Getting Your California Real Estate License
A California real estate license calls for commitment. You'll need to meet basic requirements, take classes, and pass an exam to get your California real estate license.
Major Real Estate Markets in California
In December 2006, the California real estate market was down about 20% from the year before--but still over 40,000 houses were sold. The California market is huge, even during national slowdowns. CNN Money projects that in 2007, six of the top 15 real estate markets in the Western region will be in California, including San Francisco, San Jose, San Diego, and Sacramento.
How to Get a Real Estate License in California
To become a real estate agent you must:
- Be over 18.
- Legally reside in the US.
- Pass a written exam.
- Apply and be approved by the California Department of Real Estate.
- Be honest. Some criminal convictions and failure to disclose disciplinary actions can cause your application to be denied.
- Complete specific educational requirements.
Education Required for a California Real Estate License
Real estate agents must complete three college-level courses: Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and an elective of your choice. Options include appraisals, office administration and property management.
Courses must be college level from an accredited school. Law school graduates and people qualified for the broker exam automatically fulfill these requirements.
If you have not completed all three required courses when you take the exam or apply to be an agent, you have 18 months to finish and submit transcripts with an additional fee. You must, however, be enrolled in a Real Estate Principles course to take the California real estate license exam, and can then submit transcripts after you pass the test.
If you are not a California resident, you must apply as an Out-of-State Applicant to obtain a California real estate license and be a practicing agent.
Sources:
California Department of Real Estate
CNN Money, 2007 Real Estate Market Predictions
DataQuick Real Estate News, "California December Home Sales"
