The Most Frequently Asked Michigan
Real Estate Career Questions

Embarking on your real estate journey in Michigan might seem overwhelming, and we get that. But don’t fret – we're here to guide you through each stage.

We’ve put together this list of frequently asked questions that many people have when they first think of becoming a real estate salesperson in the Great Lakes State.

If you’re looking for more detailed info about how to get licensed, check out our 6 Steps to Get Your Real Estate License in Michigan page. Our job is to make launching your career as stress-free as possible!

Pre-Licensing Questions

How Do I Get a Michigan Real Estate Salesperson License?

  • Complete 40 Hours of Approved Pre-Licensing Education. To start, you must successfully complete an approved 40-Hr. Pre-Licensing course. This can be completed online or in person, depending on the school you select.
  • Pass Your Course Final Exam. After you complete your Pre-Licensing course, meet the minimum time requirement, and pass your practice exam — you must pass a course final exam. You must pass with a score of at least 70%.
  • Find a Sponsoring Broker. Before you can submit your Michigan Real Estate Salesperson application (and take your real estate exam), you need to be sponsored by an active Michigan real estate broker. It's important to ind the right broker to work withf. Your broker and brokerage will serve as your mentor as you start your new career in real estate.
  • Start Your Application. Next, you must submit your Michigan Real Estate Salesperson application. Complete your application online by creating an account using the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs’ (LARA) MiPLUS online portal.
  • Pass the Michigan State Real Estate Salesperson Licensing Exam. The Michigan real estate exam is administered by PSI. Read about exam registration and preparation procedures in the LARA Candidate Information Bulletin.
  • Earn Your Michigan Real Estate Salesperson License. After passing the Michigan Real Estate Salesperson Exam, you’ll provide LARA with your employing broker information. Once approved by your employing broker, LARA will issue your real estate license.

How long does it take to get a Michigan Real Estate Salesperson license?

You must take and pass 40 course hours from an approved education provider to get a Real Estate Salesperson license in Michigan. If you treat your education like a 40-hour workweek, you can finish your education in as little as one week.

How much does it cost to get a Michigan Real Estate Salesperson license?

  • Your pre-licensing education in Michigan ranges in cost from $200 to $600, depending on the package you purchase.
  • The initial license and new application fee for a Michigan Real Estate Salesperson is $88. This includes:
    • A $10 new application fee
    • A $78 new Salesperson license fee
  • The Michigan Real Estate Salesperson exam fee (through PSI) is $79.
*Note that Licensing Fees are subject to change.

How old do I have to be to get my Michigan Real Estate Salesperson license?

According to LARA, the minimum age to become a real estate agent in Michigan is 18 years old.

Can a felon get a Real Estate Salesperson license in Michigan?

All real estate license applicants are required by Michigan law to serve the public fairly, honestly, and openly. Applicants must answer a series of “Good Moral Character Questions" on the Michigan Real Estate Salesperson application.

If an applicant has unsatisfied penalties or conditions imposed by disciplinary action in Michigan or in any other jurisdiction, they will be required to submit documentation from the state in which the sanction was imposed indicating the resolution.

For more detailed information, see pages 1 and 2 of the Michigan Real Estate Salesperson Licensing Guide.

What are the reciprocity rules in Michigan?

Michigan has no reciprocity agreements with other states. Out-of-state agents must take the standard new applicant path to Michigan real estate licensure. For agents seeking reciprocity in states outside of Michigan, this guide helps explain how the process works in other states.

Continuing Education Questions

When is Continuing Education (CE) due in Michigan?

In Michigan, Continuing Education is due every three years following the anniversary date of licensure.

How many hours of CE are required for salespersons and brokers in Michigan?

Michigan Real Estate Salespersons and Brokers must complete 18 hours of CE every three years following the anniversary date of licensure. Michigan CE course requirements include:

  • 6 hours – Legal Update
  • 3 hours – Fair Housing
  • 9 hours – Elective

Additionally, two hours of legal education courses — involving statutes, rules, and court cases — are required within each year of a license cycle. Plus, one hour of Fair Housing coursework is required within each year of the license cycle.

How do I report the completion of my CE to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs?

