To become a licensed Real Estate broker in Texas, there are several guidelines that must be met before you can begin to practice. Before starting ensure that the applicant is either a citizen of the United States or a lawfully admitted alien 18 years of age or older.
The following is a list of steps required for this license. No steps can be skipped over. Each step must be completed before the next.
The first step is to fulfill the education requirements. There are four varying core courses that must be fulfilled. They range from the Principles of Real Estate to the Law of Contracts and amount to about 90 hours of in classroom time. In addition to these core requirements, the applicant must take an additional 30 hours in core courses as well as 60 additional hours in core or related course areas.
The second step is the evaluation of the education documents. The applicant must present a credit transcript or certificate. This must be done prior to filling out the application in order to obtain a Salesperson License. There will be a $30 evaluation fee.
The third step is to fill out the application itself; remember steps 1 and 2 must be completed first. The charge is $107 total, which includes both the original application fee and the recovery trust account; formerly the recovery fund.
The fourth step is to obtain information pertaining to the licensing examination. This information can only be obtained after the application has been accepted. The applicant will receive the candidate information brochure with information on registration for the exam. This exam must be passed within 6 months from the date the application was accepted.
The fifth step is a background check. The background check will not be conducted until the examination has been passed.
The sixth step a check into the applicant’s student loan history. According to Texas law a person cannot be licensed if he or she has defaulted on student loans. It is important to check into this before you reach this far in the application process.
The seventh step is to find a sponsor. The program requires the applicant to enlist an active Texas real estate broker as a sales person. Remember, other applicants or inactive brokers do not qualify as sponsors.
The eighth step is to remember that it is illegal to practice in Texas prior to having a Texas real estate license.