Are you ready to explore a career in real estate? Becoming a real estate broker is an exciting opportunity for anyone, but the process can seem confusing. Each state has its own process and laws surrounding real estate, so you’ll have to complete the requirements in your state.
Today we’re going to break down the process into five steps and take a closer look at how to become a REALTOR.
Understand the risks and benefits
Some are drawn to a career in real estate because of the flexibility and potential income it offers. But before you jump in, make sure that you understand what it really takes to make a career out of real estate.
Becoming a realtor isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme or a low-commitment hobby. In order to succeed, you’ll need to put serious time and effort into the process. The best brokers work hard each day and stick with their jobs for the long-haul.
A career in real estate may be good for you if you’re:
- Self-motivated
- Organized
- Willing to work weekends and evenings
- Able to work well under pressure and time constraints
Take the required pre-licensing courses
The New Mexico Real Estate Commission requires that all people seeking to become a REALTOR complete 90 hours of pre-licensing courses that teach you real estate laws, practices, and regulations. These courses will teach you everything you need to know in order to become a knowledgeable agent.
Your job will be to help home buyers and sellers navigate the often confusing real estate process, so you’ll need to have a thorough understanding of it yourself. The Real Estate Institute of Las Cruces provides professional real estate courses that meet New Mexico’s standards for pre-licensing.
Take the state licensing test
You’ve weighed the costs and benefits, taken courses, and studied hard. Now it’s time for your licensing test! The state licensing test will take everything you’ve learned in your courses and make sure that you have a solid understanding of the process.
If you think you need more preparation, you can take a practice course to help you get a better idea of what the test is like. The exam will cover both national real estate policies and state-specific requirements.
Apply for a license
If you receive a score of 75 or higher on your licensing exam, then you have passed. Congrats! You’re now on your way to becoming a REALTOR.
Once you pass the state licensing test, the next step is to apply for your license. Within six months of taking the exam, you’ll need to submit your pre-licensing course, licensing test score, proof of legal United States residency, be fingerprinted by the FBI, and have a background check. You can find more information about the fingerprinting process and fees on the New Mexico Department of Public Safety website.
Choose the right real estate broker
After completing all the licensing steps, you’ll need to find a brokerage to sponsor you. Choosing the right real estate broker to work with can make all the difference in the success and longevity of your career.
At Steinborn, we have over 50 years of experience supporting our associate brokers. When our REALTORs succeed, we all do. REALTORs with Steinborn receive ongoing support, personal development and extensive education, and an exclusive advertising system.
Join the team at Steinborn
We’re growing as a company and always looking for talent that has a shared vision with us. We set a high bar for our REALTORs because we only want to work with people who value the customer experience and share our vision. Our REALTORs are ready to make our industry and community a better place.
If you want more information on becoming a team member at Steinborn, call us at (575) 522-3698 or visit us online today.
