Real Estate Careers: A Guide to Getting a License in Pennsylvania
The US real estate industry is on an upward trajectory, and it’s expected to grow by at least 5% before 2031. That means finding jobs in this emergent industry can be a fairly straightforward process.
But before you can get a job in real estate, you need a license. Not just anyone can apply for a real estate license in the US. I remember when I was preparing for my exam years ago. It was a gruelling process. I was up nights, getting everything in order while overloading my wife with sassy comments. But that was my story.
Jon was way worse. He used to call me in the dead of the night to discuss how he was going to sit for the exam. And that’s how we supported each other. Within a year of us getting the license, we established our homebuying company, and the rest is history.
These rules exist to ensure that only those with a clear understanding of property law can sell it to potential homeowners. But the requirements for a license vary from state to state.
In this post, we’ll explain how to get a real estate license and everything you need to know about getting a real estate license in Pennsylvania.
Getting a Real Estate License in Pennsylvania: Step By Step Guide
While obtaining your real estate license in Pennsylvania may not be easy, the process is simple. This is how Jon explains it.
1. Meet Age Requirements
The first box you need to tick for obtaining a real estate license, both in Pennsylvania and all other states in America, is to be above 18 years of age. This benchmark ensures legal processes.
2. Complete Your Exam
To become a licensed real estate broker, you need to complete an exam and 75 hours of real estate education. This ensures that every license holder has a complete understanding of the industry.
The exam entails a variety of different actions and tests, all of which must be approved by a licensing agency. It necessitates the following accomplishments:
– 75-hour Master Exam Preparation Package
– 45-hour Real Estate Practices
– 30-hour Real Estate Fundamentals
3. Pass a Background Check
If you want to become a real estate broker, you have to pass a background check to make sure you are a law-abiding citizen. This entails visiting a police station and obtaining a report of your criminal history. If you have a criminal history, you may still be able to get a real estate license. However, this depends on the scale and severity of the crime(s) you’ve committed.
Clearly, Jon is a law-abiding citizen! Wink wink!
4. Take the Pennsylvania National Licensing Exam
Next on the list is to take the PA National Licensing Exam. This is an online exam that proves your knowledge of the fundamentals of real estate brokerage. It’s the last exam you’ll have to take in this process.
5. Obtain a Brokerage Sponsorship
You can’t practice real estate brokerage without a sponsor. You can acquire this through any fully licensed real estate broker or agency, which you will then operate under.
6. Apply For Your Pennsylvania Real Estate License
That’s it. You now have everything you need to apply for your license. To do this, you must apply to the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission.
For more information about this application, check out the PALS website. Applications cost $107, but once you have yours, you’re free to go forth and start brokering properties all over Pennsylvania.
What’s the Property Market Like in Philadelphia, PA?
If you live in one of Pennsylvania’s many beautiful cities, you’re in luck. Property prices and trends may fluctuate, but this city has a fairly consistent track record with the housing market.
Since 2021, there has been a high level of buying activity in the Philadelphia area. The demand is there, with the only issue being competitive supply. The residential market is affordable, attractive, and at its peak.
Commercial properties are consistently popular. When you’re starting, it’s not a bad idea to buy real estate leads that target your preferred target market for a competitive start.
Summary
Real estate will always be in demand, and if you meet the license requirements, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to become a successful real estate broker in the US.
Are you looking to develop a career in real estate? Brotherly Love Real Estate is your local property buyer in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. Join our investor list today to keep in touch with our professional network of licensed real estate agents.
