If you have any doubts about the benefits of a real estate career in California, quickly dispel them now. The state is one of the hottest real estate markets in the country and you will have your hands full catering to clients wanting to sell or buy properties. You can offer a diverse range of properties to clients for investments, ranging from single-family homes to high-end luxury houses.
It is therefore not surprising that the earnings of a real estate professional in California are well above the national average.
So, how do you launch your career in real estate in CA? The first step is to get a real estate license in CA.
Click here to learn more about getting a real estate license in CA.
Let us go through the different steps for acquiring a real estate license in CA.
# You must be at least 18 years old and a citizen of the US.
# You must go through the required number of hours of pre-licensing coursework. As required by the Department of Real Estate (DRE), all aspiring real estate agents in CA have to go through 135 hours of coursework to be eligible for a license.
The course content has two sections of compulsory subjects of 45 hours each, and one elective subject of 45 hours, making a total of 135 hours. The elective course has to be selected from a list decided by DRE. The following is the list of topics to go through.
· Principles of Real Estate
· Practice of Real Estate
· One Elective course.
Elective course options:
· Real Estate Finance
· Real Estate Appraisal
· Legal Aspects of Real Estate
· Real Estate Economics
· Real Estate Investments
The 135 hours of pre-licensing coursework to get a real estate license in CA may be completed either online or in a classroom setting. Online courses though are preferred as they have the flexibility for anytime study on the go from any Internet-enabled device. However, ensure that the selected course provider is on the DRE-approved list.
One such course provider is RealEstateU who have made a name for themselves in this niche. Not only are their courses of the highest quality as they are designed by experienced real estate professionals but they are also very affordable.
# Submit your fingerprints for verification of any past criminal record. You might be ineligible for a real estate license in CA if there is any adverse finding.
# Schedule your licensing exam with the DRE after paying the required fee. Appear for the licensing exam and pass it.
# Apply for a real estate license in CA on the website of DRE. Attach proof of having completed the 135 hours of pre-licensing coursework and the fingerprint fitness certificate.
# Find a broker to initially sponsor and mentor you.
You will now be issued with an active real estate license in CA to launch a very lucrative career.