Firm
Following success on the state exam, the DRE will send you a copy of your real estate license via email and postal mail. You can choose the brokerage with which you want to interview. You can start this exciting new career as soon as the real estate brokerage hires you.
It’s easy to schedule a meeting with a real estate brokerage. Simply get in touch with the brokerage, inform them that you are a recently licensed agent, and express your interest in collaborating. In some cases, real estate schools will even put you in touch with a reputable brokerage.
6. Finish Off Your License Application
After passing the test, if you did not submit a License Combo Application, you will receive a Salesperson License Application (RE 202) in the mail. Within one year of passing the test, this form needs to be filled out and sent back with the necessary payment. Before receiving the fingerprint response data, DRE cannot issue a license.
Before getting your license, you must have documentation that you’ve passed Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one more course from the list of prerequisites. Applicants from outside the state must also submit a completed and notarized Consent to Service of Process (RE 234).
Your California Real Estate Salesperson license will be issued by DRE once the state has approved your application.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Real Estate License in California
In California, the price range for a real estate license is between $477 and $740. To help you budget for your real estate license, we’ve broken down the costs into the following categories:
- The real estate institute (pre-licensing program)
- Exam for real estate entry fee
- Cost of a live scan (background check)
- Cost of the real estate license
Best Real Estate License School California
There are numerous real estate schools from which to choose if you’re getting your license in California. Each one comes has its program price.
#1. AceableAgent
In the US, AceableAgent is among the largest and most well-known real estate schools. They just recently received certification in California, so their courses are current and reflect the most recent knowledge. Additionally, AceableAgent has a mobile app that works with both Android and iOS devices to give students more freedom and flexibility while studying on the go. AceableAgent’s programs have received approval from IDECC and ARELLO in addition to the California Department of Real Estate.
You can upgrade to packages that offer more interesting content.
The Basic package includes:
- A self-directed online PDF format
- Contact course experts at any time by emailing the instructor.
- A 30-day refund policy
Within the Deluxe package are:
- 70 audio lessons, 75 videos, and digital flashcards
- Deluxe Exam Prep: Access 1,300+ Exclusive Practice Questions
- Over 100 pages of real estate exam prep material to help you get ready for the test
The Premium package comes with:
- An hour of private instruction with a real estate professional
- Weekly five live webinars
- Access the Webinar Archive to view hundreds of hours of instructional videos whenever you want.
- Live Q&A: Hosts answer live audience questions that have been submitted via social media.
Given that AceableAgent is the most recent California-approved online real estate school, all of its courses have been updated with the most recent and pertinent information. Additionally, the course is very affordable and frequently offered at a discount rate, making it a great choice for students who want to keep their pre-licensing education costs low.
#2. The CE Shop
In California and the US as a whole, The CE Shop is unquestionably the best online real estate school. Even though continuing education classes are their main focus, they have expanded their education to cover every aspect of real estate licensing, from pre-licensing to business development and everything in between.
They are as reputable as the institutions that have been around for years because they are ARELLO-accredited and have won numerous honors and awards in the short time they have existed. This school offers the following packages:
#1. Standard Package
This is the standard package from the CE Shop real estate licensing school in California and it also offers the security of a pass guarantee, which reimburses students for the course fee if they fail the licensing exam.
#2. Value Package
The Value Package, as its name implies, is CE Shop’s top choice when it comes to providing the best value for the money. The Value Package not only includes all the features from the earlier packages, but it also includes business development courses that will aid aspiring real estate agents in starting their careers. Three business-building courses are included in the Value Package in addition to the Pass Guarantee. You can gain experience in commercial real estate while also expanding your network and learning career-launching strategies.
#3. Premium Package
The ultimate package, which is the most comprehensive one on the market, includes all of the materials an aspiring real estate agent will need to pass the test and gain expertise in the field. Additionally, it contains the continuing education credits needed for your initial renewal period. Additionally, a 45-hour first renewal package with 18 required hours and 27 electives is included to help you determine your course in real estate. This package includes everything the Value Package does.
