Q: Can you become a real estate agent with a felony?

No, you can not become a real estate agent with a felony. States automatically disqualify candidates with past felonies or even misdemeanors from obtaining a real estate license. Most states require a fingerprint-based background check when trying to get a real estate license.

Q: How hard is it to become a real estate agent?

It is not very hard to become a real estate agent. The requirements will vary from state to state, so it is important to understand your state's specific requirements. In general, the first step to becoming a real estate agent is to attend a real estate school. The school needs to be accredited and offer pre-licensing coursework that is specific to your state. You will have the option to choose between an online school or in person classroom setting.

Question 1

Can I become a real estate agent with a felony?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can become a real estate agent with a felony, but it depends on the nature of the felony and the state in which you are trying to become a real estate agent. Generally, a felony conviction will not prevent you from becoming a real estate agent; however, some states may have restrictions. It is best to contact your state's licensing board to determine if a felony conviction would affect your ability to become a real estate agent in that state.

Question 2

Can anyone become a real estate agent?

Accepted Answer

Yes, anyone can become a real estate agent, but many people cannot stay in the career on a long-term basis. Real estate requires few requirements to get started and can be an attractive career option for many, but there are also certain difficulties with the profession that can make it an uncomfortable fit for certain types of people.

Question 3

Can you become a billionaire in real estate?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can become a billionaire with significant real estate holdings and investments. It is unlikely that you will reach billionaire status as a real estate agent.

Some of the richest people in the world have achieved their wealth through real estate investments. Andrew Carnegie famously stated that 90% of all millionaires achieved their wealth as a result of real estate investment. While that statement was made over 100 years ago, real estate continues to represent one of the best ways of achieving significant wealth.

Question 4

Can you become a millionaire from real estate?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can become a millionaire from real estate, but it is not something that happens overnight. To become a millionaire from real estate, you need to have experience, the right knowledge, and persistence.

Question 5

Can you become a real estate agent with a felony?

Accepted Answer

No, you can not become a real estate agent with a felony. States automatically disqualify candidates with past felonies or even misdemeanors from obtaining a real estate license.

Most states require a fingerprint-based background check when trying to get a real estate license.

Question 6

How do I get started as a real estate agent?

Accepted Answer

To get started as a real estate agent, you'll need to obtain a real estate license. The process of obtaining this license can involve different requirements depending on the state. Your first step should be to research the licensing process for your state.

Question 7

How hard is it to become a real estate agent?

Accepted Answer

It is not very hard to become a real estate agent. The requirements will vary from state to state, so it is important to understand your state's specific requirements.

In general, the first step to becoming a real estate agent is to attend a real estate school. The school needs to be accredited and offer pre-licensing coursework that is specific to your state. You will have the option to choose between an online school or in person classroom setting.

Question 8

How long does it take to become a real estate agent?

Accepted Answer

It can take as few as four months to become a real estate agent. The process of obtaining and activating a real estate license typically takes between four and six months. This can depend on the requirements of the state in which you intend to practice.

Question 9

How to become a real estate agent with no experience

Accepted Answer

You must earn a high school diploma or equivalent, obtain a real estate license, and create an appealing resume in order to become a real estate agent with no experience. For more detail on each of these steps and others that you can take to become a real estate agent with no experience, reference this guide:

Question 10

How to find a real estate mentor?

Accepted Answer

You can find a real estate mentor by attending networking events or connecting with someone you already know. There are also paid networking programs, both in person and online, that can help you be connected with a real estate professional near you.

Question 11

How to get into real estate development

Accepted Answer

To get into real estate development you need to earn a degree, get a real estate license, and gain some professional real estate experience. Here are some details on these steps you can take to get into real estate development:

Question 12

How to start a business in flipping houses?

Accepted Answer

To start a business flipping houses, you will need to create a business plan, obtain all necessary licenses and permits, and find suppliers and contractors.

Create a business plan
For a business such as flipping houses, creating a business plan is essential. You will need to know your budget limitations, ensure that you can legally flip in your desired location, and look into demand and competition in your area.
Obtain Licenses and Permits
Requirements will vary from state to state, so it is important to know which licenses and permits are required where you plan on flipping. Be sure to apply for an EIN number which is an employer identification number.
Find Suppliers and Contractors
Networking is essential for flipping houses. You need to build solid relationships with suppliers and contractors so you can keep costs low and keep your flips efficient. Even if you plan on doing the majority yourself, finding a trusted general contractor is essential to check over plans and confirm accuracy with regard to cost and timeline.
Assemble a Team
If you want to find investors, once you have a plan and permits, this is the time to do it. You will also want to find a team of realtors to work with you in finding potential flips and selling finished products.

