As an aspiring real estate professional, getting your real estate license in Michigan is a crucial first step. Doing so will make you a legally recognized professional in the field and earn you the respect and confidence of both your peers and your clients.
The
beauty of venturing into real estate in Michigan is that the market in the
state of Illinois offers limitless opportunities for self-driven individuals
who are well organized and have a passion for helping people find their ideal
properties and just maybe their dream homes.
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for information on how to get a real
estate license in Michigan, or just curious about the process, this article
delves into all the key things you need to understand about becoming a realtor
in Michigan.
Reasons to consider pursuing a real estate career in Michigan
Of
course, you want to get a solid answer to your question, “How to get my real
estate license in Michigan?”
But
first, let’s explore some of the reasons why you should consider pursuing a
career in real estate in Michigan. Here are some of the reasons:
- The real estate industry in the state of Michigan is doing well and you can be assured of a consistent demand for skilled and experienced real estate agents and other professionals.
- You will enjoy the flexibility you need to be able to work to your own schedule and from any location as you can operate online besides having a physical office.
- There is a potential for getting high earnings, and there is no limit to how much you can make as it depends on your efforts, marketing skills, and ability to make crucial networks.
- The diversity of the Michigan property market which comprises bustling urban areas such as Detroit, scenic waterfront properties, and many others, presents realtors with a wide range of niches to explore.
- You get satisfaction from helping clients with closing one of the most important transactions in their lives-getting a home.
Key Step to Obtaining Your Real Estate License in Michigan
Below
are the major steps to help you get a grasp of how to earn your Michigan real
estate license:
Fulfill the basic eligibility requirements
Before
you embark on your journey of becoming a realtor in Michigan, you need to make
sure you meet the basic requirements. These include:
- Be not less than 18 years old
- Must be a US citizen or a legally admitted alien who can work in the US
- Holding a high school diploma or an equivalent is highly recommended but not mandatory
Complete pre-licensing education
In
your process of getting a real estate license in Michigan, the first step is to
complete the mandatory 40 hours of pre-licensing education. Some of the crucial
topics in the pre-licensing courses include:
- Property ownership and management
- Law and contracts related to real estate
- Ethics and professional conduct
The
good news is that you can take these courses online or in a classroom setup
through a state-approved and accredited real estate school. Many aspiring
agents choose the online route because it is convenient, flexible, and
cost-effective. If you would like to consider pursuing your real estate license
in Michigan online, why not check here for one of the best online real estate schools in the state?
Pass your course exam.
Once
you complete the pre-licensing education, it is mandatory to pass the final
course exam as proof that you understand the material. For most schools, this
exam is part of the curriculum and requires you to pass it as a qualification
to sit the state licensing exam.
Submit your license application
After
completing your education, you’re good to submit your application for a real
estate license in Michigan. The application process entails:
- Visiting the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and registering
- Paying the fee. The fee lasts you for one year, so you need to sit the exam within a year of paying and applying
- Submitting proof of completing your pre-licensing education
In addition, you need to arrange to undertake background checks, mostly comprising of fingerprinting.
Get authorization to test
When
your application is approved you will receive an email from the Michigan
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. This email will notify you of
your authorization to register for the state real estate exam.
Schedule and pass the licensing exam
Having
received your authorization to take the exam, the next step is to register and
pass the Michigan Salesperson Licensing Exam. The exam provider is the
Psychological Services, Inc. (PSI). You visit the PSI website to schedule your
exam.
Here
are a few things you should know about the exam:
- Comprise questions touching on real estate principles–both national and state-specific.
- Its format is multiple choice questions- 115 questions
- The exam duration is 180 minutes
- The pass score is 70%
- The results are available immediately after completing the exam
- You can retake the exam as many times as you wish, but you have to pay the exam fee each time.
Find a sponsoring broker.
After
passing the exam, you need to affiliate with a licensed broker in the state to
activate your license. It is vital you choose your sponsoring broker wisely,
and consider such things as mentorship opportunities, their company’s culture,
and commission structure. The broker will help you grasp the practical aspects
of the industry and hold you to establish a foothold in real estate.
Obtain your Michigan real estate license.
After
the confirmation of your broker sponsorship, the Michigan Department of
Licensing and Regulatory Affairs will issue your license, and you become a
licensed realtor.
Conclusion
The
journey to getting a real estate license in Michigan involves several steps,
and it is crucial you acquaint yourself with them and follow them to sail
through successfully. Most importantly, choose a reputable real estate school
for your pre-licensing education and prepare well for your exams.
