Starting a Real Estate Career in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s rich American History makes for a unique real estate career. In Philadelphia alone, you can tour two-hundred-year-old multi-million dollar rowhouses and a sprawling brick mansion in one afternoon. 

Across the State, Pittsburgh has graced many top destination lists for new movers and will continue luring in new residents over the coming years.

Starting a real estate career in Pennsylvania can be a lucrative opportunity, but it comes with substantial hurdles, including hours of education and passing a big exam.

Each step of this detailed guide brings you closer to the coveted real estate riches you dream of and will prepare you to take the first steps to an exciting journey.

Pennsylvania Real Estate Licensing Requirements

The Pennsylvania Department of State (PDOS) is responsible for licensing, registering, and regulating real estate brokers, salespersons, real estate firms, agents specializing in rental locations, time-share salespersons, and developers.

Additionally, PDOS forms the regulations that govern professional behavior and standards within the Pennsylvania real estate industry, including the extensive licensing process.

The Pennsylvania real estate licensing process ensures prospective agents are knowledgeable, trustworthy, and have the skills to assist Pennsylvanians with their most valued investments: Their homes.

Before starting, Pennsylvania has prerequisites all applicants must meet, including:

• Must be 18 years of age
• Possess a Social Security number
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Pass a background check

With the basic requirements met, it’s time to tackle the complicated steps.

Pre-Licensing Education

The first step to a Pennsylvania real estate license is completing 75 hours of education. PDOS requires five credits of introductory real estate courses from approved real estate educators or an accredited college. Applicants can complete the online courses covering real estate law, procedures, financing, valuation, and ethics.

Applicants who earned a bachelor’s degree with a major in Real Estate, a juris doctor degree from law school, or have completed at least 75 hours of real estate education in another state may qualify for an exemption.

Aceable Agent offers a 75-hour PDOS-approved licensing course starting at $299. The basic plan includes instructor support and exam prep with a pay-over-time option. The educator boasts an impressive National pass rate of 92%.

Background Check

Understanding real estate principles and ethics is essential in the licensing process. However, it’s equally important to demonstrate that you’ve upheld these standards in life, which requires a criminal background check to confirm.

If you are a resident of Pennsylvania, you must provide a Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) from the Pennsylvania State Police. Non-residents must provide a recent equivalent report from their State and an FBI Identity History Summary Check. 

A copy is required when submitting the final application.

Addressing Concerns (If Needed)

The PDOS provides a best practices guide for individuals with criminal convictions. If you still have concerns after reading the guide, consider submitting a preliminary determination request for review.

Only invest your time and resources into licensing if your background supports it. At the same time, don’t be dissuaded without completing the proper due diligence.

Find a Sponsor Brokerage

With confidence in your background, you can move forward with the next step, finding a brokerage to secure a new business home.

Before rushing out to the nearest realty firm, it’s vital to consider your future career goals and path.

Choosing Your Specialty

Real Estate is a field with diverse possibilities. Reflect on whether your passion lies in helping families find their dream homes, assisting businesses in securing the perfect commercial space, or managing properties for investors. 

Each specialty has its own set of demands and skills:

• Residential Real Estate: Focus on individual or family dwellings, selling single-family homes, condominiums, and townhouses.
• Commercial Real Estate: Specialize in business properties, including leasing and selling office spaces, retail locations, and more.
• Property Management: Manage the leasing of residential, commercial, or industrial properties for investors.

Real estate agents have the added decision of becoming a REALTOR®. Agents are not REALTORS® until joining the National Association of REALTORS®, a membership most prevalent in the residential industry that provides access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)® and benefits like discounted healthcare and legal support.

Finding the Right Brokerage Fit

Choosing a brokerage can significantly influence your career direction and growth. New agents should interview several realty firms and speak with local brokers for market intel.

Take advantage of platforms like Agent Nook to delve into the cultures and strengths of different brokerages. Finding a brokerage that complements your chosen specialty and supports your career goals and development will provide a better path to success.

Bring your salesperson application along. It requires a signature from the principal brokerage.

