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Can You Get Your Real Estate License at 17? A Candid Look at Age Requirements in Real Estate

The short answer? Generally, no, you cannot get your real estate license at 17. While the allure of a real estate career might be strong at a young age, the vast majority of states in the U.S. require applicants to be at least 18 years old to obtain a real estate license. Let’s dive into why this is the case and explore other essential criteria.

The Age Barrier: Why 18 is the Magic Number

The minimum age requirement for real estate licensure isn’t arbitrary. It stems from a combination of legal, ethical, and practical considerations. Real estate agents handle significant financial transactions and legal documents. They act as fiduciaries, entrusted with the financial well-being of their clients. States deem that individuals below 18 may lack the maturity, experience, and legal capacity to handle such responsibilities effectively.

Consider these points:

Contractual Capacity: In most jurisdictions, individuals under 18 are considered minors and generally lack the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts. Since real estate transactions are heavily based on legally enforceable agreements, having licensed agents with full contractual capacity is crucial.
Fiduciary Duty: Real estate agents owe a fiduciary duty to their clients. This means they must act in their client’s best interests, even above their own. This requires a certain level of ethical reasoning and responsibility that states believe is more consistently present in adults.
Consumer Protection: Setting a minimum age helps protect consumers. It’s believed that more mature individuals are better equipped to handle complex transactions and avoid potentially harmful situations.
State Regulations: Each state establishes its own real estate commission, and that commission sets the specific requirements for licensure. The 18-year-old minimum age is a nearly universal standard among these commissions.

So, What Can a 17-Year-Old Do?

While you can’t get licensed at 17, that doesn’t mean you have to put your real estate ambitions on hold. Here’s what you can do to prepare for a real estate career:

Focus on Education: High school is the perfect time to build a strong foundation. Focus on courses like mathematics (especially financial math), business, and communications. These subjects are directly relevant to the skills needed in real estate.
Shadow a Real Estate Agent: Reach out to local real estate agents and ask if you can shadow them for a day or two. This will give you firsthand insight into the daily realities of the profession. You’ll see the good, the bad, and the ugly, and gain a better understanding of whether this career path is truly for you.
Learn About the Market: Start following real estate trends in your local area and beyond. Read real estate blogs, news articles, and market reports. The more you understand the market, the better prepared you’ll be when you finally get your license.
Network: Attend local real estate events and meet professionals in the industry. Even if you can’t participate fully, networking is a valuable skill.
Start Saving: Real estate can require upfront investment. Consider saving money to cover the costs of pre-licensing courses, exam fees, and initial marketing expenses once you turn 18.
Research State Requirements: Begin researching the specific licensing requirements for the state where you plan to practice. Every state has slightly different rules and regulations, so it’s best to start early.

Getting a Head Start: Alternatives and Strategies

Although direct licensure isn’t possible at 17, you can still gain valuable experience in related fields. Consider working in administrative roles at real estate offices, assisting with marketing, or managing social media for agents. These experiences can provide you with crucial insights into the industry and help you build your resume.

FAQs: Your Burning Real Estate Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the path to a real estate career:

1. Are there any exceptions to the 18-year-old age requirement?

No, there are generally no exceptions to the 18-year-old age requirement for obtaining a real estate license in the United States. It’s a fairly universal standard across state real estate commissions.

2. What are the other requirements besides age to get a real estate license?

Besides age, common requirements include:

Pre-licensing Education: Completing a state-approved real estate course (typically ranging from 60 to 180 hours).
Passing the State Exam: Achieving a passing score on the state real estate exam.
Background Check: Undergoing a criminal background check.
High School Diploma or Equivalent: Possessing a high school diploma or GED.
Sponsorship: Finding a licensed real estate broker to sponsor you.

3. How long does it take to complete the pre-licensing education?

The duration of pre-licensing courses varies by state. It can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the number of hours required and the pace of the course.

4. What is the difference between a real estate agent and a real estate broker?

A real estate agent (or salesperson) works under the supervision of a licensed real estate broker. A real estate broker has more advanced education and experience and is authorized to own and manage a real estate brokerage.

5. What does it mean to be “sponsored” by a real estate broker?

Sponsorship means that a licensed real estate broker agrees to be responsible for your actions as a real estate agent. You must work under their supervision until you meet the requirements to become a broker yourself.

6. How much does it cost to get a real estate license?

Costs vary by state but generally include fees for:

Pre-licensing education (ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars).
Exam fees.
Application fees.
Background check fees.

Expect to spend several hundred to a few thousand dollars in total.

7. What is the real estate exam like?

The real estate exam typically consists of multiple-choice questions covering national real estate principles and state-specific laws and regulations. It’s a challenging exam that requires thorough preparation.

8. What happens if I fail the real estate exam?

If you fail the real estate exam, you can usually retake it. However, most states have restrictions on how many times you can retake the exam within a certain period. You may need to pay additional fees for each attempt.

9. Do I need a college degree to become a real estate agent?

No, a college degree is generally not required to become a real estate agent. However, a background in business, finance, or marketing can be beneficial.

10. Can I get a real estate license if I have a criminal record?

It depends on the nature and severity of the criminal record. Each state real estate commission reviews applications on a case-by-case basis. Some convictions may disqualify you from getting a license, while others may not. Full disclosure is always recommended.

11. What are the continuing education requirements for real estate agents?

Most states require real estate agents to complete continuing education courses periodically (usually every one to two years) to maintain their licenses. These courses cover topics such as legal updates, ethical practices, and market trends.

12. What are the benefits of becoming a real estate agent?

The benefits of becoming a real estate agent include:

Income Potential: The potential to earn a significant income based on your sales.
Flexibility: The ability to set your own hours and manage your own time.
Helping People: The satisfaction of helping people buy or sell their homes.
Independence: The opportunity to be your own boss.
Continuous Learning: The constant need to learn and adapt to the ever-changing real estate market.

The Takeaway: Patience and Preparation

While you can’t get your real estate license at 17, use this time to strategically prepare for a successful career in real estate. Education, experience, and a deep understanding of the market will set you apart when you finally turn 18 and are eligible to become a licensed agent. The wait might feel long, but it will be well worth it when you launch your real estate career with confidence and competence.