A career in real estate has many benefits and could offer you flexibility and independence. You need to take several steps before showing houses and ordering signs. Keep reading to learn how to become a real estate agent in Alabama.
How To Become A Real Estate Agent In Alabama
The process of becoming a licensed real estate agent in Alabama can more or less be broken down into six steps:
- Complete the required classes — Alabama requires a minimum of 60 hours of education at a licensed institution before you can sit for the exam. You can find a course near you, and some virtual classes are available.
- Pass the licensing exam — You’ll have six months after completing the courses to sit for the exam. The exam has 40 questions about state laws and 100 about national or generic real estate practices. You’ll need a 70% or higher score. Plenty of practice resources are available.
- Find a broker to work with — Alabama real estate law mandates that all agents practice under a broker. Your broker will serve as a mentor and the person you go to with questions regarding deals. You’ll want to interview a few and find one you fit well with. You might also consider what properties they typically sell, what CE courses they offer, or what networking groups are available.
- Submit your application — You’ll need to submit your contact information, proof of course completion, and exam pass rate to the State Real Estate Commission. They will also perform a background check and take fingerprints.
- Complete post-license or continuing education credits — Alabama requires 15 hours of CE every two years. Of those 15 hours, three must be risk-management courses, and 12 are other courses approved by the commission. You’ll have until September 30, the even-numbered year, and some courses may be completed online.
- Grow your business — Now that you’re licensed, it’s time to get to work. You’ll want to start building a good client base, learning about the market in your particular city, and getting involved in your office. By joining your local Association of Realtors, you might consider becoming a Realtor. Partner with trusted real estate professionals like Heights Title in Birmingham for assistance in closing a deal.
Common Questions About Becoming A Real Estate Agent
Before you make any official moves, you may have questions about the job and the industry, which is normal. Here are some common questions and answers about a career in real estate in Alabama:
- How much can I make? This answer depends on several factors. Will you be doing real estate part-time or full-time? Will you sell more homes in luxury neighborhoods, new construction, or rural areas? What are the current market trends? As of December 2022, the average salary for real estate agents in Alabama is slightly over $82,000 annually.
- How much will I invest in becoming a real estate agent? The most significant variation is the tuition fees of the real estate school you attend. The state board has set prices for fingerprinting, background checks, and exam fees. How much you invest in marketing yourself to grow your business will vary.
- What do I need before I start the courses? Currently, in Alabama, the requirements to become a real estate agent are as follows:
- Be 19 years old or older
- Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or legally present in the U.S.
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Have no felonies or be convicted of a crime involving “moral turpitude”
- Not have a real estate license revoked or rejected in another state in the past two years
Heights Title: Your Partner in Real Estate
Making a career change is a huge decision and one that should not be taken lightly. Now that you’ve done your research, you’re on your way to a successful career!
When you’re looking for a partner in ordering title searches for your next residential or commercial sale or to help a client with a refinance in Central Alabama, contact Heights Title in Birmingham. Our team has years of experience and can walk you through the process to help you be the best agent for your clients.