Introduction
Texas’ real estate market is on an upward trajectory and the Lone Star state is witnessing high demand for residential and commercial properties.
Texas’ real estate market has bounced back to pre pandemic levels of demand and has been growing significantly over the last few years. The onward trajectory is helping agents and brokers rake in higher earnings and commission opportunities.
Did you know that the average annual salary of a real estate salesperson is around $90K in popular real estate markets of Texas like Austin and San Antonio.
Due to a strong economic outlook, rising job opportunities and growing prosperity, Texas’ real estate market is a great place to work for anyone seeking a rewarding and satisfying profession.
Now can be a great time to enter the Texas real estate market and reap the numerous opportunities for a successful career. To get started, you will need a Texas state approved license.
If you are ready to apply for a Texas real estate license, we are here to help you achieve your goal.
Getting to your goal will require step by step preparation, so we have put together this in-depth post to help you prepare better.
From the eligibility requirements to the qualifying requirements and much more, we have compiled all the important info in this post for you.
What do you mean by Pre-Licensing Education in Real Estate
By definition, pre-licensing education refers to a structured, state approved learning curriculum which works as an education program for real estate students.
Completing pre-licensing education for aspiring real estate agents, brokers, appraisers and realtors.
The curriculum covers a broad range of real estate topics and courses, such as state and federal laws, guidelines, industry principles and more.
To equip yourself with the fundamentals of the real estate industry in Texas and the laws and regulations, you must complete pre-licensing education.
According to the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), which is the state’s authority and agency on the matters of real estate, every applicant must complete 180 hours of qualifying prelicensing education.
To complete 180 hours of curriculum, you will have to complete six courses of 30 hours, each of which covers specific topics.
Here are the six mandatory courses of 30 hours each which you will have to complete as part of your pre-licensing education:
- Principles of Real Estate 1
- Principles of Real Estate 2
- Law of Contracts
- Law of Agency
- Real Estate Finance
- Contract Forms
How to Choose a Real Estate School in Texas
Choosing the right education provider is an important yet overlooked decision for many students.
According to TREC, every applicant must choose a state approved and accredited education provider to complete their pre-licensing education.
This is a must to maintain compliance with TREC’s licensing laws and regulations.
Before you finalize a real estate education provider or join a college or course, you must ensure whether it is approved or accredited by the TREC or not.
Selecting a state accredited college or school is a must in order to maintain compliance with your state’s licensing laws and regulations.
A TREC approved education provider will be able to provide students with in-depth, accurate and updated curriculum.
Plus, students will learn from certified teachers and trainers to prepare better for the Texas real estate licensing exam.
RealEstateU is one such online real estate school in Texas which offers prelicensing education for aspiring real estate salesperson and brokers.
Their curriculum is developed in accordance with the TREC guidelines and regulations and they provide a host of features and benefits to students.
Click here to find out more about their prelicensing learning courses and packages.
What are the steps to get your Texas Real Estate License
Individuals in Texas who are ready to obtain their Texas real estate license must complete a series of steps.
Listed below are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Fulfill the general statutory requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age or older\
- Have a legal proof of residence in the state of Texas
- Be a legal citizen of the U.S.
- Have a high school degree in education or a GED equivalent
Step 2: Complete state approved prelicensing education
As per the TREC guidelines, aspiring real estate professionals must complete state approved real estate qualifying education.
This includes 180 hours of qualifying coursework covering the basic laws, principles and fundamental topics of the industry.
Students are recommended to choose TREC approved education providers for pre-licensing education.
However, you are free to choose whether you want to join an in-person real estate school or enroll in online real estate courses.
Step 3: Complete background verification
As per the TREC rules, every applicant must complete a background verification check by submitting their electronic fingerprints and records of any criminal or felony history.
This is a mandatory step of the licensing process.
To do so, you can visit any of the Pearson VUE electronic fingerprinting centers and get your digital fingerprints ready to be submitted along with your license application.
Step 4: Pass the Texas real estate licensing test
Once you have successfully completed qualifying pre licensing education, you can move on to take the Texas real estate licensing exam.
You can choose a suitable date and time slot to take the licensing exam.
In total, you will face 120 multiple choice questions and you will get 240 minutes to complete the test.
To clear the state licensing exam, you must score at least 70% or above.