How to Become a Real Estate Agent in California (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to become a real estate agent in California? ›

TL;DR: Getting a real estate license in California typically takes 3-6 months. The process includes completing a pre-licensing course, passing the state exam, and completing background checks. The timeline may vary depending on individual circ*mstances.

In California, real estate agents make an average of $90,000 a year. It's far from the highest-paid profession in the state, but therein lies the beauty, as it can be. Agents usually collect a commission of between 2 and 3%. The more clients they have and the more houses they sell, the more money they make.

The difficulty of the real estate exam varies by state, but the California real estate exam is known to be one of the most difficult. In fact, the pass rate for the California real estate exam in the last two years was under 50%, which means it's incredibly competitive and difficult to pass.

The California real estate exam is considered to have moderate difficulty by many. However, the level of difficulty can vary depending on an individual's level of preparation and understanding of the real estate concepts. The exam is 3 hours long and consists of 150 multiple choice questions.

How much does a Real Estate Agent Entry Level make in California? As of Jul 13, 2024, the average annual pay for a Real Estate Agent Entry Level in California is $88,229 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $42.42 an hour.

Choose an online course, like Allied can offer, so that you can study on your own schedule. Apply for the real estate exam as soon as you finish your education. Applying online is often the fastest route, but it still may take 3 to 6 months to receive approval.

Real estate agent commissions in California are a steep 5% to 6% of the home sale price. To maximize savings, consider negotiating with your agent. You can also opt for Flat Fee MLS Listing services like Houzeo. Your home can be on the MLS within 24 to 48 hours.

It's possible to receive your pre-licensing education online. However, you must still take the California real estate license exam in person.

Why did you quit being a real estate agent? ›

The number one reason people quit real estate is because they expect to see immediate results. People expect a solid month of hard work to result in a good deal and a lot of money, and when it doesn't, they are quick to decide real estate must not be for them.

Real estate agents are no strangers to stress, which stems from high-pressure dealings, the unpredictability of the market, and stiff competition. Persistent stress can usher in a host of health problems such as insomnia, persistent headaches, exhaustion, anxiety, depression, and even cardiovascular diseases.

The type of math encountered on the California Real Estate Exam primarily involves basic arithmetic and some simple algebra, including the ability to work with fractions, decimals, and percentages.

Still, the fastest you can expect to receive your real estate license in California is approximately five months. According to the California Department of Real Estate (DRE), anyone seeking a real estate license must spend a minimum of 54 days in a California DRE-approved study program.

Quick Facts: California real estate license

The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) requires all students to complete an approved course of study totaling 135 class hours. This includes two required courses (Real Estate Principles + Real Estate Practice), plus one elective.

Years three to five are typically where most real estate agents start achieving greater levels of success and earning a more lucrative income.

How Long Should I Prepare for the Real Estate Exam? Besides 135 hours of real estate coursework you're required to take, the amount of time you'll want to prepare for the real estate exam is mostly a personal decision.