How To Become a Realtor®
Even though the terms "Realtor®" and "real estate agent" are used interchangeably, there are some differences. At HomeServices Real Estate Academy, we offer online and in-person real estate courses to prepare you for a career as a real estate agent or a Realtor®. Continue reading to learn how to become a Realtor®.
5 Steps for Becoming a Realtor®
Step #1: Meet Age and Education Requirements
To become a Realtor®, you must be at least 18 and have either a high school diploma or GED.
Step #2: Pass an FBI Criminal Background Check
Since you will be working with the public, it is essential that you have a clean record. As a Realtor®, you must adhere to their code of ethics, which includes the expectation that you'll put your clients and their needs ahead of yours.
Step #3: Complete the Pre-Licensure Real Estate Courses Near Me
You also need to complete 96 credit hours of pre-licensure real estate courses. If you're looking for "real estate classes near me," visit HomeServices Real Estate Academy for in-person and online pre-licensure programs so that you can complete your courses in the most convenient manner. You can choose in-person pre-licensure courses that meet in the daytime, evenings, or weekends.
Step #4: Pass Your Real Estate Exam
You must pass your real estate exam to obtain licensure as a real estate agent. In Kentucky, you must also pass the Kentucky Sales Associate Exam. Your pre-licensure course at HomeServices Real Estate Academy also includes a 2-day exam prep cram course.
Step #5: Join a Local Realtor® Association
Once you've earned your licensure, you can join a local Realtor® Association. There are boards in every state, so it's just a matter of finding the one nearest you.
How Much Does a Realtor® Make?
The income for a Realtor® and a real estate agent is roughly the same. Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), real estate agents earned a mean wage of $58,960 per year as of 2024.
However, the amount you'll earn is mainly based on the values of homes and how many transactions you complete. That's because, as a Realtor® or real estate agent, you earn approximately 3% of the sale of each property. In Kentucky, the annual mean wage for real estate agents was $52,870, according to the BLS. In Louisville, the mean wage was slightly higher, at about $55,590. In Lexington, the average wage was $58,670.
Contact Us for Realtor® Classes
To pursue an exciting career as a Realtor®, start taking Realtor® classes near you at HomeServices Real Estate Academy. We have courses available for students in Kentucky and would love to help prepare you for the future. Our talented staff has real-world experience in the real estate industry, so they can prepare you for anything you might encounter.
For more information or to enroll in one of our courses, leave a message on our contact form or call our office at (859) 317-4846. We proudly serve Louisville and Lexington, KY, and the surrounding areas.
