How to obtain your Alabama Real Estate License?
Have you considered getting into Real Estate? We are approached daily with questions about the how, what, where and all the nitty gritty details that real estate licensure includes…so, I thought a blog on the topic would be helpful. I have complete sympathy for those considering a professional license later in life. I just complete my Broker’s Class and test and was gently reminded daily how hard it is to add something else to my plate. However, mission complete!
In order to get a real estate license in Alabama, you have to complete a 6o hour pre-licensing course, pass a proctored class test, then pass the state exam. Here is how you get started. First, you’ll need to read over the regulations to confirm that you are eligible to receive a license in Alabama.
Here are the general guidelines:
- Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien or legally present in the U.S;
- Be at least 19 years old;
- Show proof of bona fide residency in any state in the U.S.;
- Show proof of high school graduation or the equivalent;
- Not have been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude;
- Not have had a real estate application or license rejected or revoked in any state within the past two years.
- After meeting the education and/or experience requirements, pass the licensing examination.
Once you’ve determined that you are eligible, you’ll need to find a reputable and approved school to complete your 60 hour class. You can find the list of approved schools through the Alabama Real Estate Commission here: https://arec.alabama.gov/apps/course_search/Default.aspx
I highly recommend the following school for online instruction: Career Academy of Real Estate
You have the option of online/self paced classes or in person classes, so you’ll need to determine the best method of learning for you! I loved online learning option as a busy mom, wife and business owner! It did take much longer than expected, so time blocking is important!
Once you’ve completed and passed the final exam and the state exam, you’ll need to meet with a Broker to determine where you will hang your active license. We’d LOVE to talk to you about BluePrint Realty Company!
Getting started in Real Estate will require time, money, attention, dedication, and hard work! We recommend that you are able to jump in feet first and it be a full time profession, but we know that’s not always possible. Just know that if it is part time to start, it will take you longer to get ramped up and proficient. If your plan is to be full time in real estate and you are an income producer for your family, we advise that you have 90-120 days of money in savings that is readily available to use, as it will take some time to get your first closing under your belt.
To get licensed, including classes, tests, National & local association costs, it will cost about $1200 just to get an active license and join the MLS and board. You’ll then need signs, business cards, and have some start up fees. If funds are low, there are some great options for joining a Real Estate Team and typically they will absorb those fees for you.
Succeeding in real estate sales can be challenging for a variety of reasons, including:
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High competition: Real estate is a highly competitive industry, with many agents and brokers vying for the same clients and properties. To succeed, you need to find a way to stand out from the crowd.
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Market volatility: The real estate market can be unpredictable, with fluctuations in demand and prices that can make it difficult to close deals.
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Complex transactions: Real estate transactions involve numerous legal and financial considerations, which can be difficult to navigate for those who lack experience in the field.
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Dependence on networking: Real estate sales often rely heavily on personal connections and networking, which can take time and effort to build.
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High expectations: Real estate sales is a commission-based business, meaning that agents must meet high sales targets in order to make a living. This can be stressful and challenging, particularly for new agents.
Overall, succeeding in real estate sales requires a combination of hard work, experience, and a willingness to adapt to changing market conditions.
Real Estate can look easy, and it is, and it is time consuming and demanding, fun, constantly changing, set salary-free, flexible, stressful, exhilarating, eventful, and challenging- and totally worth it. If you are considering real estate, we’d love to have a conversation with you about it!
Feel free to call or text my cell at 251-583-9728 with questions.