Your Expert Guide on How To Become A Real Estate Agent in Georgia

Everyone must go through the same process in order to become a Georgia real estate agent, whether they have been around the industry for years or are just beginning. However, with so many requirements for licensure, the process can feel daunting. Don’t stress! We have got you covered.

In this article, we will be your ultimate guide in showing you everything you need to be prepared for your journey of becoming a Georgia real estate agent. From the pre-licensing education to the final application, we are walking you through every step of the process.

There are many steps to becoming a Georgia Real Estate Agent, so follow along to find out exactly what to expect from each one.

How to become a real estate agent in Georgia checklist infographic

The Real Estate Market in Georgia

Between lower than average housing costs, low taxes, and an affordable cost of living, Georgia is a great place to live and invest in real estate. Along with house statistics, the Georgia real estate market is known to be a strong renters’ market as well.

Although property values in the state are historically high, homes in Georgia are still comparatively affordable to what the typical house is worth in other parts of the country. The average number of days a Georgia house is on the market is 68, which is nearly a record short time over the past ten years.

To be truly successful in the Georgia real estate market, you have got to be hard-working, self-motivated, honest, and enjoy helping people. If you check all of those boxes, then it may be time to follow the steps below and start your Georgia real estate journey.

Benefits of getting into Georgia Real Estate

The first benefit is a quite obvious one — the income. According to salary.com, a real estate sales agent in Georgia averages $40,000 to $53,000 per year. These numbers will fluctuate based on commission percentage, number of homes sold, the split with your broker, if you have any caps, and the value of the homes.

For further insight, the median home price in Georgia is around $195,500, which means when a real estate agent makes a sale, they have a hefty commission — often 6% or $9,930.

Aside from gaining a good amount of income, becoming a real estate agent has many other benefits, including:

  • Flexibility in your work
  • Constantly varying environments and tasks
  • Helping people
  • YOU are the boss
  • Gaining knowledge and insight about people, your community, and your area

Now that you have an idea of what you are walking into, let’s get into the actionable steps that will have you on your way to thriving in the Georgia real estate market.

Do I Prequalify?

There are a couple of things to check on before you can start the process of becoming a real estate agent in Georgia. The overall requirements of obtaining a Georgia real estate license include the following:

  • You must be at least 18 years of age.
  • You must hold a high school diploma or equivalent

Once you have those boxes checked, you are ready to begin the journey of becoming a Georgia real estate agent!

1. Complete 75 Hours of Pre-License Education

There are a lot of approved real estate schools to choose from across Georgia. Pick whichever one calls to your heart, ensure that it is approved by the Georgia Real Estate Commission, and complete 75 hours of educational courses. There are both in person and online options available for you.

2. Take and Pass the Final Course Exam

Congratulations! You have made it through your online or in-person classes and are now ready to show your knowledge. Once you complete the time-requirement and finish all of your coursework, you will take a final course exam. In order to pass the exam and earn your certificate, you must receive a passing score of at least 72%.

You must complete the exam in the presence of a proctor, which you can schedule ahead of time with whichever real estate school you are getting education from.

3. Complete the Background Check Requirement

No more than 60 days before you apply for your Georgia real estate license, you must obtain a report of your criminal history from the Georgia Crime Information Center. The best place to receive this is from your local sheriff’s office or police department.

The report fee can cost up to $25, and you must have your Criminal History Report in hand when you go to the testing center for the license exam.

4. Choose a Sponsoring Real Estate Broker

In order to be a licensed and active practicing real estate agent in the wonderful state of Georgia, you are required to be associated with a registered real estate brokerage firm or broker. Working with the right real estate broker is an important decision and a key factor in your growing career.

Here are some things to consider when selecting a sponsoring broker:

  • What is their local and national reputation?
  • Do they provide education and training for agents?
  • What systems do they use?
  • What types of agents are they looking for?
  • Do they provide agents with marketing materials and potential leads?
  • What benefits do they have?
  • What is their commission structure?
  • Is there opportunity for growth?

Want to Become a REALTOR® in Georgia?

Every Realtor is a real estate agent, but not every real estate agent is a Realtor. Want to take your business a step further, have great networking opportunities, and be part of an evolving real estate community?

Here are your steps to becoming a REALTOR®:

  • Obtain your state real estate license
  • Join your local REALTORS® Association — The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has over 1,400 associations across the U.S. You can find one closest to you with their “find an association” tool.
  • Pay the one-time application fee — The amount varies in each association.
  • Upkeep NAR membership dues — Once you are a REALTOR®, you must pay the annual association fee of $150 per year.

5. Pass the State Exam

You heard us, another exam. Don’t worry, we are here to prepare you so you know exactly what to expect.

The Georgia Real Estate Sales Associate Examination is administered by PSI, an outside agency. Once you have completed your educational courses, you can apply for the state exam online. When approved, you can schedule your exam on the PSI website, by telephone at 888-818-5834, or by mail. There is a $121 examination fee.

On the day of your Georgia real estate exam, bring the following:

  • Two (2) forms of identification

Once inside the exam site, you’ll be asked to place all electronic devices, bulky clothing, and other personal items in a secure location, and you will be asked to sit in front of a computer to take the test.

The exam will have 150 questions split between national real estate information and Georgia-specific real estate information. Some topics covered in the exam include the following:

  • State Laws and Rules
  • Land use controls and regulations
  • Leasing and Property Management
  • Transfer of Title
  • Licensing Requirements
  • Contracts

You must receive at least a 72% to become an Georgia real estate salesperson, and the score will immediately be given to you once you complete the exam. The testing center will provide you with your score report and, if you pass, they will give further instructions for submitting your license application.

You will receive your Certification of Accuracy Statement once you pass your exam, but DO NOT sign it until you apply for your license at one of the PSI Testing Centers.

For more information on the Alabama Real Estate Salesperson Exam, you can view the PSI Candidate Handbook.

6. Complete and Submit Your License Application

Your next step is to complete and submit your Georgia real estate license application.

You can apply for your Georgia Real Estate License at any one of the four PSI Test Centers throughout Georgia. You can apply for your license after 2:00 p.m. on the date you pass the examination, or on another date within 12 months of the date you passed the exam. If you take and pass an afternoon exam, you will not be able to license the same day.

Here are the items you will need to apply for your license:

  • Valid photo ID
  • Sponsoring Real Estate Broker Statement Form
  • The $170 license fee
  • Your Criminal History Report
  • Certificate of Accuracy Statement

You can find more information about how to submit your Georgia Real Estate License Application in the PSI Georgia Candidate Handbook.

how to become a real estate agent in Georgia

There you have it! Everything you need to know about how to become a real estate agent in Georgia.

Now that we have taken you this far, we would love to provide you with more resources and information to help you thrive in this new venture. Get the ball rolling and be the best agent you can be with our Showcase IDX Grow Your Real Estate Business Academy courses.

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