Can You Get A Real Estate License With a Misdemeanor?
You can get a real estate license with a misdemeanor, but it certainly makes it more difficult. It also depends on the nature of the crime and how recent it was. Typically, to become a real estate agent, you need to have a clean record that allows you to pass an FBI background check. At HomeServices Real Estate Academy, we provide the necessary pre-licensure classes to prepare you for the licensing exam. Continue reading to learn if your misdemeanor could prevent you from getting a real estate license.
What Crimes Prevent Real Estate Licensure?
While you still may be able to get a real estate license with a misdemeanor or even a felony, it strongly depends on the crime. If the crimes endangered the public or could prevent you from doing the job in a safe or trustworthy manner, then you could face problems.
A selection of the crimes that could prevent you from earning your real estate license includes:
- Sex crimes
- Violent crimes
- Burglary/Robbery
- Auto theft
- Driving under the influence and killing or harming another person
- Insurance fraud
- Money laundering
- Voyeurism
- Fraud
Getting Your Kentucky Real Estate License with a Misdemeanor
The Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC) evaluates each application on a case-by-case basis, but they are required to look into your application if you’ve had a felony conviction within the last 10 years or a misdemeanor in the previous 5 years. When you submit an application for your real estate license, it’s essential that you disclose any information about misdemeanors or felonies to the KREC as part of the application so that the commission can review your case and determine your eligibility for a license.
There are two outcomes from the KREC after they review your application:
- Ordering you to appear before the commission for a hearing.
- Allowing you to move forward with licensure.
What Do You Do If You Have a Misdemeanor?
If you want to earn your Kentucky real estate license and you have a misdemeanor, you can get ahead of it by reaching out to KREC and asking for a preliminary decision. You should know that their answer is not binding. The more information you give, the more accurate you are, and the more truthful, the more accurate their answer can be. So be very careful not to leave anything out so you have the best opportunity to get your real estate license.
Contact Us for Real Estate Pre-Licensure Courses
If you’re ready and able to get your real estate license, reach out to HomeServices Real Estate Academy for real estate pre-licensure courses. Our staff includes licensed real estate professionals who know what you can expect and how to prepare. We also offer continuing education, Realtor®, Real Estate Agent, and Real Estate Broker classes.
To get started or learn more, fill out our contact form or call our Lexington office at (859) 317-4846. We have locations in Louisville and Lexington and serve the surrounding areas.