Question 13

Is real estate a good career?

Accepted Answer

Yes, real estate is a good career. Having the flexibility to choose your own schedule and having unlimited income potential are some of the reasons why.

A majority of real estate professionals get into the business because they want a flexible schedule. And it's true, in real estate, you are your own boss and can arrange your day so that you're able to attend your child's sporting event or be home for the after-school rush. You don't clock in and clock out every day.

Question 14

Is there a difference between a realtor and a real estate agent?

Accepted Answer

The main difference between a realtor and a real estate agent is the fact that realtors belong to an organization called the NAR. Although their responsibilities are very similar, there are a few key differences between realtors and real estate agents.

Question 15

What companies hire real estate agents?

Accepted Answer

Companies in the real estate, property management, and individual homeowners and investors hire real estate agents. These companies and individuals recognize the expertise and value that real estate agents offer in terms of market knowledge, negotiation skills, and transactional support. Top companies that hire real estate agents:

Question 16

What disqualifies you from being a real estate agent?

Accepted Answer

The most common disqualification for being a real estate agent is a criminal conviction. Once you have taken your real estate agent exams, the Department of Real Estate (DRE) requires you to apply to the board to obtain your professional license. As part of that process, you must also undergo an extensive background check.

The DRE is looking for anything that would risk the integrity and safety of the industry and board. For many real estate hopefuls, obtaining their licenses is the most stressful part. They fear mistakes from their past will resurface and block their future in real estate.

Fortunately, past mistakes may not disqualify you from becoming a real estate agent. The DRE is looking for criminal convictions substantially related to a licensed real estate agent's qualifications, functions, or duties. The board will also look at any sexual misconduct on your record.

According to the DRE, these could be any crimes involving sexually related conduct affecting a person who is an observer or non-consenting participant in the conduct or convictions which require registration per Section 290 of the Penal Code. These issues could lead to the denial of an application.

It is important to disclose all job-related crimes upfront. Applicants who do not disclose a criminal history are more likely to be denied. Honesty and integrity are of the highest importance in the real estate industry, and to that end, you cannot start your career off on the right foot by trying to hide the truth.

The DRE will take into account the following:

The type of crime committed
How long ago the conviction occurred
If the crime is related to real estate
Conviction/charge level

The DRE will find out the truth, and it could ruin your chances of ever obtaining your real estate license if they determine that you were deceitful. If the DRE denies you and you disagree with their findings, you will have 60 days to appeal their decision. You will be allowed to request a hearing with the board and be able to argue your case.

At this point, it is advised to get the guidance of a professional licensed defense lawyer to help you appeal your case.

Question 17

What is the career path for a real estate agent?

Accepted Answer

The career path for a real estate agent includes jobs as an agent, a real estate investor, and a real estate developer. Depending on where you want your career path to go, it may begin with completing a degree, but it is also possible to begin working without one.

Question 18

What is the career path for real estate?

Accepted Answer

The career path for real estate includes jobs as a broker, a real estate investor, and a real estate developer. Depending on where you want your career path to go, it may begin with completing a degree, but it is also possible to begin working without one.

If you want to work in buying and selling real estate, such as a broker, you will most likely begin working as a real estate agent first to gain experience. You will hold a license to be an agent, and if you decide to earn a professional real estate license, you can become a broker with your own agency and a team of agents.

A real estate investor buys homes and properties with the sole interest of selling them and making a profit off the sale. Oftentimes, investors will have a background in business, as they will need capital to begin this career path. Similarly, a developer will buy land with the purpose of building properties on it.

There are many careers that are also real estate adjacent, like a real estate attorney. Real estate attorneys must be licensed attorneys, who have completed law school. They work specifically to handle property disputes and help clients with the legalities of sales transactions in real estate.

Question 19

What should I study to become a real estate agent?

Accepted Answer

You should study business and real estate to become a real estate agent. To be a real estate agent, you are not required to obtain any college degree.

You need to take a pre-licensing course from an accredited real estate licensing school. Then you have to sit for the real estate licensing exam. If you pass the exam, you then need to activate your real estate license.

Question 20

Why become a real estate agent?

Accepted Answer

You should become a real estate agent because you don't need a college degree, you get to make your own schedule, and you determine your own income. Here are more details on each of these reasons to become a real estate agent:

Question 21

Why do you want to be a real estate agent?

Accepted Answer

To answer, "Why do you want to be a real estate agent?" focus on how you want to help people find their "forever home". In most cases, the interviewer is looking to find out if you are a good fit for their agency and if you have the passion that they seek in an employee.

