Real estate is an exciting and dynamic industry that can provide a lucrative career for those who are passionate about helping people buy and sell properties. In Louisiana, people must get a real estate license from the Louisiana Real Estate Commission (LREC) in order to work as real estate agents. In this blog, we’ll talk about how to get a real estate license in Louisiana and how much it will cost.
Real Estate License: A real estate license is a professional certification that is required by the state for people to legally represent buyers and sellers in real estate transactions.
Louisiana’s requirements: Louisiana has specific requirements for obtaining a real estate license. These include educational requirements, examination requirements, and fingerprinting requirements.
Requirements for Obtaining a Real Estate License in Louisiana
Educational Requirements: In Louisiana, those who want to become real estate agents must complete 90 hours of pre-licensing coursework at a university that has received state approval. The courses must include 45 hours of real estate principles, 30 hours of real estate practice, and 15 hours of real estate law. The classes cover things like owning property, managing property, contracts, real estate finance, and the law in Louisiana about real estate.
Louisiana requires that pre-license education be completed in person or via live video conference. Online courses are not accepted in Louisiana. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to some changes in this policy, and the LREC has authorized some online pre-license courses.
Requirements for the Exam: Applicants must pass the Louisiana Real Estate Exam after they have finished the pre-licensing education. The exam consists of two parts: the national portion and the state-specific portion. Both parts of the exam must be passed with a score of at least 70%. The national portion of the exam covers general real estate concepts and practices, while the state-specific portion covers Louisiana real estate laws and regulations.
A national testing company called PSI Services oversees the Louisiana Real Estate Exam. The exam fee is $85 per attempt.
Fingerprinting Requirements: As part of the licensing process, applicants must go through a criminal background check, which includes getting their fingerprints taken. This requirement is to ensure that licensed agents are trustworthy and reliable. The fingerprinting must be completed at an LREC-approved provider.
Costs of Obtaining a Real Estate License in Louisiana
Cost of Education and Test: In Louisiana, the cost of getting a real estate license depends on the real estate school and test provider you choose. The pre-license education typically costs around $500–$700, while the exam fee is $85 per attempt. There may also be additional fees for exam preparation materials and study aids.
Cost of Fingerprinting: The cost of fingerprinting varies depending on the chosen provider, but it typically ranges from $50 to $100.
Getting a real estate license in Louisiana has many benefits, such as:
- High earning potential: Through commission-based sales, real estate agents have the chance to make a lot of money. The more successful an agent is at closing deals, the more money they can earn.
- Flexible work schedule: Real estate agents have the freedom to set their own schedules and work when it’s convenient for them. This gives agents the freedom to balance work with other things in their lives, like family or hobbies.
- Opportunity to help others: Real estate agents have the unique opportunity to help people find their dream homes or sell their properties for a good price. It can be a fulfilling career for those who enjoy making a positive impact on others’ lives.
Conclusion
In Louisiana, to get a real estate license, you have to take 90 hours of pre-licensing classes, pass the Louisiana Real Estate Exam, and go through a criminal background check, which includes getting your fingerprints taken. In Louisiana, the cost of getting a real estate license depends on which real estate school, exam provider, and fingerprinting service you choose.
