Introduction
Real estate is a popular and lucrative industry, and to become a real estate professional in Texas, you need to obtain a license. The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) is responsible for licensing and regulating the real estate industry in Texas. Here are the Texas real estate license requirements and how to get a license in Texas.
Requirements
To get a real estate license in Texas, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Complete the 180-hour pre-license education course
- Pass the state and national portions of the real estate licensing exam
- Submit fingerprints for a background check
- Provide proof of US citizenship or legal residency
Pre-license Education Course
The 180-hour pre-license education course must be completed prior to taking the licensing exam. This course is offered by several accredited institutions, including community colleges and online schools. The course covers topics such as real estate principles, practices, law, contracts, and finance. Once you complete the course, you will receive a certificate of completion.
Licensing Exam
After completing the pre-license education course, you must pass both the state and national portions of the real estate licensing exam. The state portion covers Texas-specific laws and regulations, while the national portion covers general real estate principles and practices. You must pass both portions with a score of 70% or higher in order to receive your license.
Background Check
The TREC requires all applicants to submit fingerprints for a background check. This background check is conducted to ensure that applicants do not have any criminal history that would disqualify them from obtaining a license.
Proof of US Citizenship or Legal Residency
In order to obtain a real estate license in Texas, you must provide proof of US citizenship or legal residency. This can include a copy of your passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued identification.
FAQ
- How old do I have to be to get a real estate license in Texas?
You must be at least 18 years of age to obtain a real estate license in Texas. - Do I need to complete the pre-license education course before taking the exam?
Yes, you must complete the 180-hour pre-license education course before taking the licensing exam. - What score do I need to pass the licensing exam?
You must pass both the state and national portions of the licensing exam with a score of 70% or higher.
Conclusion
Real estate is a popular and lucrative industry, and to become a real estate professional in Texas, you must meet certain requirements set by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). You must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete the 180-hour pre-license education course, pass the state and national portions of the real estate licensing exam, submit fingerprints for a background check, and provide proof of US citizenship or legal residency. Once you meet all these requirements, you can apply for your real estate license in Texas.