How to Get Your Real Estate License in Dallas
A career as a real estate agent can be a very rewarding one, with perks such as a flexible schedule and the possibility of working outside an office environment.
If you’re serious about pursuing a career as a real estate agent in Dallas, then you have to fulfill the following requirements.
1. Choose your school
The Texas Real Estate Commission accredits many schools in Dallas. Dallas Community College and The Champions School of Real Estate are two of the most popular and respected in the area.
2. Complete the required course hours
Once you’ve chosen your school, it’s time to hit the books. You’re going to have to complete 180 hours of coursework required by the state. It’s broken down like this:
- Principles of Real Estate (60 hours)
- Law of agency (30 hours)
- Law of contracts (30 hours)
- Real Estate Finance (30 hours)
When you finish the classroom hours, your school will provide you with a certificate verifying that you have fulfilled the coursework requirement. You cannot take the exam without providing the certificate.
3. Background check
To obtain your real estate license in Dallas, it must be shown that you do not have a criminal record (including misdemeanors) and that you have not defaulted on student loans. If there’s any question that you may be disqualified for these reasons, you can fill out a Request for Moral Character Determination Form on the TREC website. You’ll need to complete this form before your license application.
4. Apply for an inactive license
Next, you’ll have to fill out an Application for Inactive Sales Agent License. Along with this form, there is a fee, of $205, $97 for the background check, and if you file by mail, an additional $20. You’ll make the check out to the Texas Real Estate Commission, using one check for the entire payment.
5. Fingerprinting
The Texas Real Estate Commission requires that you be fingerprinted. Two agencies are accredited by the TREC to take your fingerprints. To learn more about this process, visit the TREC website.
6. Take the exam and complete the application
When the preceding steps are complete, the TREC will notify you that you are eligible to sit for the exam.
You can then register for the exam, either online or through the TREC exam phone number at +1-800-997-1248.
Once your application is complete, you’ll have to take the exam within one year. On the day of the exam, you will need to provide two forms of signature identification, both with your legal name. For example, you can provide your driver’s license and passport.
On test day, you should bring a calculator as well as your two forms of ID. Make sure to get there as early as you can. You are given four hours to complete the exam.
Once you pass the exam you’ll receive your Inactive License from the state of Texas.
7. Find a broker
After you’ve received your Inactive License, you’ll need to find a sponsoring broker. Make sure that your broker provides extensive training and has quality leads.
8. Apply for Your sponsorship
Once you found your sponsoring broker, you’ll need to provide the necessary paperwork with the TREC showing you have done so. Your sponsoring broker will also file to confirm that they are sponsoring you.
Shortly after this paperwork has been filed and accepted, you’ll receive your real estate agent card, legally authorizing you to work as a real estate agent in Texas.
You’ll be ready to hit the streets! Remember, “Always Be Closing!”
