Fundamentals Of Becoming A Real Estate Agent In Texas
A real estate agent is a licensed practitioner who handles sales of properties and lands. In the state of Texas, US, a career of a real estate agent is often considered to be lucrative. This is because the real estate market in the state is considered to be one of the best in the country. The job of a real estate agent in Texas is however challenging and involves a lot of learning and dedication, owing to a number of stringent norms laid by the government and other governing bodies such as Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR). There are also certain prerequisites for becoming a real estate agent in the state. As a result, the job may not be suitable for everyone. Let us explore the fundamentals of becoming a real estate agent in Texas.
Obtaining the license
In order to obtain the license of a real estate license in Texas and also in other parts of the US, the first condition is that you should be minimum 18 years old. You also have to meet the licensing requirement of TREC. To obtain the license TREC mandates that the person should meet the educational qualification for the license, clear the real estate examinations, completes all the coursework designated by TREC. You should have your fingerprints on record with the Public Service Department and have a clean moral character.
Eligibility criteria
Hundreds of people, who aspire to become a real estate agent in Texas, apply for a license. But all the applications are not accepted by TREC. It is mandatory that you have a high school diploma in order to obtain the license. You first have to fill in an application form and submit it along with a copy of your degree/diploma and an assessment fee.
Completion of the coursework
Once you get the approval from TREC, you can get yourself enrolled for the coursework designated by the body. It is compulsory to complete nine subjects in 270 classroom hours, after which you should be passing the real estate license examination by obtaining a passing grade on each of the subjects. You are required to pay a fee for your examination. There are over 70 examination centers in the state.
Placing your fingerprints
This is an important part of obtaining your license of a real estate agent in Texas. Your fingerprints should be on record. Once you clear the examination, you are expected to set up an appointment for laying your fingerprints online from the TREC website.
The final step
On passing the examination, you will obtain an inactive license from TREC. This means you are an agent but you do not hold an active license unless you get a sponsoring broker, who will send a form to TREC for approval. Till that time, you can practice under the broker's license. Once you get the sponsorship, you will get your active license from TREC. You would also be designated as a realtor in Texas once you have the real estate license. You will register with the National Association of Realtors and abide by its code of ethics.