How to get your Real Estate license and become a Real Estate Agent

As a full time real estate agent since 2008, this is the most common question I get asked - so this is my video addressing anyone interested in getting into the real estate sales industry. It’s been the funnest “job” I’ve ever had and I couldn’t imagine doing anything other than working as a Realtor and investing in my own properties on the side. Feel free to add me on Snap/Insta: GPStephan

Benefits of becoming a Realtor:
-You don’t need a college degree
-You make your own hours
-You don’t have to be in an office all day
-You can wear what you want, for the most part
-You can directly control your income
-You can meet people you’d never ordinarily meet
-You get to see some crazy cool homes
-You can represent yourself when you buy/sell your own properties
-You get great tax advantages and tax deductions

On the downside:
-Many people fail
-Many people never make money
-Your income can be very sporadic (high highs, low lows)
-The hours can be odd/inconsistent
-Not everyone can handle working with people and multiple personalities

You don’t need any prior knowledge in the real estate industry, although you will need to learn a significant amount as you go along.
It also doesn’t take a ton of money to get started - as long as you have some savings to cover yourself until you start earning consistent money, which could be 6-12 months from when you start, the fees are manageable. The cost of actually becoming licensed could be as little as a few hundred dollars.
It’s also a great career to start when you’re young - since you have very little overhead, it’s a great time to begin learning and honing your skills. By the time your older, you’ll already have established yourself in the industry.

First step is getting your real estate license. The requirements vary from state-to-state, so google “How to get your real estate license in (your state here).”
You’ll usually need to enroll in a real estate course which is generally about 135-hours of education. You can take it online (what I recommend) or in person.

Once you pass these courses, you’ll sign up to take your state test. This is what you’ll need to study for - generally there are plenty of exam cram products you can buy, many of which are helpful.

Passing your tests and getting your license is easy. Really, really easy - the barrier to entry is very, very low. Actually making money is another story. Once you get your license, my BIGGEST recommendation is to work as an assistant to another Realtor. This will give you all the experience you need with very little risk, since you’re getting paid for your time. When you feel comfortable enough, you can go off on your own and begin working your own clients. Even if you have to intern for free to see if you like it, it’s worth it for the experience.

If you decide to go off on your own, you’ll need to join a real estate brokerage as a new agent who will oversee your salesperson activity. My recommendation is to first find a brokerage that works in the area that you want to work in. If you want to work in the high end luxury market, find brokerages that work in the area you want to be in. Make sure that brokerage also offers training and support - this is crucial as a new agent who’s still learning.

Thanks for watching!

[GrahamStephan]

Enjoy $100 off my program - The Real Estate Agent Academy - that goes over EVERYTHING you need to know about becoming a successful real estate agent :)

[bombpop]

The great thing about real estate is that anyone can get a license, the bad thing about real estate is that anyone can get a license.

[GrahamStephan]

Since I totally forgot to mention this in the video: People ask me if they should move to a more populated/more expensive area to begin selling real estate. Chances are, the answer is NO. Begin in the area you know and are most comfortable with that you can commute to. Do not pack up and move to a new area to begin a brand new career. Once you see you actually like working as a realtor and see some success, you can decide to change areas once you have a little experience. Otherwise it's way too much risk to start in a new city never having done this before and not knowing if it's something you'll enjoy doing.

[norbertomelendez]

There's hundreds of real estate youtubers but none like you graham, even with the disapproval of my own parents concerning my career choice towards real estate, you're truly my number one inspiration to go for it anyway and prove to them I can be successful, keep up the good work!

[alejandrolarumbe]

The one thing missing here is that Real Estate is ageless as I have discovered at 50 when I entered Real Estate in Sydney Australia and broke million dollar records within 2 years. Awesome material Graham! Great advise for all!

[RaisaZaeske]

The best investment one can do right now is investing on real estate though stocks are good but ever since I swapped to real estate, I've seen so much difference.

[angelcastillo]

You should do a “Day in the Life of a Real Estate Agent” type of video and take us without throughout your day so we can get an even better idea of what you do. Plus it would probably be even more entertaining

[NeekoFreeman]

Real estate has always interested me. My passion is music composition and screenwriting but it’s always something that I was curious about. I’m introverted and very timid so I know I would not be a great agent. I just turned 28 and am just getting my life back on track from being homeless. Your videos are very inspiring. Even though I’m not in the industry I really find your videos helpful. Your drive and passion is unbelievable.

[ayoodenis]

I’m just 16years old. Definitely wanna do this when I grown up. Genuinely thank you for all ur videos, it truly help

[aaronsignore]

just bought the book! thank you, after watching your videos i decided to become a real estate agent. I opened a roth IRA and i'm 19. You got me so pumped for life thank you so much

[favpleasure]

my dads brokerage is ready to hand me clients when i finish my exam. blessed

[LividCocoa]

Dude, I love your videos because you put everything in the description. Like after watching it, it was so easy to find the information you said without having to rewatch. Love it man bless

[allisonjenkins]

i’m a senior in high school and i started researching this job and i’m so excited i really want to start this but also i’m so lost in where to start but thankfully i have youtube and my cousin who is also a broker!

[patrickkimtv]

Going back 2 years for this gem! Finally got approved and scheduled my exam! So excited to start my real estate career at 25!

[kylek]

Turning 18 soon and you have boosted my excitement for real estate. I've known for a while that I have wanted to do it, and you've secured it. Keep it up!

[Fruity_Galaxies]

My dad owns a real estate company and since it’s a family business, I’m planning on working in real estate after I graduate from high school. I work in marketing as an admin which is fun too. This is really informative and really helps me get an idea on what it’s like and kinda prepares me for what to expect. Loving the channel 👍

[TroyChiappone]

There are so many spammy gimmicky sounding people on YouTube but Graham is a refreshing straight up dude from the videos I’ve seen. I’m turning my attention to real estate and this video is excellent and provides real value. It feels honest, and that is priceless thanks man.

[sergiotamez]

Graham I just wanted to say thank you, you've truly inspired me to be the best version of me I could possibly be, I admire you and I just wanted to say thank you, I don't think you realize how much you've helped me move forward.

[tadeulima]

Such a great video. Im excited for the future as i've recently been taken under the wing of an established agent. Im starting off doing things like hanging signs, sending emails, and posting listings on social media. Im still in the process of getting my license but am still able to pop in the office to gain experience. It is invaluable.

[drakeo]

After watching your videos I have decided to become a realtor. I am almost half way through my alabama pre licensing course and I will be buying your course afterwards. Thankyou for inspiring me!