How Do I Become A REALTOR®?
Before becoming a REALTOR®, you first must earn a real estate license.
The requirements for earning a license are as follows:
You need to be at least 18 years old and have not been convicted, found guilty or plead nolo contendere to (i) a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, sexual offense, drug distribution, or physical injury, (ii) any felony, or (iii) been found to have violated the fair housing laws of any jurisdiction. For more information about licensing requirements, visit the Virginia Real Estate Board's web site at http://www.dpor.virginia.gov/dporweb/reb_main.cfm
You must complete a course in the principles of real estate which carries an academic credit of at least four semester hours but not less than sixty hours of classroom, correspondence or other distance learning instruction.
Next you will need to take the Real Estate Sales Person's examination. Call PSI testing service at 1-800-733-9267 to obtain a test application and schedule. When you have successfully completed the examination PSI will send you a pass notice.
You are then ready to complete the license application.
Find a broker to sponsor you. Visit real estate offices and interview several local brokers. Find out what the broker expects of you and what you can expect of the broker. Make sure the broker offers you a supportive business environment.
If you have additional questions you can call the Virginia Real Estate Board at 804-367-8526 or visit their web site (shown above).
Once you have your license, consider taking an extra step toward competence and professionalism by joining your local, state, and national Associations of REALTORS®. Then, and only then, may you legally use the term "REALTOR®" following your name.
To join, ask your broker to which Local Association of REALTORS® he or she belongs. Then call the Association's office and sign up for the next new member orientation program, where you can learn the exact process for joining. (If you're already a REALTOR® and moving into Virginia, you can select your Local Association from the online directory.)
Some Associations may allow you to join the REALTOR® family immediately, simply by completing an application form and paying the nominal REALTOR® organization dues.
Join us as soon as you can. Your payoff in increased information and professionalism will be tremendous!
For more information on real estate license requirements, contact the Virginia Real Estate Board at (804) 367-8526.