How to Get Your Real Estate License in Virginia

To get a Virginia real estate license, you'll need to meet some basic requirements, take classes, and pass an examination.

Major Real Estate Markets in Virginia

CNN Money predicts 2007 to be a fairly good year for Richmond, the state capital, with home prices to increase by about 2%. Other major real estate markets include Virginia Beach-Norfolk, and the bustling areas near Washington, DC, including Alexandria and Arlington.

How to Get a Virginia Real Estate License

You must be at least 18 years old to become a real estate agent in Virginia and have a good reputation for honesty and "fair dealing." A conviction of any felony and some misdemeanors, as well as any violation of fair housing laws, is grounds for denial of a Virginia real estate license.

Required Education for a Virginia Real Estate License

In Virginia, you must complete 60 hours of specific real estate coursework. There are mandatory topics and elective topics within a few practice tracks. Mandatory topics include legal and professional skills such as contract writing and listing property. Elective topics include classes like leasing, finance, market research, and property management.

You must pass all required courses before you sit for the licensing exam and apply to be a licensed agent. After you pass the state and national portions of the standard exam, you can submit an application for licensure.

Licensing through Reciprocity

If you are a real estate agent licensed in another state and wish to be licensed in Virginia, you must pass the state portion of the exam and verify the education or experience you received elsewhere. You must be in good standing in every other jurisdiction in which you are licensed, and submit letters of certification as documentation.

Sources:
Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Real Estate Board
CNN Money