It is not easy to become a licensed real estate agent in the state of Louisiana.You need to learn the ins and outs of listing and selling before you can start.As a real estate agent, you act as a mediator between the buyers and the sellers, which comes with a number of ethical ramifications.You need to get training from the Louisiana Real Estate Commission.To pass the state licensing exam, you will need to complete several hours of classwork.You will be on your way to becoming a real estate agent.
Step 1: You have to meet the general qualifications.
Every real estate salesperson licensee in Louisiana must be at least 18 years old and have a high school or equivalent degree.You have to pass a criminal background check.You can still request permission from the Louisiana Real Estate Commission to sit for the licensing examination if you have an arrest or conviction in your past.
Step 2: Sponsor a real estate broker.
You must be sponsored by a real estate broker to get a license.Applying for a job is similar to finding a broker.You contact local real estate brokers after looking for listings on job sites.You may or may not be called back for an interview.You won't be sponsored until after you take the exam, but most real estate brokers will help you get your license.If you pass the exam, they will sponsor you.scholarships to help you pay for school are offered by many real estate brokers.
Step 3: The required pre-licensing education needs to be completed.
You must complete 90 hours of real estate education courses before you can apply for a salesperson license.The rules and regulations of the LREC and the Law of Agency are two real estate-related statutes that need courses for the pre-licensing educational requirement.It is possible to take classes at state-certified real estate schools.You can check for programs at your local community colleges if you prefer a preferred school.Many will have real estate programs.Some credit may be available for courses done outside of Louisiana.For more information, contact the LREC.
Step 4: You have to apply for a license.
You will have to complete the information necessary for the criminal background check in order to submit the paperwork certifying that you have completed the pre-licensure educational classes.You will need to pay a fee to apply.You can mail your completed application and fee to the Louisiana Real Estate Commission.You will get approval to take the exam once your application has been approved.The Examination Authorization Form will be effective for 90 days after you receive it.
Step 5: You should schedule your exam.
LREC contracts with a company to give real estate exams.The fee for a salesperson, broker, or instructor exam is $85.You can schedule your exam if you receive a confirmation notice from PSI.You can call to make an appointment to take the exam.On Tuesdays through Saturdays, the exams are offered at test sites throughout the state.There is no walk-in registration for the test.You must give at least two full business days prior to the scheduled testing date to receive a fee refund if you have to reschedule your exam.
Step 6: The outline can be used to prepare for the exam.
There are 135 questions in the salesperson exam and 80 for the national portion.Eminent domain, property taxes, liens and mineral rights are some of the topics included in the national portion.Specific statutory requirements, conflicts of interest, and the Louisiana civil law system are included in the state portion of the exam.The outline of each section of the exam can be found on the website.The outline is a great study tool because it helps ensure you are studying everything that the exam will cover.
Step 7: You have to study for the exam.
You must get a grade of at least 70 percent on the national portion of the exam in order to pass the state portion.If you have to cram for hours in the days before your exam, plan for several study sessions of 45 to 60 minutes.You will learn more if you study it over time.As you master the material, mark each section.Schedule your exam when all items have been marked.Marking items to review in the days before the exam can be accomplished by taking notes while studying.
Step 8: Study with other people.
You can prepare for the exam by talking to people you know.For instance, the broker that is sponsoring you will likely have experts who can sit down with you and give you advice about studying for the exam.It's important to use that as a resource.Set up study groups with people who were in the same classes as you.As long as you stay focused, studying in a group can help you retain the information.Someone else may understand a concept better than you do.
Step 9: Take the exam.
Arrive at least 30 minutes early and have the proper credentials with you on the day of your exam.One of the forms of identification you need is a photograph.The original copy of your Examination Authorization Form is required.You may not be allowed to enter the testing site if you arrive after the exam is over.You will see your score on the computer screen after the exam.If you don't pass, a diagnostic report will alert you to topics that you should review again.
Step 10: Errors and omissions insurance can be purchased.
Errors and omissions insurance is required before your broker will sponsor you.When you make a costly error, this insurance covers you and the company.You can apply for this type of insurance with most major insurance companies, though you're broker may have a preferred company.
Step 11: You need to complete your sponsorship.
You can be sponsored by your broker company now that you've passed.Your broker should be aware of your scores on the exam.Proof of your insurance is required by your company.Your broker should be willing to accept you on.
Step 12: You have to complete your post-license education.
45 post-license educational hours are required within 180 days of passing the salesperson licensing exam.You can find a list of educational providers on the LREC website.There are five approved continuing-education vendors in Louisiana.In person or distance, they are Bob Brooks School of Real Estate and Insurance, Inc.Contact the school to find out more about the courses.Depending on what works best for you, you can take classes in person or online.
Step 13: Continue with your education requirements.
All licensees are required to complete 12 hours of continuing education each year.Before you submit your license renewal, you must complete these hours.In person or through distance learning, continuing education classes can be taken.Links to approved educational providers can be found on the LREC website.
Step 14: Get a broker license.
You may be interested in becoming a broker once you have received your salesperson license.The broker license requires successfully completing 150 classroom hours of education and being licensed as a real estate salesperson for at least four years.You have to pass the exam.