Beyond Bending Tell You How
Are you interested in pursuing a career in real estate in Louisiana? Becoming a licensed real estate agent is a great way to enter the industry and begin building a successful career. However, the process of obtaining a real estate license can seem daunting, especially if you’re unsure of where to start.In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to becoming a licensed real estate agent in Louisiana. From education and training to licensing requirements and exam preparation, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get started.
Educational Requirements
In Louisiana, aspiring real estate agents are required to complete 90 hours of pre-licensing education from an approved provider. This education covers a range of topics related to real estate, including contracts, property ownership, financing, and more.It’s important to note that the 90 hours of education must be completed within a two-year period prior to applying for a real estate license. The courses can be taken in person or online, depending on your preference.Once you have completed the required education, you will need to obtain a certificate of completion from your approved provider. This certificate will be required when you apply for your real estate license.
Licensing Requirements
In addition to completing the required education, there are several other requirements that must be met in order to obtain a real estate license in Louisiana.- Age: You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a real estate license in Louisiana.- Residency: You must be a resident of Louisiana or maintain a principal place of business in the state.- Background check: A criminal background check is required as part of the licensing process.- Application: You must submit a completed application and pay the required fee to the Louisiana Real Estate Commission.
Criminal Background Check
As part of the licensing process, all applicants must undergo a criminal background check. This includes fingerprinting and a check of both state and federal criminal records.It’s important to note that certain criminal convictions may disqualify you from obtaining a real estate license in Louisiana. According to the Louisiana Real Estate Commission, “any felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or any offense that would reflect adversely on the honesty, trustworthiness, or integrity of the applicant” may result in a denial of your application.
Application Process
Once you have completed the required education and passed your criminal background check, you can begin the application process for your real estate license. The application can be completed online through the Louisiana Real Estate Commission’s website.You will need to provide personal information, including your name, address, and contact information, as well as information about your pre-licensing education and criminal background check. You will also need to pay the required application fee.Once your application has been processed and approved, you will be eligible to take the real estate licensing exam.
Real Estate Licensing Exam
The real estate licensing exam in Louisiana is a two-part exam that covers both national and state-specific topics related to real estate. The exam is administered by PSI Services LLC, a third-party testing company.The national portion of the exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as contracts, finance, and property ownership. The state-specific portion of the exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and covers Louisiana real estate laws and regulations.You will need to pass both portions of the exam with a score of at least 70% in order to obtain your real estate license.
Exam Preparation
Preparing for the real estate licensing exam is an important part of the process. There are several resources available to help you study and practice for the exam, including:- Exam prep courses: Many approved education providers offer exam prep courses that can help you prepare for the exam.- Study materials: There are a variety of study materials available, including books, online courses, and practice exams.- Study groups: Joining a study group with other aspiring real estate agents can be a great way to stay motivated and learn from others.
Continuing Education Requirements
Once you have obtained your real estate license in Louisiana, you will need to complete continuing education courses in order to maintain your license. The state requires 12 hours of continuing education every year, which must be completed by December 31st.There are a variety of approved providers that offer continuing education courses, both in person and online. Topics covered in these courses can include updates to real estate laws and regulations, new technologies and tools for real estate agents, and more.
Conclusion
Becoming a licensed real estate agent in Louisiana is a process that requires education, training, and dedication. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can prepare yourself for a successful career in real estate.Remember, obtaining a real estate license is just the beginning. To truly succeed in this industry, you must be willing to continue learning and growing throughout your career.If you’re ready to take the first step towards becoming a real estate agent in Louisiana, start by researching approved education providers and begin your pre-licensing education today.
