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STEP 01

Check Your State’s Basic Requirements

How to become a real estate agent. Why 2026 Is a Great Year to Become a Real Estate Agent Every US state has slightly different requirements and expectations of a real estate agent, so the first step in becoming a real estate agent is to research your state’s particular requirements.

In general, you will need to:

• Be at least 18 years old (some states require 19)
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Be a US citizen or lawfully admitted resident
• Be willing to submit to a background check or fingerprinting
• Have no disqualifying criminal convictions (evaluated case-by-case)

 Visit your state’s Real Estate Commission website to confirm exact requirements before you begin.

STEP 02

Complete Your Pre-Licensing Education

How to become a real estate agent Each state sets its own minimum number of hours, but you can expect anywhere from a few dozen to over 150 hours of coursework covering real estate principles, contracts, finance, and law. In fact, typically, students are expected to complete between 40 and 180 hours of pre-licensing education.

You can complete coursework through:

• State-approved online schools (most flexible option in 2026)
• Community colleges or universities
• In-person real estate schools
• Major providers like Kaplan Real Estate Education, McKissock, or AceableAgent

STEP 03

Pass the Real Estate Licensing Exam

How to become a real estate agent Once your coursework is complete, you will schedule and sit for your state’s licensing exam. You’ll schedule your exam with an approved testing provider, pay the exam fee, and take the test on a computer.

The exam typically covers two sections — a national portion and a state-specific portion. Common exam administrators include Pearson VUE and PSI. Most states allow multiple attempts if you do not pass on the first try.

STEP 04

Submit Your License Application

How to become a real estate agent Timing is important at this step. Make sure you are following the application process with your state so you can sit for your real estate agent exam soon after you finish your courses. This process will be state-specific and include a fee. Some states require you to submit fingerprints and pass a background check, and this can take weeks to process.

Typical application costs vary by state but generally range from $50 to $250, on top of exam fees and pre-licensing course costs.

STEP 05

Choose and Join a Brokerage

In nearly every US state, new agents cannot operate independently. Most states require you to work for an established brokerage for a few years. You can typically choose from a traditional brokerage, where you work on a team and get on-the-job training, or a non-traditional brokerage, where you could be more independent or focus on a specialty area.

When evaluating a brokerage, consider:

• Commission split offered (common splits range from 50/50 to 90/10 in your favor)
• Training programs and mentorship for new agents
• Brand reputation and market presence in your area
• Tools, technology, and marketing support provided
• Company culture and values alignment

 Start researching brokerages before you pass your exam — so you can activate your license immediately.

STEP 06

Build Your Brand and Client Base

Getting licensed is only the beginning. Real estate success belongs to those who consistently generate leads and build lasting relationships. Finding clients involves selling yourself to people every day.

Proven strategies for new agents include:

• Reach out to your existing personal network immediately — friends, family, and former colleagues are your first potential clients and referral sources
• Create a professional website and establish a social media presence (Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook)
• Attend local networking events and community activities
• Ask every satisfied client for a testimonial and referral
• Consider farming a specific neighborhood to become the local expert

STEP 07

Leverage AI and Technology in 2026

One of the defining advantages available to 2026 agents is the intelligent use of technology. The future belongs to agents who can integrate innovation with intuition, who see AI as an ally rather than a competitor, and who continuously refine their skills to meet the evolving expectations of buyers, sellers, and investors.

Smart tools to incorporate into your practice:

• AI-powered CRM platforms for managing leads and follow-up sequences automatically
• Predictive analytics tools to identify likely sellers in your farm area before they list
• Virtual staging software to transform empty spaces in listing photos
• AI writing assistants for property descriptions, email campaigns, and social content
• Market analysis dashboards to deliver data-rich insights to clients in seconds