The CE Shop reports course completions to The CE Marketplace. Student CE records can be accessed via your CE Marketplace account at this link. You can also download a copy of your course completion certificates from The CE Shop at any time.

Broker Licensing:

What can I do with a Real Estate Broker license in Michigan?

You can do a LOT with a Broker license in Michigan, including:

One of the biggest advantages you have as a Michigan real estate broker is the ability to run your own real estate brokerage and to hire other salespersons to work for you. Learn more about Michigan Real Estate Broker Pre-Licensing Education and state requirements.

Can I start a real estate brokerage as a real estate broker in Michigan?

Yes! To start your own brokerage, you’ll need to earn a Michigan Real Estate Broker license. According to LARA requirements, at least three years of full-time experience in the business of real estate or a related field must be earned before becoming a broker. See page 2 of the Michigan Real Estate Individual Broker Licensing Guide for more details on Broker real estate experience eligibility and course prerequisites.

How do I get a Real Estate Broker license in Michigan?

To earn a Michigan Real Estate Broker license, you’ll need to:

  • Meet the Experience Requirements. You must have at least three years of experience as a full-time Michigan-licensed salesperson (working for a Michigan-licensed broker). Related fields like a licensed builder, developer, property manager, or loan officer may also satisfy the requirement on a case-by-case basis. You’ll be required to complete this Michigan Verification of Real Estate Experience.
  • Complete 90 Hours of Michigan Broker Pre-Licensing Education. You must complete 90 hours of Michigan Broker Pre-Licensing coursework before you can apply for your license.
  • Pass Your Michigan Broker Pre-Licensing Course Final Exam. You'll need a final course exam score of 70% or higher to receive your course certificate of completion.
  • Pass the Michigan Real Estate Broker Licensing Exam. After completing the course exams, the next step is to register for the Michigan state-issued Broker Licensing Exam. The exam, which is administered via computer at a PSI testing center, will cost $79. Those taking the broker exam will be allotted 3.5 hours to complete the exam.
  • Apply For Your Michigan Real Estate Broker License. Use your MiPLUS account to complete your application for a Michigan Real Estate Broker license. Use this MiPLUS guide to help you through the steps.

Get a more detailed breakdown of the steps to earn your broker license here.

Once your Michigan Broker License is issued, you can start your own Michigan real estate brokerage (get tips here) or choose to work for another real estate brokerage as an Associate Broker.

How much more money can I make as a real estate broker?

According to Indeed, Michigan brokers make an average salary of $102,901, with some salaries as high as $228,717, depending on experience, education, and local salary trends.

*March 2024 Data

Before You Start Your Career

Can I work part-time as a real estate salesperson in Michigan?

Yes! Many salespersons choose to only work part time, and for good reason. You can sell properties full time to receive a high salary or sell just a few homes a year for some extra pocket money.

How do I find a real estate brokerage to work for in Michigan?

To find a real estate brokerage to work for in Michigan, you can:

  • Search Online: Conduct an online search looking for real estate brokers in your area. In general, brokers are looking for new agents and will be happy to talk to you.
  • Talk to Other Agents: Get advice from other agents in your area!
  • Consider an Online Brokerage: There are many real estate brokerages today that have a virtual office. You’ll meet with clients over the phone or in public places.
  • Check Out the National Association of REALTORS®. Their website contains resources for new agents and statistics on real estate brokerages around the country.
  • Learn More Here: If you still want more advice on how to find a real estate brokerage to work for, check out this blog.

Can I start a business as a real estate salesperson in Michigan?

No. A salesperson in Michigan must work under the direction, control, or management of a broker.

What are the best skills for a real estate salesperson to have?

Some of the best skills salespersons can have include:

  • Great Communication & Negotiation Skills: Good communication is imperative as a salesperson. You can learn good oral communication skills and negotiation strategies here.
  • Market Insight: It’s important to stay up-to-date with industry changes in real estate. You can stay ahead of the competition by investing in professional development courses.
  • Tech Savviness: Learning how to be tech-savvy is important to communicating with your clients and marketing your business well.
  • Networking: Real estate is a career for social butterflies! Make sure to get out there and attend social events to network.

Note: The courses linked above are optional, non-credit courses.