How to become a Realtor in Texas
Residents of Texas who wish to enter into the real estate field will have a strenuous path ahead of them. In addition to specific educational requirements, you will have to supply your fingerprints. This is the information you will need if you want to learn how to become a Realtor in Texas.
Legal Status - All persons who wish to be realtors in Texas must reside in Texas, be US Citizens or legally admitted to the United States, and be at least 18 years of age.
Education requirements - In addition to your high school level education, there are other requirements you will need to meet in order to become a licensed Realtor in Texas. There is a sixty hour class requirement on the principals of real estate (Principles of Real Estate), a thirty hour class requirement regarding the legal side of real estate (Law of Agency), a requirement of thirty classroom hours for contract law (Law of Contracts) and thirty hours of basic real estate preparation through core classes. In addition, Texas requires that you take an additional sixty hours of classroom study in your choice of eithercore coursesorrelated courses.
Evaluation - Once you have completed all of the required educational requirements, you must submit transcripts (copies) of your grades or certificates showing that you have met all of the requirements. These will be evaluated prior to you being able to apply for your license. The process takes approximately ten business days and there are fees associated with the evaluation ($30 as of 08/03/10). If for any reason it is determined you have not successfully completed the education requirements, your fee is good for up to one year after payment.
Inactive Salesperson's License - In order to proceed to the testing phase of your licensing requirements to be a Realtor in Texas, you must apply for an inactive salesperson license. The fees (as of 08/03/10) are non refundable and include $97 for the original application as well as $10 for Recovery Trust Account (if not previously paid).
Apply for Testing - Once your application has been received with the appropriate fees and approved, you will receive information about the independent testing company that administers tests for Realtors. You are given one year from the date your application is submitted to take and successfully pass the test.
Important Notes - Texas does require a background check be run on all applicants for licensing. Even if you have met all of the educational requirements, a background check may cause your application to be rejected. In addition, those who have student loans that are in default may not be granted a license without a repayment plan being put into place.
