How to Become a Georgia Real Estate Agent
Looking to begin your real estate career? With a minimal investment of time and money, you can get your Georgia real estate license and be ready to take on a new and promising career. To become a licensed real estate agent in the state of Georgia, you must meet the requirements put forth by the Georgia Real Estate Commission. There are surprisingly few qualifications you will need to meet in order to obtain your Georgia real estate license. In fact, in about a month, you could be poised on the threshold of a new and lucrative career path.
Prerequisites to get your real estate license in Georgia:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must have a social security number.
- You must have a high school diploma (or equivalent).
5 Steps To Get Your Real Estate License in Georgia
Step 1: Enroll in a Georgia real estate school
The Georgia Real Estate Commission requires want-to-be agents to take 75 hours of coursework before sitting for the real estate licensing exam.
The real estate pre-licensing course covers serious topics like escrows, mortgage loan brokering and lending, and the legal aspects of real estate.
You need to understand these topics to pass the licensing exam – and to help your future clients as they buy and sell properties.
As you research online real estate schools in Georgia, look at demos of the school’s materials to understand how the subject matter is presented. Read reviews of online schools and look for pre-licensing packages that offer test-prep materials.
Step 2: Pass the final course exam.
When you have completed the 75-Hour Georgia Pre-licensing Course, you must pass a course final exam that will help prepare you to pass the licensing exam. To pass the course final exam at Colibri, you will be given two attempts, and must achieve 75% or greater
Step 3: Complete the background check
After you’ve passed your course final exam and prior to sitting for the state license exam, you must bring a copy of your criminal history or Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) Report to the PSI testing center (not the Commission).
If the report indicates any crime convictions or sanctions by any licensing or regulatory agency, the Commission will conduct an investigation and decide whether or not you can be issued a license.
Step 4: Pass the state license exam
To sit for the Georgia state license exam, you will need to pay a $119 fee. You must pass the examination administered by PSI and approved by the Commission.
Step 5: Apply for your Georgia real estate license
Once you have completed your coursework, your next step will be to apply for the salesperson’s license within 12 months of the date you took and passed the state license exam. After 12 months have passed, you must retake it.
Begin the application process by visiting the Georgia Real Estate Commission.
Additional Steps
For New License Holders: Find a Sponsoring Broker
Real estate salespeople in Georgia (and across the country) must work under a broker. A broker is someone with experience in the industry who has taken additional coursework and passed a broker exam.
Before submitting the GA Real Estate Salesperson Application, you need to provide the name of the broker you will be working under—and they will need to confirm this relationship.
Some people talk with many brokers before selecting one that is the right fit. Some brokerages have excellent training and mentoring programs, but you may have to pay desk fees or give them a bigger share of your commissions for these benefits.
For New License Holders: Complete the Georgia Post-Licensing Requirements
After you’ve passed your exam and received your Georgia real estate license, post-licensing education will be required to keep your license active. A 25-hour Georgia Real Estate Post Licensing Course approved by the Georgia Real Estate Commission must be completed within one year of issuance. If you do not complete the required Georgia Real Estate Post Licensing Courses, your license will become invalid.
What Should You Do After You Become a Real Estate Agent in Georgia?
1. Grow your network with other real estate agents in Georgia
Becoming a real estate sales agent is a fantastic way to kickstart your career. By joining a reputable real estate agency, you can gain valuable experience, access resources, and benefit from mentorship from seasoned professionals. Here’s what to do:
Start networking with local real estate agencies to explore potential opportunities. Attend open houses and industry events to build relationships and learn from experienced agents.
Work closely with your agency’s broker and colleagues to develop your skills and build a strong client base.
Consider specializing in a niche market, such as luxury properties, commercial real estate, or residential sales, to differentiate yourself and target specific clients.
2. Pursue a Georgia Broker Certification
If you aspire to take your real estate career to the next level and have the ambition to manage your own brokerage or team, pursuing a broker certification is a wise choice. Here’s how to proceed:
- Accumulate a few years of experience as a real estate salesperson to meet the prerequisites for broker certification.
- Enroll in a Georgia-approved broker pre-licensing course, which typically involves 60 hours of coursework.
- Pass the Georgia broker’s licensing exam.
- Apply for your broker license.
Consider specializing in a specific area, such as property management, real estate investment, or commercial brokerage, to broaden your expertise and attract clients.
Ultimately, the decision between becoming a salesperson or pursuing broker certification depends on your career goals and aspirations. Both paths offer exciting opportunities in the dynamic world of real estate.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Real Estate Agent in Georgia?
It can take you between four to six months to become a real estate agent in Georgia. This includes the time required to finish your Georgia pre-licensing course, undergo the background check, take the licensing exam, and receive a license. However, this may vary from person to person.