Here is something that might surprise you. The median age of real estate agents in the United States is 60. That means if you are thinking about getting your license after 60, you would be walking right into the heart of the profession, not the margins of it.
Real estate offers something that is hard to find in most second careers. You are your own boss. No two days look alike. And you get to help people through one of the biggest decisions of their lives. For folks who love homes and people, that is a pretty good deal.
Here is what it actually takes to get started.
Every State Makes Its Own Rules
There is no national real estate license. Each state sets its own requirements. To find the rules for your state, you can visit the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials’ regulatory agency directory.
The minimum age to apply is 18. Most states require at least a high school diploma or GED. A few, like Texas, have no educational requirement at all. Your state’s specific rules will tell you exactly what you need.
Prelicensing Classes: Pick the Right Fit for You
Before you can sit for the licensing exam, you need to complete a prelicensing course. The hours required vary widely by state. Michigan requires just 40 hours. Texas requires 180. Most communities offer options: an expedited program over a few weekends, or a longer six-month course at a local community college.
The format matters. Choosing a program that fits your schedule and your learning style can make the difference between passing and struggling. Some people do well with intensive courses. Others need more time to absorb the material. Only you know which kind of learner you are.
The Background Check
About half of all states require an FBI background check as part of the licensing process, according to the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials. Some states only ask applicants to fill out a background questionnaire. The trend is moving toward requiring full checks, so more states are adding this step.
If you have a criminal history, getting a license is still possible, but it is reviewed case by case. Candidates with a felony conviction, especially one related to fraud or embezzlement, will face more scrutiny. It is worth reaching out to your state’s Real Estate Commission before moving forward if this applies to you.
Passing the Licensing Exam
Every state requires a written licensing exam before you can practice. Most exams include a national portion and a state-specific portion. Score requirements vary by state. The exam covers topics like:
- Property ownership and land use regulations
- Laws of agency and fiduciary duties
- Property valuation and financial analysis
- Financing and transfer of property
- Contracts and disclosures
- Real estate calculations
The exam tests whether you have the baseline knowledge to enter the profession on equal footing with every other licensed agent.
What Comes Next: Broker, Insurance, and Your License
Once you pass the exam, your next step is finding a real estate broker to work under. Some states require you to have a sponsoring broker in place before you even sit for the exam, so it is smart to start looking early.
Almost 30 of the 50 states also require new agents to carry errors and omissions insurance (often called E&O insurance) before they can be considered active. This coverage protects you if a client ever sues over a mistake made during professional service. Some brokerages provide it. Others require you to purchase it yourself.
The final step is submitting your application to your state’s Real Estate Commission. Most states let you do this online. The form asks for basic personal information, your education history, and details about your sponsoring brokerage.
Know the Full Cost Before You Start
Getting a real estate license in the U.S. costs between $400 and $1,000 or more, depending on your state. But that is just the beginning. There are ongoing costs that many people do not anticipate when they first sign up. Here is the full picture:
- Prelicensing education
- State licensing exam fee
- Background check
- Hanging your license with a broker
- Errors and omissions insurance
- National Association of Realtors membership
- Business and marketing expenses
- Continuing education
The last four items on that list come after you are licensed, and they are often left off the start-up cost estimates you will find online. Going in with a clear picture of all the costs is one of the most important things you can do to set yourself up for success.
Real estate is a career that rewards people who know how to connect with others, listen well, and stay patient. Those are things that tend to come with experience. Getting started after 60 is not a disadvantage. For a lot of agents, it turns out to be exactly the right time.
