The Most Frequently Asked Questions About A Real Estate Career In Texas

Embarking on your real estate journey in Texas 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 sales agent in Texas.

If you're looking for more detailed info, check out in-depth guide, “Everything You Need to Know About Being a Real Estate Sales Agent in Texas.” Our job is to make launching your career as stress-free as possible!

Pre-Licensing Questions

How do I get a Texas Real Estate license?

  • Complete Your Pre-Licensing Education. Complete 180 hours of approved Texas coursework. Our coursework includes six, 30-hour interactive classes with a wide variety of package options.
  • Pass the Course Exam. Finish all the course materials, meet the minimum time requirement, and pass the practice exam. Then, pass the final exam.
  • Pass the Texas Real Estate Salesperson Examination. You will have four hours to complete a 125-question test that covers both state and national requirements. Check out the Texas Real Estate Candidate Handbook for more information. Remote proctoring is also available.
  • Find a Sponsoring Broker. Next, you'll need a sponsoring broker. This is the final requirement before you can apply for your Real Estate Sales Agent license.
  • Complete the Application. Finally, you'll need to apply for your Real Estate Sales Agent license with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC).

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

You must take and pass 180 hours of pre-licensing education from an approved education provider to get a sales agent license in Texas. If you treat your education like a 40-hour workweek, you can finish your education in as little as five weeks.

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

You can apply for your real estate online or with a paper form by mail.

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

The Texas Real Estate Commission says you must be at least 18 years of age or older to get your Texas Real Estate Sales Agent license.

Can a felon get a Real Estate Sales Agent license in Texas?

The Commission evaluates on a case-by-case basis. To get a real estate license with a criminal record, you need to show the TREC that you're honest, trustworthy, and have integrity.

You can find out whether you're eligible to become licensed before you take your pre-licensing education.

While there isn't a specific list of crimes that automatically disqualify you, the Commission does consider certain criminal offenses related to the responsibilities of a license holder. If there are factors that might help your case, like rehabilitation efforts, you can provide evidence to TREC.

Before applying for a license, you can ask TREC to check if you meet the fitness requirements by submitting a Fitness Determination (FD) form.

How much does it cost to take the real estate exam in Texas?

The real estate exam fee is $43 per attempt.

What are the reciprocity rules in Texas?

Texas does not have reciprocity with any state. To become licensed, you must satisfy all current Texas licensing requirements - which includes completing your pre-licensing education.

Continuing Education Questions

When is continuing education due in Texas?

Continuing education for sales agents and brokers is due every two years in Texas.

How often do I have to renew?

You must renew your license every two years by the end of the month in which your license was initially issued. A renewal notice will be sent out about 90 days before your expiration date. Until you receive this notice of renewal, you cannot renew your license.

How many hours of continuing education (CE) are required for sales agents in Texas?

You are required to complete 18 hours of CE as a Real Estate Sales Agent in Texas every two years. This includes 4 hours of Legal Update I, 4 hours of Legal Update II, 3 hours of contract-related coursework, and 7 hours of elective CE courses. Note that if you have been made a supervisor by your broker, you must also complete the 6-hour broker responsibility course as a mandatory part of your 18 hours of CE.

How many hours of continuing education (CE) are required for Brokers in Texas?

You are required to complete 18 hours of CE as a Real Estate Broker in Texas every two years. However, if you are a broker or designated broker of a business entity who sponsors sales agents, or a delegated supervisor of license holders, you must complete the 6-Hour Broker Responsibility Course as part of your 18-hour CE requirement.

Is my first CE cycle the same as the rest of my CE requirements?

No. The first time you renew your license as a sales agent, you will need to complete 98 hours of SAE education. The second time you renew your license as a sales agent, you will only need to complete 18 hours of continuing education.

How do I report the completion of my CE to the TREC?

Your educational provider will report your CE (after completion) to the TREC within 10 days.

Post-Licensing Questions

What is post-licensing?

In Texas, post-licensing is called Texas Sales Apprentice Education, or SAE.

Post-licensing (or first renewal) for real estate agents is required in some states. In Texas, agents are required to have 270 Qualifying Education course hours posted to their license records before they submit their first renewal.

To get your Real Estate Sales Agent license, 180 hours of education are needed.

So, sales agents need an additional 98 hours for their first renewal, making the total education required 278 hours.

Here's What You Need:

  • 180 Hours of Qualifying Education (Completed during Pre-Licensing for your sales agent license)
  • An extra 98 hours of SAE Education (*which includes 8 hours of Legal Updates ll & ll.)

If you're already a sales agent in Texas, all you need to do is purchase your 98 hours of SAE education.

There are no post-licensing requirements for brokers after they receive their license. You will have to complete Continuing Education requirements, though.

When do I need to complete my SAE in Texas?

If you're renewing your license for the first time, you'll need to complete your SAE.

The Texas Real Estate Commission sends you a license renewal notice about 90 days before your expiration date, so you'll know when to complete your SAE.

You can't renew your license until you receive this notice of renewal. Once you take your SAE courses, submit your qualifying course completion documents to TREC at least 10 days before renewing your license.

How much does post-licensing education cost?

Post-licensing education with The CE Shop is between $409 and $455.

Broker Licensing Questions

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

You can do a LOT with a broker license in Texas, including:

One of the biggest advantages you have as a broker is the ability to hire other agents to work for you - which is very financially rewarding!

Can I start a real estate business as a Real Estate Broker in Texas?

Yes! To start your own real estate business, you'll need a Real Estate Broker license. Then, you'll be able to hire other sales agents to work for you. You'll make a commission on every transaction that your sales agents complete.

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

To get a broker license in Texas, you need to:

  • Complete Your Qualifying Education. Complete your 270 classroom hours of qualifying real estate courses.
  • Meet the Experience Requirements. You must have worked as a licensed real estate sales agent or broker for at least four years in the 60 months before applying. Your total experience should add up to 360 points, which you must report on the Qualifying Experience Report for a Broker License.
  • File Your Application. Submit your application and fee to become a Broker using The Commission's Online Services.
  • Get Your Fingerprints Taken. You are required by law to have fingerprints on file with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) so a background check can be performed.
  • Pass the Exam. Your final step is to take the exam. License exams are administered by , a testing service company.

How much more money can I make as a Real Estate Broker?

According to Indeed, brokers make an average of $87,744 a year in Texas. However, some salaries are as high as $195,553 depending on your education and how long you've been a broker.

*February 2024 Data

Before You Start Your Career

Can I work part-time as a Real Estate Sales Agent in Texas?

Yes! Many sales agents 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 Texas?

If you aren't sure how to find the right broker to work with as you launch your Texas real estate career, Agent Start can help. While taking pre-licensing courses with The CE Shop, you will be given the option to enroll in Agent Start, which aims to help connect you with our broker partners in your state who are looking for new agents.

How do I find a sponsoring broker in Texas?

You can complete a sponsorship request using TREC's online services. Once the broker has accepted your request, your active license will be issued, and you can work as a Sales Agent!

Can I start a business as a Real Estate Sales Agent in Texas?

Yes, a sales agent can be their own business entity in Texas. But the entity must, if it engages in real estate brokerage, hold a separate license. You must work under a designated sponsoring broker through whom all transactions must be handled.

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

  • Good Communication: Good communication is imperative as a real estate agent! You can learn good oral communication skills through online courses.
  • 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 communicate with your clients and market your business well.
  • Networking: Real estate is a career for social butterflies! Make sure to get out there and attend social events to network.