The Pennsylvania Real Estate Exam

With complete education, a clear background check, and your future business home determined, it’s time to apply for the real estate exam with Pearson Vue.

The Pennsylvania real estate exam consists of a State and National exam totaling 120 questions. Applicants have 210 minutes to pass the exams with a 75% minimum score.

Pennsylvania Real Estate Exam details:

• Number of Questions: 120 multiple-choice questions: 80 National and 40 State
• Passing Scores: A minimum score of 75%
• Question Types: multiple-choice, testing your understanding of real estate principles and laws
• Duration: 150 minutes on the National portion and 60 minutes on State
• Cost: $49 for each exam
• Real Estate Exam Booklet 

Applicants can opt for the at-home exam through Pearson Vue, but extra steps are required.

Applying For a Real Estate License

Applying for a real estate license in Pennsylvania involves several steps and requires attention to detail to ensure a smooth process. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to apply for a Real Estate Salesperson license:

1. Create an Account at PALS: Begin by signing in or creating an account at the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS). This system is the central hub for all licensing activities in the State.
2. Starting the Application Process: Once logged in, navigate to the bottom of your dashboard on PALS. Here, you’ll find the option “Apply for New License.” Click on it, then select “Real Estate Commission” from the list of boards and commissions. Then, choose “Real Estate Salesperson – Reciprocal” or “Real Estate Salesperson – Standard” based on your qualifications.
3. Completing the Survey and Application: You’ll encounter a survey with several questions. Answer these and proceed to the next step, which opens the application form. Complete all the required fields in the application. Ensure that the information you provide is accurate and complete.
4. Uploading Documents and Sending to Broker: The application process involves uploading necessary documents. Once you’ve completed the application and attached all required documents, you can send it to your prospective employing broker. Have the following documents and information prepared:
   1. Proof of Completed Education
   2. Examination Results
   3. Criminal History Records Check
   4. Proof of Age and Legal Status (ID/Passport)
   5. Social Security Number Attestation
   6. Broker Affiliation Details
   7. Disclosure of Criminal Record (if applicable)
   8. Disclosure of Disciplinary Actions (if applicable)
   9. Employment History (Brokers only)
5. Broker Review and Approval: It is the broker’s responsibility to review and approve your application, attesting to their willingness to hire, train, and supervise you.
6. Finalizing the Application: Log back into your PALS account once your broker approves the application. Go to “My Queue” and reopen your application to answer legal questions. After completing this, submit the application by adding it to your cart and paying the $97 application fee. This submission marks the start of the processing time as per the guidelines.
7. Application Review and Communication: A reviewing officer will check your application within the stated timeframe. If missing documents or corrections are needed, you will be notified via email. The checklist status on your PALS account will be updated once the review begins.
8. Receiving Your License: Once your application is approved and your license is issued, you can view it under the Professional License Details section of your PALS dashboard. The physical license is sent to your broker’s main office within 7-10 business days from the issue date.

The $97 fee includes a $72 licensure fee and a $25 application fee.

Continuing Education

Congratulations, you’re a real estate salesperson in Pennsylvania! You’re excited to kick off your career and jump straight in at this stage. But don’t let open houses and networking distract you; education requirements are never-ending in real estate.

Pennsylvania requires 14 hours of continuing education for each license renewal period of two years.

Final Thoughts

Earning your Pennsylvania real estate license is a process that deters many applicants who start their research.

But real estate is a distinct career path where each day is unique and has endless revenue potential. If you love helping people and are okay with touring beautiful, fun, and wild homes, enduring the licensing process is worthwhile.

Selling real estate opens lifelong friendships that open spots at the family dinner table by doing your job well. Agents form bonds and connections with clients that can last a lifetime by guiding them through a pivotal and emotional time.

Start your new chapter today and secure your pre-licensing education. Then, start sharing your plans with everyone. Remember, success in real estate often comes from effective self-promotion and marketing. Involving your friends and family in your new journey is an excellent way to start securing your first deal.

Welcome to the dynamic real estate industry. We are happy you decided to join us.