There are about 3 million licensed real estate agents in the US. These professionals can earn between $50,000 and $100,000 per year. That’s higher than the average income for US adults! The real estate market in Austin is one of the most competitive in the country!
Getting your real estate license could be a smart financial move. But getting started can be challenging. After all, getting a real estate license doesn’t happen overnight.
Are you a resident of Austin, Texas? If so, be sure to check out this brief guide about getting a real estate license in Austin. Doing so could be your first step toward a new and more profitable career!
Texas Real Estate Education
The first step toward getting your Austin, TX real estate license is to seek higher education. The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) requires license applicants to complete several real estate courses. These include the Principles of Real Estate and Real Estate Finance.
Overall, applicants must show that they’ve taken at least 180 hours worth of accepted real estate courses. And while applicable credits from out-of-state institutions may be accepted, preference is given toward Texas schools.
Fortunately, Austin residents can use the TREC’s database to find qualifying real estate schools.
Texas Real Estate Exam
TREC outsources its exam services to PearsonVUE. As such, the only way to access the Texas real estate licensing exam is by contacting TREC and applying for a license.
Once you’ve successfully passed your exam, you’ll need to find a Texas broker to sponsor your inactive license. As soon as you’ve found a sponsor, you’ll receive an active license and can begin working in Texas.
All in all, that’s how to become a real estate agent in Austin!
Hiring a real estate photographer is an excellent way to get a head start on competing agents and listings. Additionally, you should familiarize yourself with the multiple neighborhoods and their unique features. You can even check out an article we wrote about which features make Austin homes sell fast!
How to Become a Commercial Real Estate Agent
Now that we’ve reviewed some of the broader steps toward becoming an Austin real estate agent, let’s take a quick moment to summarize them.
For example, this process essentially consists of five steps:
- Completing at least 180 credit hours of Texas-administered real estate courses
- Submitting an application for a license online or by mail to the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC)
- Passing the TREC-administered background check and submitting fingerprint information for further identification confirmation
- Passing the PearsonVUE real estate licensing exam
- Finding a broker to sponsor your license
However, there is an unspoken sixth step that could make a significant difference in your early real estate career: Investing in photography services.
Remember, many homeowners search for properties online. As such, photographs, videos, and 3D home tours are often the first things buyers see.
Taking the time to ensure that each of your properties looks gorgeous online could be the ideal way to kickstart your new real estate career, so be sure to consider professional photography services.
Moving to Texas With a License
Those who have an out-of-state real estate license can’t legally perform real estate activities in Texas without procuring a Texas-specific permit first.
This can be frustrating, but it’s crucial to note that this reciprocity work’s one way. For example, after acquiring a Texas real estate license, you may be able to legally sell homes in a handful of other states, including Maine.
As such, those looking to work as a real estate agent in Texas will need to follow the same steps as non-licensed individuals. This includes (but is not limited to) taking 180 credit hours worth of Texas-based real estate courses.
Real Estate License in Austin
Are you interested in getting your real estate license in Austin, Texas? If so, your first step will be education. To become a licensed real estate agent in Austin, you’ll need at least 180 credit hours worth of real estate education.
After that, you can attempt the licensing exam. The Texas Real Estate Commission is responsible for coordinating exam times and helping individuals become licensed real estate agents in Texas. Earn a great income while doing something you love in the capital city!
The most successful real estate agents invest in high-quality real estate photography. So, be sure to schedule a session today!
