You’ve Passed the Texas Real Estate License Exam. What’s Next?

You’ve passed the test for getting your Texas real estate license. Congratulations! All your studyingAceableAgent paid off. Now it’s time to learn what steps you need to take to get that license and start working.

Step 1: File Your Texas Real Estate License Application

You may have already done this since you have one year from the date your Texas real estate license application is filed to take the state examination.

You can apply for your license onlineDatamart Login.do;jsessionid=_HgJTnaJaUeYEnEwS8vfSzoUzcpxmAVnPkdoq4RO.idvoapp1 Mylicense.trec.texas.gov or via mailApplication Inactive Real Estate Sales Agent License Forms.

Step 2: Get Your Fingerprints Taken and Pass Background Check

You must have your fingerprintsFingerprint Requirements on file so that you can get a background check. And, you must pass a background check in order to get a Texas real estate license. It’s possible to still get a license if you have a criminal background, but if you fail the background check, TREC will then examine your case in order to decide whether or not to issue your license.

If you have a criminal history, it is recommended that you submit the Fitness DeterminationFitness Determination Forms form before applying for your license. 

Step 3: Find a Sponsoring Broker

When you have passed the state exam and everything else is in order, you will be issued a Texas real estate license with the status of inactive. This means you have a real estate license, but you cannot practice real estate until your license is activated. The license can stay inactive indefinitely.

In order to become active, you need to find a sponsoring broker. You cannot practice real estate until your license physically arrives at your sponsoring broker’s office.

So how do you find a sponsoring broker? Find some brokers to interview to see if you would be a good fit. Here are some smart questions to ask: 

• What kind of training do you provide for new agents? Is there any kind of mentorship or shadowing program?

• How do your commission splits work?

• Are there any bonus programs (for example, if I recruit other agents or exceed expectations)?

• What costs will I need to pay (for example, signs, lockboxes, desk fees, etc.)?

• Where do you advertise, and who pays for it?

• Can I see some sample marketing materials?

• What was your gross volume of sales last year, and what was the amount made per full-time agent?

• Does this brokerage expect agents to act pretty much on their own, or is there more of a team mentality?

For more information on how to find a sponsoring broker, check out our blog post hereHc En Us Articles 115015391347 How Do I Find A Sponsoring Broker Support.aceableagent.com.

Other Suggestions

While you’re interviewing brokers, there are other things you can be doing, as well:

• Join professional organizations, such as the National Association of RealtorsAbout Nar or the Texas Association of Realtors.

• Build your web presence, such as your LinkedIn profile, and start adding contacts.

• Talk to other real estate professionals, throwing your net wide. Find someone in commercial real estate and someone else in residential real estate. Chat with someone who works at a large franchise, as well as someone who works at a smaller brokerage. Think of these as informational interviews. You’ll start to learn about real estate’s various niches, as well as build your network!

Want to Know More?

Check out the post-exam, pre-employment to-do listYour Post Exam Pre Employment To Do List Blog and set yourself up for success in the real estate industry!