You can gain access to expertly written business eBooks, a study schedule, a real estate glossary to learn industry jargon, digital flashcards, and career resources by purchasing any of the packages on offer. The high pass rate of The CE Shop is the best aspect of studying with them. They have one of the best pass rates among US-based online real estate schools. This indicates that their courses have a history of helping students pass exams, as evidenced by the positive feedback they receive.
#3. Colibri Real Estate
One of the top online real estate schools, Colibri Real Estate, formerly Real Estate Express, has educated thousands of people. They opened their doors to students back in 1996, making them one of the nation’s first real estate schools.
Because their business depends on having state-approved courses as well as ARELLO and IDECC-accredited programs, they offer all of their students dependable, well-proven educational services. They offer a pass or don’t pay guarantee for their exam preparations in addition to a 100% satisfaction guarantee to support these claims. The Basics, Exam Preparation, Exam Preparation Plus, and Ultimate Learning are the current course packages offered by Colibri Real Estate in California.
#1. The Basics
Colibri Real Estate claims that The Basics package is designed for self-starters who are disciplined and have some prior real estate experience. This course comes with state-approved instructors and the mandatory 135 hours of pre-licensing instruction. Additionally, it contains three real estate books that are available online at any time.
#2. Exam Preparation
Exam Preparation also includes weekly real estate insights to help students stay motivated while they are studying. Although the basic package includes all of the course material, exam preparation is also available to help students feel more prepared. The Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee is another feature of this package that is popular with students. To aid in their learning and retention of the material throughout the course, students can also sign up as Prep for Success Members.
#3. Exam Preparation Plus
Students who purchase the Exam Preparation Plus package have the opportunity to regularly speak with a professional and receive additional audio and video learning materials in addition to the standard ones. Apart from that, the package content includes a video to help students cram for exams, a real estate dictionary to help them brush up on the technology used by agents in the field, and time for student-instructor Q&A.
#4. Ultimate Learning
Everything a person requires to ace the test and qualify as a California real estate expert is included in the Ultimate Learning package. It has everything the other packages do, plus a printed textbook that students can carry around with them and access whenever they want. Additionally, it enables students to complete a 90-day boot camp before sitting for the licensing exam to ensure they are prepared to pass.
When you study with Colibri Real Estate, you have access to a vast library of study materials like books, guides, and other study tools. This makes it simple for students to locate and sign up for a course that will improve their exam preparation and increase their chances of passing it the first time.
#4. Allied Real Estate School
One of the most well-known real estate schools in California with almost 30 years of educational experience is Allied Real Estate Schools. They began operations in 1992 and now provide pre-licensing training in Texas and California, with a strong emphasis on the state’s real estate industry. They have access to a vast array of resources, study aids, and experts because they are a part of the Colibri Group, a family of brands that provides education services for different industries. Three-course packages are currently available to real estate students in California through Allied Real Estate Schools: the California Real Estate Fast Track Program, the California Real Estate Fast Track PREMIUM Program, and the California Fast Track Premium Plus Program.
#1. California Real Estate Fast Track Program
All pre-licensing courses, online access to eBooks throughout the courses, practice exams, and access to live instructors are all included in the basic package.
#2. California Real Estate Fast Track PREMIUM Program
Every feature offered by the basic package is also offered by the following premium package. Also included are digital flashcards, a real estate dictionary that is only accessible online, a video to aid in exam preparation, and, the all-time favorite among students, a 100% money-back guarantee.
A benefit of selecting Allied Real Estate Schools for your pre-licensing education is the ability to select from one of the broadest selections of individual courses and course bundles. There are seven elective courses available to students at Allied Real Estate Schools, compared to the one or two offered by many other real estate schools.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Real Estate License in California?
In California, 135 hours is the shortest time it takes to get your license. Alternatively, a little less than 8 weeks. Compared to other careers, this is a low barrier of entry that comes with a fast start-up. In roughly six months, someone can go from having no real estate experience to working as a representative for high-end clients. You must wait for the DRE to schedule your test date after finishing your education and submitting an application for the state examination. This takes roughly three months. We advise you to spend as much time studying during this period.
