As the old norms of businesses and careers implode under lockdown orders and remote work pressures, many people want an option that offers more stability with decent money potential. With a median wage of around $60,000, a real estate broker fits the bill quite nicely to many eyes.
Of course, the restrictions that make other businesses tricky can also make transitioning into real estate feel tricky. If you’re ready to make the switch, keep reading for instructions on how to get your real estate broker license online.
Prelicensing Course
Your first step to a broker’s license is a prelicensing course for your salesperson license. That course typically includes four sub-classes on real estate topics, such as:
- State real estate laws
- Real estate practices
- Appraisal
- Finance
States impose different rules about how many hours you must spend on these courses. However, you can take the courses online in most states. For example, you can take Florida online through the Florida Real Estate License School.
Salesperson Exam
Courtesy of the Covid pandemic, some states now offer online proctored exams for your real estate license. This varies by state, so check your government’s site for more details.
Experience
In most states, you must accumulate time as a real estate salesperson before taking the broker’s exam. A standard period of experience is one to two years. Many states will accept it if you rack up that experience across as many as five years on the upside.
Additional Education
Real estate brokers must typically complete additional formal coursework, while a real estate agent can get by with some continuing education credits. This coursework usually focuses on more managerial-level skills, such as:
- Business Finance
- Human Resources
- Business Law
- Economics
Some states may also require a college degree of one type or another, such as an Associate Degree. You can typically complete all of these online as well.
Real Estate Broker License Exam
The final step to a real estate broker license is the broker exam. The exam will test your knowledge of relevant state-level and national information. Topics might include property transfer, agency laws, and property valuation.
If you pass the exam, you get your license. Again, some states offer online exam versions, but you must check your state’s requirements.
Becoming a Broker
Picking up a real estate broker license and becoming a broker can take a few years, even if you do most of the education and testing online. You will still need some on-the-job practice as an agent/salesperson.
Even with advances in 3D virtual house tours and drone photography, expect you’ll still clock a lot of face time with buyers and sellers. Almost every buyer will expect a physical property tour before buying. Looking for more possible career options and avenues? Check out the articles in our Career Tips section.
