Florida has always been an attractive option for investors, retirees, and residents moving from other states looking for the best weather in the U.S. This has led to a boom in the property market down in FL. The market is diverse, catering to everyone’s needs, from retirees looking for beachfront properties to young professionals seeking to rent studio apartments.
As a realtor, this is excellent news as it means more sales and commissions. It is also motivating to any Florida resident dreaming about becoming a realtor in the Sunshine State. But before you can dive headfirst into this dynamic market, you’ll need to equip yourself with the necessary skills and paperwork.
Below are steps to help you get your Florida realtor’s license fast.
Find a Good School
Now, before you start looking for a school, ensure that you meet FREC’s eligibility prerequisites. The biggest decision you must make is choosing between online and in-person classes. Weigh the pros and cons of each option before deciding.
In-person lessons offer better interaction, which is excellent for students who learn best through one-on-one sessions. However, they aren’t as flexible and convenient as online programs. With an online program from RealEstateU, you can study at your own pace and manage your learning schedule.
Enrolling in an online pre-licensing course is the most convenient option for those looking to switch careers.
Master the Pre-Licensing Coursework
Your educational journey starts with pre-licensing courses. The course content is around 63 hours long. It will introduce you to state property laws and regulations, contract negotiations, writing appraisals, and other relevant topics related to real estate.
Don’t rush through the course content. Instead, focus on understanding the core concepts. Go for programs offering more than just notes and lecture videos. Practice tests and quizzes will help you understand the concepts better.
If you are using an online program, join a discussion forum and engage in discussions during online lectures or classroom sessions.
Preparing For the Exams
Exams can be scary. However, study and adequate practice can help boost your chances of passing the tests on your first attempt. Invest in a good exam prep course or study guide specifically tailored to the Florida exams. You can also get quality study materials from your local library.
Go ahead and register for the exams once you feel confident enough. The exam has 100 multiple-choice questions covering content you studied in the pre-licensing program. You must get at least 75/100 questions right to pass the exams.
Applications and Background Checks
You have done a lot of the heavy lifting by this stage. Now, it is time to get your license from the FREC. The first step is submitting your fingerprints for a background check. You shouldn’t have any trouble with this if there are no prior serious charges under your name.
Put your documents together and start the license application process. You can do so online or by sending the forms and relevant papers to the Florida DBPR. Approval may take around ten days, and you will get a notification via your email.