Therefore, now is the time to begin creating your contact database as you enroll in a real estate school that has been accredited. because it usually takes a new contract six months to convert to a client. Coincidentally, 6 months is the average time it takes to get your license.
Is It Difficult to Get California Real Estate License?
Some people will find it difficult, but it is not impossible, to become a California real estate agent. Thankfully, there are many tools available, such as real estate schools, to assist you in passing the California real estate salesperson exam and starting your path to a rewarding career in real estate. In California, the process usually takes three to six months. The program is brief but intense. If you’ve had a decent education, you’ll be able to pass the test, just like many other people.
Is a California Real Estate License Worth It?
A California real estate license can be profitable in several ways without even requiring a full-time commitment to the industry or client contact. Thus, if you’re considering getting licensed, it is worthwhile to make the financial commitment if you’re willing to put in the effort.
How Do I Start a Real Estate Career in California?
- Ensure that you are qualified to obtain a real estate license in the state of California.
- Join a real estate program that has been accredited.
- Decide when you will take the real estate exam.
- Take the real estate exam and pass.
- Join a brokerage for real estate.
Can I Get My California Real Estate License Online?
The following three 45-hour courses, totaling 135 credit hours, are required before you can apply for an online California real estate license. You must then submit an online application through CDRE’s service. Last but not least, you must achieve a score of 70% or higher on the state and national portions of the exam.
Is There Math on the California Real Estate Exam?
About 10 questions on real estate mathematics are among the approximately 45 questions on real estate law and principles and approximately 45 questions on real estate law that are included on the state exam. No matter which states you want to get your real estate license in, you can expect to see math questions on the test. There are approximately 10-15% math-related questions overall.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Being a Real Estate Agent?
#1. Income Potential
The potential for unlimited income is among the best features of working as a real estate agent. You can make as much money as you want as an agent. This is so because agents for real estate receive a commission. The number of clients a real estate agent takes on determines how much money they can make annually, so this decision is up to them.
#2. Flexible Schedule
The schedules of real estate brokers are flexible. Since they are more flexible than other professionals, agents can more easily fit their work around their personal lives. Flexibility is a major advantage of the profession for agents who have kids. In addition to spending more time with their families, parents can attend significant events.
#3. You are a Business Owner
Those who work in real estate are businesspeople. They own their own company even though they are legally required to work for a broker to sell real estate. Agents are in charge of making their schedules, choosing which clients to work with, and setting their rates.
Numerous brokerages have tools available to assist their agents with lead generation and marketing. The specifics of each agent’s use of these resources are outlined in their business plans, though.
Cons of Becoming a Real Estate Agent
#1. Success Requires Patience
The need for a lot of patience is one of this job’s biggest drawbacks. Finding their first client or closing their first deal could take a new real estate agent several months. Prospecting, advertising, and holding open houses are just a few of the tasks agents must complete before they can start to profit.
#2. You Experience Rejection
Managing rejection is another difficult aspect of becoming a real estate agent. Agents encounter many rejections. Both people in their sphere of influence and strangers are being prospected. Not everyone will require the services of a real estate agent. Real estate agents will be successful if they don’t let rejections deter them from following up on new leads.
#3. Real Estate is Competitive
California has a huge number of real estate brokers. There are a variety of real estate agents available to buyers and sellers in every location. To stand out, agents must put in a lot of effort. To do this, one strategy is to identify a specific market, geographic region, buyer demographic, or type of property.
Conclusion
A career in real estate would be best suited for those who value having flexible hours. Deciding to become a real estate agent is simple. However, to build a prosperous career, you need zeal. There are benefits and drawbacks to becoming a real estate agent.
Keep your dreams alive despite the drawbacks. Those who are devoted, resilient, and determined to succeed should pursue this career. Starting a real estate career will be challenging, but the rewards and freedom are worthwhile. If you are committed to your career and put in the necessary effort, nothing will stand in the way of success and achieving your goals.
Working hard and putting yourself first are necessary for a real estate career. But, the results are life-changing. You will position yourself for that success by adhering to the aforementioned guidelines and learning as much as you can.
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