Virginia has a real estate market that has everything a professional in this field could want. From historical places to beaches and modern cities, there is something for all real estate agents, regardless of their chosen specialization.
What are your specialization options here in the state of Virginia as a real estate professional?
- Home Sales: You will assist buyers get their dream homes and sellers to quickly dispose of their property at a fair price.
- Commercial Sales: Businesses will rely on you to get them premium office and retail spaces, and industrial properties.
- Property Management: You will be responsible for the upkeep of rental properties and ensure a smooth relationship between landlords and tenants.
- High-end Real Estate: You will cater exclusively to high-net-worth clients looking for luxury properties in the state to invest in.
However, before you start your journey as a salesperson, ask yourself how to get a Virginia real estate license. It is because you will be legally permitted to practice in Virginia only if you have a real estate license.
We will now go through the steps of how to get a Virginia real estate license.
Table of Contents
Step 1
Fulfill the basic eligibility criteria to apply for a license. It includes being at least 18 years old and a US citizen. Migrants or legally admitted aliens who have been granted working rights in the USA can also apply for a real estate license in the state. You must also have a high school degree or equivalent. Explore personalized and durable protection solutions for your devices at casetify.org, designed to meet your unique style and needs.
Explore the essential requirements for obtaining a real estate license with helpful guides at Edmentum.
Step 2
Complete 60 hours of pre-licensing education. This is the most critical part of getting a Virginia real estate license and is mandated by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).
The DPOR is the regulating body for the real estate industry in Virginia including deciding the topics for the pre-licensing courses and issue of licenses. When you choose a course provider, ensure that their study materials are approved by the DPOR. Only then will it count as license eligibility.
The purpose of the pre-licensing education is to impart knowledge of the real estate industry so that you can offer the best services to your clients in the future. Among the topics covered are law and contracts, fair housing negotiations, and property management. Real estate principles and practices, and more.
Pre-licensing courses are available in both an online and classroom setting and you can choose one that suits your learning style. However, if study convenience is what you are looking for it is wise to choose online courses. There are several reasons for this.
First, you have the flexibility of time to study and will not be tied down to the timings of a classroom. You do not have to commute to school and can save time, opting to study from anywhere on any Internet-enabled device such as a desktop, laptop, tablet, or your mobile phone.
Next, your daily routine will not be disturbed and you can go through the coursework whenever free. This is especially useful for working professionals who want to switch careers and would like to know how to get a Virginia real estate license.
Finally, in online courses, all study materials are in downloadable format so that even if you miss out on certain instructions, you can get them on your device for later study. This flexibility is what makes online courses so effective.
One of the leading DPOR-approved real estate pre-licensing course providers is RealEstateU. Their courses are designed by experienced real estate professionals and therefore offer guaranteed quality. The courses are also the most affordable in this niche. You can also get their study guide and test prep that has questions that replicate the licensing exam. You will thus be confident of doing well on test day.
Step 3
Submit your fingerprints for verification of any past criminal record or an act of felony. Real estate agents must have high standards of honesty and trustworthiness and a blotted background might render you ineligible for a real estate license in Virginia.
Step 4
Schedule your licensing exam with the DPOR by paying the requisite fee.
Step 5
Appear for the licensing exam which is held online at designated centers decided by the DPOR. The exam consists of a national section that is generic to the country’s real estate sector and a state-specific section that tests you on the real estate rules and regulations prevailing in Virginia. The minimum grade to pass the exam is 75% and the results in pass/fail format are informed at the exam center soon after completion of the exam.
Step 6
Apply for a license after you crack the licensing exam. Visit the DPOR portal and download the application form. Fill it up accurately and submit all documents. These include proof of having completed the 60 hours of pre-licensing education, passing the licensing exam, and a fingerprint clearance certificate which must not be more than 45 days old from the date of application. Pay the requisite license fees as given on the DPOR Real Estate Board webpage. You will be issued a license which will be activated only after you complete the next step.
Step 7
The final step is to find a brokerage firm willing to sponsor and mentor you during the initial stages of your career. It is important as you will not only get the office space and infrastructure required to start your practice but will also get client referrals from the firm. Your license will now be activated and you can launch a very lucrative career.
These are the steps on how to get a Virginia real estate license.