Question 22

Loan Officer vs. Real Estate Agent

Accepted Answer

A loan officer is a financial professional who helps people and businesses during the loan application process, while a real estate agent is responsible for helping people buy or sell homes or property.

Question 23

What is a good starting salary for a Real Estate Agent?

Accepted Answer

A good starting salary for a real estate agent is $68,000 in the United States. That puts you in the 10th percentile of annual income for a real estate agent in the U.S., which is about what you would expect if you were new to the field. The average salary for real estate agents is $93,146, but that normally requires some level of experience to achieve. Furthermore, a good starting salary for a real estate agent can vary by state.

Question 24

Can a real estate agent give their commission to a buyer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a real estate agent can give their commission to a buyer. However, most real estate agents rebate only a percentage of their commission to a buyer. Also, this practice is legal in some states, and in others, it is not.

Question 25

Do real estate agents get benefits?

Accepted Answer

No, real estate agents do not get traditional employee benefits. Real estate agents do not receive traditional employee benefits because they are considered to be "self-employed".

This means they don't have access to many employee benefits, such as:

Question 26

Do real estate agents make good money?

Accepted Answer

Yes, real estate agents make good money; however, their potential earnings are tied to the commissions they receive from closing real estate deals.

So, in order to make good money as a real estate agent, you must build a client base and close deals. Hard work is essential to getting a higher salary in real estate.

Question 27

How are realtors paid?

Accepted Answer

Most realtors are paid by commissions they make on houses or property they sell, meaning nearly all realtors do not have a consistent salary. Commissions are based on a percentage of the home or property's sale price.

Question 28

How much do real estate agents make at most?

Accepted Answer

Real estate agents make over $200,000 per year at most. For real estate agents who deal with a high volume of expensive homes, earning over $200,000 per year is not unattainable.

The earning potential of a real estate agent is determined by many factors. Location contributes to the value of the properties that a real estate agent sells.

Question 29

What is the average starting salary for a realtor?

Accepted Answer

The average starting salary of a realtor is between $25,000 and $80,000 per year, as it varies wildly from state to state and may also depend on the types of real estate that the realtor works with.

Question 30

What is the highest-paid real estate agent?

Accepted Answer

The highest-paid real-estate agent is a luxury broker. Luxury brokers earn an average salary of $142,000 per year with commissions reaching up to $10M annually.

As a luxury broker, you would specialize in multimillion-dollar deals and work closely with developers, architects, and designers. You would also help high-net-worth clients find properties for sale or rent in exclusive, high-end neighborhoods in places like Beverly Hills or New York City.

Question 31

What is the highest-paid real estate job?

Accepted Answer

The highest-paid real estate job is a real estate investment trust (REIT) portfolio manager. The median salary for a REIT portfolio manager is $118,000 per year, which is significantly higher than the median salary for all other real estate positions, which is $51,220 per year.

Question 32

Can a real estate agent make 100k?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can make $100,000 per year as a real estate agent. The chances of earning over $100k for a real estate agent are actually pretty good because the highest-paid real estate agent positions typically pay at least $126,000 per year. The average annual salary is $93,146 for real estate agent jobs. For example, real estate agents in West Virginia whose salaries are in the 90th percentile earn an average salary of $138,000.

Question 33

Can you make good money as a realtor?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can make good money as a realtor. Realtors earn an average salary of around $60,000 per year. Higher paying jobs for realtors may result in earnings over $100,000 per year.

Because real estate agents and realtors depend heavily on commissions, the location where they work is a huge determining factor regarding how much they can earn.

Question 34

How to get a job in real estate

Accepted Answer

To get a job in real estate, you need to complete pre-licensing courses to fulfill the educational requirement. Getting a job as a real estate agent has never required a traditional degree. While some realtors may have them, many also do not.

Question 35

Is being a realtor a good career?

Accepted Answer

Yes, being a realtor is a good career. Realtors' can earn salaries in excess of $100,000 per year. Generally, a realtor can expect to earn around $60,000 per year.

One of the merits of a career as a realtor is that the salary is not generally a fixed number. This can be a negative thing for realtors who struggle to make sales, but for a talented realtor in the right location, this means that the sky is the limit. A realtor's merits can allow them to grow their career as much as they'd like to.

Question 36

Is it hard to get hired as a real estate agent?

Accepted Answer

No, it isn't hard to get hired as a real estate agent. A real estate agent does not necessarily need to work for an agency or brokerage to sell houses. Once a real estate agent has obtained their license and determined what sort of property they would like to sell, they may seek out clients directly.

