From Jucy Lucys and hotdishes to ice fishing and the Mall of America, Minnesota is a comforting place to live—and an even better place to begin your journey as a real estate professional. But to connect residents of the Land of 10,000 Lakes with the properties of their dreams, you’ll need to learn how to become a real estate agent in Minnesota. And that’s where I come in! Follow these six steps and quickly launch your real estate career in Minnesota.
Quick Facts & Costs for Minnesota Licensees
Types of Licensees in Minnesota & How Much They Earn
- Salesperson (salary range: $75,000 to $90,000): A real estate salesperson works under the supervision of a licensed real estate broker and helps clients buy, sell, or rent property.
- Broker (salary range: $90,000 to $110,000): Licensed real estate brokers operate independently through a brokerage. Brokers can also start their firms.
Step-by-Step Breakdown: How to Get a Real Estate License in Minnesota
Ready to learn more about how to become a real estate agent in Minnesota? Here are the steps you’ll need to follow:
Step 1: Meet Minnesota Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a Minnesota real estate license, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a US citizen or have legal working status in the US
If you are a licensed attorney, have a degree in real estate, or have a license in another state, you can waive some of your licensing requirements.
Minnesota has reciprocal agreements with six states: Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Oklahoma. Agents from these states are eligible for a reciprocal license; however, a Minnesota-licensed primary broker must apply on their behalf. Applicants from Wisconsin must take a 13-hour reciprocal prelicensing course and pass the state portion of the salesperson exam.
Step 2: Choose a Minnesota Real Estate School
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Cost:
Starting at $670
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Time commitment:
3-6 weeks
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Helpful resource:
4 Best Online Real Estate Schools in Minnesota
In Minnesota, you must complete 90 hours of prelicensing education—Course I, II, and III—before applying for a real estate salesperson license. Each course consists of 30 hours of instruction. You can take the state licensing exam after completing Course I, but you can’t apply for a real estate license until you’ve completed courses II and III. Your choice of real estate school and course format will depend on your learning style and what suits your schedule best.
Colibri Real Estate offers state-approved courses for prospective Minnesota real estate agents. With several course packages to choose from and comprehensive exam prep materials, Colibri will help you meet Minnesota’s 90-hour prelicensing education requirements in no time.
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Step 3: Pass the Minnesota Real Estate License Exam
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Cost:
$68
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Time commitment:
4 hours
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Helpful resource:
7 Hacks to Help You Ace Your Real Estate Exam and Minnesota PSI Candidate Information Bulletin
| Test Format and Number of Questions | Multiple choice format and 130 total questions |
| Where to Register for the Exam | PSI Exams |
| Items to Bring to the Testing Center |
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| Passing Grade | 75% |
After you’ve completed your prelicensing education, it’s time to take the Minnesota Real Estate Salesperson Exam. Candidates must go to PSI and create an account to make a reservation for an examination. As soon as you’re done with the multiple-choice exam, you’ll learn whether you passed or failed. If you don’t pass, you’ll be given a detailed score report to help you prepare for the retake. You can take the exam as many times as you’d like, but you will have to pay $68 each time—or $45 if you only have to retake one section.
Step 4: Join a Real Estate Brokerage
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Cost:
Free
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Time commitment:
2-4 weeks
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Helpful resource:
How to Choose a Real Estate Broker as a New Agent
Minnesota requires you to associate yourself with a sponsoring broker active in the state to receive your real estate license. A broker has received additional training, worked in the industry for at least two years, and passed the broker’s license exam. Once you’ve landed some broker interviews, you’ll want to ask each broker about the split (or how you and the brokerage will divide sales commissions). You’ll find that some brokerages will ask for a 50-50 split on commissions. Usually, brokerages that offer an even split will not charge monthly desk fees.
Start looking for brokerages in the areas you’d like to work in to jump-start your new career, and check out our Best Real Estate Company to Work For guide to learn about some of the larger firms.
Step 5: Apply for Your Minnesota Real Estate License
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Cost:
$130
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Time commitment:
1-2 weeks
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Helpful resource:
Minnesota Commerce Department licensing guide
The state requires your sponsoring broker to submit the license application on your behalf. The cost of the application is $130. This includes $30 for the real estate education, research, and recovery fund and a $30 technology surcharge. Your application must be submitted within a year of passing the exam. Otherwise, you’ll need to retake the exam.
Once the Commerce Department approves your application, your broker can print out your license and inform you that you are now a licensed real estate agent.
Step 6: Start a Successful Career in Minnesota
Congratulations! Time to dive into Minnesota’s real estate scene. Now that you’ve earned your license, here are some tips to help you start your career as a real estate agent:
- Hone your time management skills: Effective time management is essential in real estate. Start by setting clear priorities daily, outlining your goals, and using a scheduling app or calendar to keep track of all your engagements.
- Upgrade your tech game: Invest in technologies that will make your life easier, from customer relationship management systems to automated email marketing.
- Dive into more real estate reads: Spend more time reading real estate books to get fresh ideas and tried-and-tested strategies.
- Find a great mentor: Hire a real estate coach to help you navigate challenges more easily and maintain your confidence as you grow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Minnesota?
It usually takes aspiring agents two to four months to get their Minnesota real estate license. Most of the time spent getting your license will be in your 90-hour prelicensing course. Enrolling in a scheduled full-time course lets you complete your classes quickly.
How much do real estate agents in Minnesota make?
According to ZipRecruiter, real estate agents in Minnesota make an average of $78,217. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the area and other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the years you’ve spent in your profession.
What if I have a real estate license from another state?
If you have a license from Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Oklahoma, you may apply for your license through reciprocity. For more information, read our Real Estate License Reciprocity & Portability Guide.
Back to You
Now that you’ve learned how to become a real estate agent in Minnesota, it’s time to take action. At The Close, we’re here to guide you through every step and encourage your professional growth. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments!
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