The Essentials Of Obtaining A Real Estate License In Texas

How To Get A Real Estate License In Texas

Fulfilling Basic Requirements

Before you dive into the process proper, certain basic requirements must be met. 

You must be 18 years old on the date of applying for a license, though other steps, like going through the pre-licensing coursework, can be completed. Only citizens of the USA can apply for a license along with legally admitted migrants who have been granted working rights in the country. On the educational front, you need a high school diploma or an equivalent GED to meet the basic requirements of being eligible for a real estate license. 

Going Through Pre-Licensing Coursework  

One of the most critical steps to be awarded a real estate license in Texas is completing the 180-hour pre-licensing coursework. It provides adequate knowledge to real estate aspirants on the various aspects of this sector so that they can later offer excellent and precise services to their clients in the future. 

Check out the top-quality TREC-approved online courses from RealEstateU. They not only help you pass the licensing exam on the first try but are very affordable too.  

The lessons consist of 6 modules of 30 hours each. These are as follows: 

• Principles of Real Estate 1&2 (2 x 30hours)

• Law of Contracts (30 hours)

• Promulgated Contract Forms (30 hours)

• Law of Agency (30 hours)

• Real Estate Finance (30 hours)

Before selecting a course provider, certain aspects must be considered. 

First, the course must be approved by TREC. Non-approved courses do not count towards having completed the 180 hours of studies to appear for the licensing exam. Visit the TREC portal to check whether the provider selected by you is on the approved list. 

Next, decide whether you prefer a classroom-based course or online studies. While weighing the pros and cons, you will find that there are several benefits that online courses bring to the table. 

For online courses, you can download the coursework and study at any time from anywhere without upsetting your daily routine. Moreover, online courses are substantially cheaper than physical real estate school courses.  

Completing Background Verification

Since real estate agents are expected to maintain high moral and ethical standards, background verification is necessary to check for any past criminal record or felony. This is done through live fingerprint scans at designated collection centers. Federal agencies inform TREC about the scan results, and it is the discretion of the body whether to award a real estate license in Texas in case of an adverse report. 

Scheduling A Licensing Exam

Visit the TREC portal to schedule a licensing exam by paying the required fee. Upload documents for proof of completing the pre-licensing coursework and the fingerprint scan clearance. Once you get the approval letter from TREC, fix a test center and time with Pearson Vue, the third-party administrators of the exam. You must visit a designated center physically, though the licensing exam is held online. 

Passing The Licensing Exam

The 240-minute licensing exam has two sections, the national part having 85 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 150 minutes and the state portion having 40 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 90 minutes. The pass grade is 70%.  

Finding A Licensed Broker

Contact a licensed broker willing to sponsor you and provide guidance at the start of your professional life. Inform the status to TREC.

Applying For A License 

After going through all the steps, visit the TREC portal and apply for a real estate license in Texas.