Question 37

What makes a good real estate agent?

Accepted Answer

A good real estate agent must possess a combination of diverse qualities ranging from professional integrity to industry knowledge. The best realtors can use their knowledge and experience in the industry to guide clients through the process of buying or selling a home.

Question 38

How hard is it to get a real estate license?

Accepted Answer

Depending on how well you are with memorizing information, it is not necessarily difficult to get a real estate license. In most states, to get a real estate license you need to complete all of the course requirements as well as passing the licensing exam.

Question 39

How long does it take to get a real estate license?

Accepted Answer

It typically takes four to six months to get a real estate license. This includes the time it takes to complete all of the course requirements as well as pass the licensing exam. There are a variety of factors that can lengthen or shorten that time.

Question 40

What is a flood certification?

Accepted Answer

A flood certification is a document in the real estate industry that states the flood zone status of a specific real estate property. Flood certifications are also referred to as "flood certs" in the real estate industry.

Question 41

What is the RCN referral program?

Accepted Answer

The RCN referral program is a program in which real estate agents have the ability to receive payment for referrals without the consequence of violating any residential guidelines.

This program is geared towards those working in the real estate industry, including real estate agents, and real estate brokers. It is beneficial to these professionals because it enables them to profit off of clients that have turned them down by referring the clients to RCN.

Question 42

What percentage of Real Estate Agents are female?

Accepted Answer

56.0% of real estate agents are female in the United States. This is -0.4 percentage points lower than last year. Additionally, the percentage of female real estate agents has increased by 1.1 percentage points since 2010. That means there are a total of 87,708 female real estate agents in the U.S. and 68,914 male real estate agents in the United States. Note that Zippia's estimate accounts only for the 156,622 people with the specific job title of real estate agent and doesn't include grouping similar job titles, or people with potentially similar credentialing.

Question 43

How would you describe being a real estate agent on a resume?

Accepted Answer

You would describe being a real estate agent on a resume in several ways - including in the profile summary and experience section and discussing their skills and achievements.

The key to describing being a real estate agent is to focus on a few core skills and provide real-world examples of specific responsibilities and achievements.

Question 44

What are the skills of a real estate agent?

Accepted Answer

The skills of a real estate agent include the right mixture of hard and soft skills needed to successfully sell commercial and residential properties. The path to a successful career in real estate begins with strong real estate agent skills.

Question 45

What is the demand for real estate agents?

Accepted Answer

The demand for real estate agents is projected to reflect a 5% growth from 2021 to 2031. This projected growth is faster than the average growth rate for all other occupations, which averages around 4%. This shows that real estate is still a growing field with many job opportunities to be had. The demand for these professionals can vary from state to state.

Question 46

Can a real estate agent work from home?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a real estate agent can work from home. Real estate agents typically have flexibility in managing their work schedule and conducting certain aspects of their business from home. Other aspects of the job, such as showing properties and participating in meetings and negotiations, often require an in-person presence.

Question 47

How many hours do real estate agents work?

Accepted Answer

Real estate agents work various amounts of hours and often have to put in extra time on weekends. Most real estate agents work 30 to 50 hours per week. This depends on how many properties they represent or clients that they have that are in the market for a new home.

Question 48

How much do real estate agents spend on advertising?

Accepted Answer

Real estate agents spend between 10% to 20% of their gross income on advertising. This percentage can vary depending on the agent's level of experience, market conditions, and personal goals. For example, newer agents may choose to invest a higher percentage of their income into advertising to establish their presence and attract clients.

Question 49

How to answer the "why real estate" interview question

Accepted Answer

You must craft a personal story that exhibits your interest and passion for real estate in order to answer the question "why real estate" in an interview.

To prepare for this question, it is important to list the reasons you want to be involved in real estate. It could be because of your love of residential homes, or you think it would be a prosperous enterprise for you, but whatever the reason(s), it is a good idea to get it down on paper prior to the interview.

Question 50

How to become a real estate agent without a degree

Accepted Answer

To become a real estate agent without a degree, you must complete pre-licensing courses to fulfill the educational requirement of real estate training. Getting a job as a real estate agent has never required a traditional degree, though some have them, many also do not.

Question 51

What are career paths in real estate?

Accepted Answer

Real estate agents, leasing agents, and title examiners are career paths in real estate. Here is a more detailed view of these career paths and more in real estate.

