Diving into a new year offers the perfect opportunity to make a change when it comes to your career. After all, you are motivated to make a change, work hard, and try something entirely new.
If this change happens to be becoming a Georgia real estate agent, you are in luck. Getting involved in real estate, whether you plan to do so to supplement your current income, or replace your traditional corporate job, is relatively easy to do if you know the proper steps.
Why Become a Real Estate Agent?
There are several reasons for becoming a real estate agent in Georgia.
In fact, here are some of the most compelling reasons to get involved in this booming industry:
- Be Your Own Boss. Set your own schedule, make endless amounts of income, and build your own client base as a real estate agent.
- It’s Inexpensive. Save for some minor fees related to background checks and licensing exams, getting into the field of real estate is inexpensive when compared to the startup costs of other businesses.
- Get Started Fast. Within a matter of weeks, you can have your official real estate license.
As you can see, there are some great benefits to starting your career as a real estate agent in Georgia.
Plus, with the housing market looking up, your chances for success are likely with enough motivation.
How to get Your Georgia Real Estate License
Getting your Georgia real estate license may seem overwhelming at first. However, by following these easy steps, you will find that embarking on this new journey is a lot easier than you may have initially thought.
Step 1: Complete 75 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education
In Georgia, you must complete 75 hours of approved real estate education in order to receive your Georgia real estate license.
Many online courses are available to aid you with learning the fundamentals required to pass the actual real estate license exam. They will vary in price and information provided, so make sure you do your due diligence and find the one that best suits your needs.
Step 3: Get a Background Check
You need to obtain a Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) background check to officially begin helping people buy and sell real estate.
In your report, your criminal history will reveal the following information:
- Identification information such as name, SSN, date of birth, sex, race, height, weight, etc.
- Arrest history and corresponding details
- Final judgments if applicable
- Incarceration information
This report is relatively inexpensive and is valid for up to 60 days from the date of issue. You can request your report from the Sheriff’s Office or Police department.
Bring this with you to the real estate license exam.
Step 3: Pass the Actual Exam
After completing your pre-licensing education, it is time to take the actual real estate license exam. The exam is taken with a proctor. It requires a passing grade for you to continue forward with your career as a Georgia real estate agent.
Step 4: Apply for Your License
Applying for your real estate license can be done at the testing center when you take the actual real estate licensing exam. In order to receive an active Georgia real estate license, you will need to have a Georgia real estate broker sponsor you. This information must be brought with you when applying for your license.
And that’s it. You are now ready to take on the Georgia real estate market, build a solid clientele base, and start making money as a Georgia real estate agent.