How to Become a Real Estate Agent in PA
If you’re looking for a new and exciting career, there’s never been a better time to become a real estate agent in PA. The market is booming, and we have a ton of agents that are exceeding expectations. Real estate sales is fun, rewarding, and lucrative, but you need to know how to get started.
Many people don’t know how to become a real estate agent in PA, but we’re here to help. Getting a real estate license in PA isn’t a difficult task, and these five steps will help you get started so you can get out there and start earning money as a real estate salesperson in PA.
1. Make Sure You Meet Any Pre-Qualifications
One of the greatest things about becoming a real estate agent in PA is that there aren’t a lot of strict requirements to enter. It doesn’t cost a lot of money to get started, and there aren’t many educational requirements.
There are three primary prerequisites you need to possess if you want to start your real estate education.
High School Diploma or GED
You must be at least 18 years of age
You need to pass a criminal background check
If everything looks good on those three points, then you’re ready to move onto step two.
2. Complete 75 Hours of Pre-Licensing Classes
If you’re learning how to become a successful real estate agent, you’ll want to get the right education. Choosing a real estate school is simple, and they all offer the same education, so you don’t have to stress it much. Right now, we have a few options throughout Pennsylvania, with some closer to home than others.
Here’s a list of real estate schools in Pennsylvania:
- NEPA RE Academy - Old Forge, PA
- NEPA RE Academy - Wyoming, PA
- Bucks County RE Institute - Warminster, PA
- Greater Lehigh Valley RE Academy - Lancaster, PA
- Pocono Real Estate Academy - Stroudsburg, PA
- Real Estate School of York & Adams - York, PA
All of these schools offer the same quality real estate education, so choose one that is close to home and convenient for you. Many of them offer virtual classes so you can work it around your schedule. If you can get into the classroom to learn, I recommend doing so.
You’ll take 30-hours of real estate license fundamentals and 45-hours of real estate license practice.
Upon completion of the required hours, you’ll have to pass a final exam with a minimum score of 75% or higher. Once you’ve done that, you can prepare to take the Pennsylvania real estate salesperson exam.
3. Take Your Pennsylvania Real Estate Salesperson Exam
Now you’ve completed your Pennsylvania real estate education, and you’re ready to take your exam for licensing. Many people wonder, “how hard is it to become a real estate agent”?
Thankfully, the testing isn’t hard, but you do need to study and prepare for it. The test has two portions, and it’s administered by the PSI. You’ll have to take both the national and state requirements, and you’ll receive 120 minutes to complete the national test of 80 questions and 60 minutes for the 30 state questions.
If you’re in need of help preparing for the test, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at 570-335-9000. I’d be happy to help you pass your test so you can become a successful real estate agent in Pennsylvania.
Once you receive a passing score on the test, you’ll be ready to choose a broker in PA. You have up to five years after receiving your education to pass the exam and get licensed otherwise, you’ll have to do the educational requirements again.
4. Decide on the Best Real Estate Broker in Pennsylvania
This step is likely the hardest of all, and it’s deciding on a broker. Many new real estate agents don’t understand that they need to have a broker before they can sell real estate. The first broker you choose is so important because they’ll serve as your mentor and primary supporter in the industry.
There are many factors to consider here, such as:
What is their reputation?
What do other real estate agents have to say about this broker?
What type of support and training do they offer?
Do they offer benefits?
What is their commission structure like?
Do they provide marketing materials?
Is their room to grow there?
What is the culture like?
These are all questions to consider when choosing a broker in Pennsylvania. It’s important that you think this through carefully when deciding what kind of real estate agent you plan on being.
5. Complete PA Real Estate Licensing
Once you’ve decided on a broker and come to an agreement with that broker, you’ll be ready to apply for your license. You’ll have three years from the day you pass your test to receive your license, so it’s important that you don't sit around and wait. Find a broker that aligns with you and your goals and get to work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about how to become a real estate agent in PA.
How to become a successful real estate agent?
Becoming a successful real estate agent is all up to you. If you desire a career in real estate, you need to be outgoing, energetic, honest, and trustworthy. People need to see you as someone they can confide in, and when you can relate to people, that’s when you experience success in this career.
The most successful real estate agents I’ve ever seen are able to make people feel comfortable and taken care of. When you’re selling someone's house, they need to know that you’re going to take care of it. Sometimes that means working on Sunday, and sometimes that means working late into the night and missing activities with family. It’s part of the job and something we have to do if we want to care for the people we serve.
How long to become a real estate agent?
From the time you sit down and decide to apply for school to the day, you sign up with a broker can happen in as little as 2-3 months. Most schooling lasts eight weeks, and then you’ll have to allow time to register for your test, talk with brokers, and apply for licensing. It’s likely that it will take you approximately three months from start to finish to become a real estate agent.
How hard is it to become a real estate agent?
It’s not difficult becoming a real estate agent but being a successful one is another story. Some people treat real estate sales as a hobby while others get out there and hit the ground running; I’ve seen agents from all walks of life. It’s not a hard job, but it’s a demanding one.
You’re responsible for helping people through the biggest purchase of their life, so you need to be a salesperson, caretaker, therapist, and sometimes even a reality check.
How much money to become a real estate agent?
The average cost of becoming a real estate agent in Pennsylvania is $500, including education, licensing fees, and testing fees. It could be a little more, and it could be a little less; it depends on where you receive your education.
This is another reason why real estate is such a great career. What other business can you start with $500 upfront?
How much money do you make as a real estate agent?
The best thing about being a real estate agent is that no one is putting a cap on your income. If you want to get out there and hustle 24/7 to sell as many homes as you can, you have the freedom to do that. There’s no limit to what you can make.
It’s important that you choose a real estate broker that doesn’t limit the amount of money you can make. In fact, at Christian Saunders Real Estate, we have a commission structure that allows you to make 100% of your commissions.
I’m not saying that everyone who reads this is going to go out and get rich selling real estate. You need to have the right attitude and work ethic, but it’s possible for someone who is willing to put in the work.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to become a real estate agent in PA is easy, now it’s up to you. What will you do with this information? Will you sit on the sidelines and watch other people start new careers and become successful, or will you jump aboard the train and get started for yourself. The choice is yours! Good luck!