Real estate agent
Real estate agents help clients to either buy or sell a house or property. A good real estate agent knows the housing market and constantly evaluates it, and based on this they can give expert advice based on current conditions and trends.
Common tasks include giving clients and prospective buyers walk-throughs of homes or properties, holding open houses, listing homes and properties, and marketing them.
You do not need a college degree to become a real estate agent. However, an associate's or bachelor's degree in business can help.
While the requirements vary by state, all individuals wanting to become real estate agents must take a pre-licensing course from an accredited real estate school, pass their state exam, activate their license, and join a real estate brokerage.
Leasing manager
A leasing manager oversees activities, including upkeep and necessary maintenance, of a rental property. This can be a house, apartment building, apartment complex, or set of condominiums. Leasing managers often live on site of a property they manage.
They are tasked with making sure the property they manage has a high occupancy rate. Leasing managers do this by marketing the property, maintaining or renovating existing living spaces, and showing available units to prospective renters. Leasing managers work above leasing agents and consultants.
No formal education is needed to become a leasing manager, however, experience in real estate and home/building maintenance is a plus.
Title examiner
A title examiner is tasked with ensuring that real estate titles do not have existing claims on them before being sold to a new owner. To do this they search public records and determine if the title already has a claim. Title examiners also prepare the official documents that guarantee the title in a legal sense.
Title examiners generally have at least an associate's degree, if not a bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
Home inspector
A home inspector examines a residential home or property, and reports on the overall condition of the structure. This includes the foundation, roof, draining system, plumbing, heating system, central air-conditioning system, visible insulation, walls, windows, and doors.
A home inspector only inspects items that are visible and accessible by normal means on the property. They often perform this job for potential home-buyers to give them a thorough idea of the home's state, as well as the likelihood of any negative issues arising in the future.
Ultimately a home inspector's job can be defined as determining if a property is up to code and safe for the buyers to live in.
Close to half of home inspectors have bachelor's degrees in a related field. However, in most cases, a high school diploma or equivalent is sufficient foundational education to become a home inspector. Much of the necessary skills, training and education are learned on the job by working under a veteran home inspector.
Real estate appraiser
Real estate appraisers assess the value of different real estate properties. Most appraisers specialize in either residential or commercial properties. To do their job properly they must thoroughly inspect a property or hire a home or building inspector to assist them. They also take photographs to add to records of any properties in their purview.
The main function of a real estate appraiser is to compare and contrast a property to other properties in the area, this helps them to gauge how much a specific property is worth. The appraiser then gives the real estate a value which is used to determine the appropriate pricing when the property is taxed, mortgaged, insured, sold, or developed.
The career track of a real estate appraiser is similar to a real estate agent. Many appraisers were real estate agents at one time.

Question 52

What are the pros and cons of being a real estate agent?

Accepted Answer

There are several pros and cons to being a real estate agent; pros include a flexible schedule and unlimited earning potential, while cons include dealing with stressed-out clients and not having a safety net for slow periods.

Question 53

What does a real estate agent do on a daily basis?

Accepted Answer

A real estate agent generates leads and prospects, shows properties and holds meetings with clients, and takes care of administrative tasks on a daily basis. Here are some details on the common daily activities of a graphic designer:

Question 54

What hours do real estate agents work?

Accepted Answer

Real estate agents work at different times of the day or various amounts of hours and often have to put in extra time on weekends. Most real estate agents work 30 to 50 hours per week. This depends on how many properties they represent or the number of clients in the market for a new home.

Question 55

What is a real estate holding company?

Accepted Answer

A real estate holding company is a business entity that is primarily involved in owning, holding, leasing, or selling real estate.

Real estate holding companies are utilized to protect owners from certain risks that are associated with owning investment properties in real estate. Real estate holding companies are a great option for both short-term and long-term investors in the field.

Question 56

What is a typical day for a real estate agent?

Accepted Answer

A typical day working as a real estate agent includes:

Spending time at the office
Meeting with clients
Staging and showing homes
Appraisals and inspections.
Generating leads
Researching
Marketing
Accompanying clients to property closings

Question 57

Who do real estate agents work with?

Accepted Answer

Real estate agents work with home buyers and sellers, lenders, appraisers, inspectors, and attorneys.Real estate agents work with home buyers, guiding them through the process of finding suitable properties, understanding market trends, and negotiating offers. They work with clients to understand their needs and preferences, and help them make informed decisions.

Question 58

Why I quit real estate

Accepted Answer

The most common reasons real estate agents quit are the little payoff, a saturated market, and a dislike of self-management. 87% of real estate agents quit in the first five years, so it is a common career to leave, and the question is, why?

Frequently asked questions about real estate agents

Questions about becoming a real estate agent