The process of becoming a real estate agent is fairly simple, although it does vary a lot from state to state. Here are the fundamentals of becoming a real estate agent.

a) License Requirements
Each state has different licensing laws, so you will absolutely need to look at your local requirements. However, in general you will have to:

-Meet an age requirement
-Pass a background check
-Complete approved real estate courses from a state-approved school
-Pass a state exam
-Complete an application form
-Submit various fees

Agents just grasping their license work for a real estate broker. If you decide at some point to work for yourself, you will positive need to earn a broker license. Most new agents sign on with one of the large company brokerages. Most successful agents, even if not self-employed, treat the real estate profession as their own business, instead of just a job. This attitude will go a long way to ensuring your success.

b) What is a REALTOR?
Many many people are confused about the difference between a real estate agent and a REALTOR.

A real estate agent becomes a REALTOR when he or she pays an annual fee to the National Association of REALTORS and subscribes to its Code of Ethics. The agent joins through the local (city) board or association. Membership in the REALTORS is optional, but help enhance your career.

c) How much can a real estate agent earn?
Real estate agents more often than not are paid on commission. This commission is a percent of the selling price of the property. The seller will commonly pay 4-6% of the sales price as the fee for having an agent handle the complex job of selling their property. The funds will generally be split equally between the sellers broker and broker who finds the buyer.

As an example, if the fee for a $300,000 property is 6%, the buyers broker will be paid 3% or $9000 and the sellers broker will also be paid 3% or $9000. The agent is paid by his or her broker, using their agreed-upon commission split. This is commonly 50-50 for new agents, so in that case the agent in our example would be paid $4500.

So to answer the question, the amount that a real estate agent might earn is only limited by the number of transactions that he or she can close.

Visit Real-Estate-Career-Info.com for requirements for obtaining a real estate license in your state.

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