Washington Real Estate License Quick Info
Real Estate License Types
- Real Estate Brokers: These professionals perform brokerage services for real estate firms and are supervised by managing brokers.
- Real Estate Managing Brokers: Managing brokers also perform brokerage services but have additional responsibilities, including supervising other brokers.
- Real Estate Designated Brokers: Designated brokers oversee real estate firms and other brokers.
- Real Estate Branch Managers: They manage branch offices of real estate firms.
Prerequisites for Real Estate Licensing
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Pass a background check, including fingerprinting
- A US citizen or legally authorized to work in the US.
- Have a valid US Social Security number.
- Sponsored by a Real Estate Broker
- Complete a Washington Broker Pre-licensing Course
- Pass the Washington real estate license examination
The Exam
- 130 questions total, 100 in the National portion and 30 in the State portion.
- A passing score of 70% is required
- The examination fee is $210
License Fees
- Pre-licensing Education: The course costs around $200 and can go higher depending on the school and specific course offerings.
- Licensing Fee: An original license and renewal fee is $223.
- Background Check Fee: Fingerprint fee ($10.05) and background check fee ($34.75) totaling $44.80.
Real Estate Schools
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- Aceable Agents Real Estate School: Washington DOL Approved 90-Hour Real Estate Course
Starting Your Real Estate Career in Washington State
Real estate is an exciting industry that offers the freedom of self-employment and limitless earnings potential, but it also requires overcoming educational and regulatory hurdles.
To jump-start the journey, this guide walks you through each step to becoming a licensed real estate broker in Washington State. With some dedication to learning and attention to detail, your first open house and commission check are closer than you think.
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Licensing Requirements
Becoming a real estate agent means clearing lots of hurdles. The licensing requirements for new Real Estate Brokers are extensive nationwide, and Washington State is no exception.
But, the steps ensure Brokers are ethical and knowledgeable while helping Washington residents with their most significant investment: Home.
Licensing Prerequisites
- Age: Must be 18 years old
- Formal Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Sponsoring Broker: A licensed real estate broker in Washington must sponsor you before obtaining your license
- Background Check: Pass a background check, including fingerprinting
- Pre-Licensing Education: Completion of 90 hours of approved real estate education, divided into Real Estate Fundamentals (60 hours) and Real Estate Practices (30 hours)
- Pass the Licensing Exam: Pass the State and National exam covering specific real estate laws and practices
Background Check
To ensure the integrity of the real estate industry, all aspiring agents in Washington must undergo a comprehensive background check, including fingerprinting. This process verifies the good character of prospective real estate brokers in Washington.
Character issues that can impact applications include:
- Criminal convictions, including serious traffic offenses like DUI
- Disciplinary actions in any professional licensure
- Financial matters such as liens or significant unpaid judgments
If your past concerns you, complete the background check first and discuss issues that arise with the Department of Licensing. It can save you time and money on future steps.
Find a Sponsor Brokerage
With background check concerns behind you, it’s time to make vital career decisions, including finding a brokerage.
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.
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.
Pre-Licensing Education
With a career path and a sponsored broker chosen, it’s time to start your education.
Washington State mandates 90 hours of pre-licensing education offered through approved providers. These courses cover various topics, from property law to ethics, preparing you for the challenges and responsibilities of real estate transactions.
The 90-hour course must include:
- 60 hours of Real Estate Fundamentals
- 30 hours of Real Estate Practices
Aceable Agent offers a 90-hour DOL-approved course starting at $215. The basic plan includes instructor support and exam prep with a pay-over-time option.
The Real Estate Exam: What to expect
The Washington real estate exam is a critical step in your journey. It tests your knowledge and understanding of real estate principles nationally and within Washington State.
About the Test
- Sections: National and state-specific laws and practices.
- Number of Questions: 130 multiple-choice questions.
- Passing Scores: 70% or higher on national (100 questions) and state (30 questions) sections.
- Question Types: Multiple-choice covering various real estate topics.
- Duration: 3.5 hours.
- Cost: $210.
The exam is challenging but fair, and passing it is a testament to your readiness to embark on your real estate career.
Application Process
Once you’ve completed your educational requirements, the next step is formally applying for your real estate license. Complete the application online or by physical application.
Required Documents for the Application
- Proof of age and education (such as a high school diploma or equivalent).
- Completion certificates from the pre-licensing courses.
- Background check results.
- Proof of passing the real estate licensing exam.
- Affiliation with a sponsoring broker.
- Application fee.
After gathering and submitting these documents, you’ll be on your way to officially entering the real estate industry in Washington.
Networking for Success
A robust professional network can catapult your career forward. Engage with peers, seek out mentors, and participate in discussions. Forming these connections can lead to referrals, partnerships, and insightful advice.
Joining a real estate team can provide instant mentorship and partnerships, helping new agents get up to speed quicker with a lead flow and helping to keep you financially supported as you begin your career.
Post Licensing Education Requirements
After obtaining your license, you must complete 45 hours of continuing education every two years, including a mandatory three-hour ethics course, to maintain your license.
This education must be through an approved provider and is crucial for staying up-to-date with the latest trends and regulations in the industry.
Final Thoughts
The hurdles of becoming a Real Estate agent seem exhaustive. By starting today and setting completion goals, you’ll be on your way to the self-employed freedoms of Real Estate with unlimited earnings potential.
Share this post on social media and let your friends and family know. It’s never too early to start networking; everyone should learn a new real estate leader is coming to town.
Welcome to the industry. We’re happy you’re here.
Author: Agent Nook Team
Sometimes, it takes a team. Agent Nook always brings an experienced perspective—or several—into each post. This ensures our readers always have the most up-to-date and relevant information.
