How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Texas in 7 Easy Steps

With a fast-moving real estate market in the Lone Star State, it’s no surprise you’re considering becoming a real estate agent. As a realtor myself, I know how rewarding this career can be, from the uncapped earning potential to helping people navigate major life decisions like buying or selling a home. Ready to start selling? I’ve broken down the exact steps for you here. Follow along and start your real estate career in Texas.

What most people don’t realize before getting licensed

Remember, getting licensed is only the start of your real estate journey. As an agent, I realized early in my career that passing the exam is the easy part; building a consistent pipeline of leads is where most new agents struggle. It’s also important to understand that you don’t get paid until a deal closes, so it can take a few months before you see your first paycheck.

Just as important as choosing the right Texas real estate school is choosing the right brokerage. Most real estate agents don’t realize this. Your brokerage is where you’ll learn the business, get support when you need it, and build credibility as you start working with clients.

Quick facts & costs for Texas licensees

Types of licensees in Texas & how much they earn

• Licensed real estate salesperson (average salary: $90,860): Assists clients in buying, selling, and renting properties under the supervision of a licensed broker.
• Licensed real estate broker (average salary: $84,908): Oversees transactions, manages agents, and operates independently or owns a real estate firm.

Average salaries obtained through ZipRecruiter

Step-by-step breakdown: How to become a real estate agent in Texas

If you’re ready to dive into how to become a real estate agent in Texas, follow these essential steps to get started:

Step 1: Meet Texas requirements

To be eligible for a Texas real estate license, you need to:

• Be over 18 years old
• Live and work in the US
• Meet the Texas Real Estate Commission’s (TREC) qualifications for honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity

Step 2: Choose a Texas real estate school

• Cost: Starting at $299+
• Time commitment: 180 hours
• Helpful resource: Best Real Estate Schools in Texas

To become a real estate agent in Texas, you must complete 180 hours of classes at a state-approved real estate school. A solid school will not only help you pass the state exam but also set you up for a successful career in real estate. Most people choose a real estate school based on budget and class format. Choose how you’ll take your course, whether online, livestream, or in-person. Scheduled classes help students who need structure, while self-paced courses work wonders for those with busy schedules.

Courses are broken into six sections of 30 hours each:

• Real estate financing
• Part one of the basic principles of real estate 
• Principles, part two
• Agency law
• Contract law
• Common real estate contracts and forms

Step 3: Apply for a Texas real estate license

• Cost: $185
• Time commitment: 1 hour
• Helpful resource: Texas Real Estate Commission website

Once you’ve knocked out the education requirements, it’s time to submit your application to the TREC, which gives you one year to complete the remaining steps in the licensing process. In addition to the application, you’ll need to submit an application fee and additional documentation to complete your application for your real estate license in Texas. The complete application package will include:

• College transcripts or course completion certificates 
• Your fingerprint background check 
• Licensing exam results with passing score 
• Sponsoring broker information 
• Pay the required fee

Once your application has been approved, TREC will send you a letter with your “TREC ID.” You’ll need that number to continue with the process.

Step 4: Get fingerprints & background check

• Cost: $38
• Time commitment: 1 hour
• Helpful resource: Texas’ criminal record FAQs and Fingerprint Information

All applicants are required to submit fingerprints as part of a background check for eligibility to get a Texas real estate license. Here are the details:

• Schedule an appointment with an approved fingerprint service provider such as IdentoGO.
• Be sure to bring a valid form of identification and eligibility letter from the TREC to your appointment.
• Pay the fingerprinting fee.
• The fingerprinting service provider will electronically submit your fingerprints to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the FBI for a background check.
• Track the status of your background check through the TREC website.

Step 5: Pass the Texas real estate license exam

• Cost: $43
• Time commitment: 4 hours
• Helpful resource: 7 Hacks to Help You Ace Your Real Estate Exam and Texas Candidate Handbook

Once you’ve wrapped up your prelicensing education and passed the course exam, it’s time to tackle the licensing exam at a testing site in Texas. You’ll need to go to Pearson VUE and create an account to make a reservation. 

You’ll have 4 hours to tackle a 125-question multiple-choice exam, and you’ll find out right away if you passed or not. If you don’t pass, no worries—you’ll get a detailed score report that’ll help you get ready for the next try. You’ll need to wait 24 hours after your failed test before re-scheduling. The fee for a retake is the same as your first exam fee, and you’ll have three more attempts before you’re required to start the process over.

Step 6: Join a real estate brokerage

The next step is to find a real estate brokerage to align with. As a new agent, it’s super important to pick a brokerage that focuses on education, coaching, and mentorship, plus gives you the tools to grow your business. There’s a lot to learn, but with the right support, you’ll work with clients before you know it. Take some time to chat with different brokerages and see which ones match your career goals best.

Step 7: Start a successful career in Texas

Way to go! You’re licensed and associated with a brokerage. It’s time to start your successful real estate career. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Network with others: Socialize with other agents, clients, and people associated with the industry.
• Utilize social media: Know how to use Instagram and Facebook for your listings in building your brand. 
• Keep learning: Taking courses, seminars, and real estate certifications are wonderful ways to further your education and stay competitive.
• Apply technology to your real estate business: Tools like CRMs and lead generation tools will make your life easier.
• Mentorship: Coordinating with senior agents will help in getting the knowledge and tactics needed for success.
• Focus on customer service: It’s the surest way of getting referrals and repeat business.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Do I have to retake the whole exam if I only pass one part?

No, you do not have to retake the entire exam if you pass one part and not the other. You will only need to retake the section of the exam on which you did not get a passing score. Exam results for each section are valid for one year from the passing date. The State and National exam sections have to be passed before the application expiration date.

Is the Texas real estate exam hard?

Texas has the longest prelicensing hours required to get a real estate license, so that could potentially contribute to the difficulty of the exam. However, as stated, the required passing score is a 70%, which is standard for most states.

Can I get my Texas real estate license online?

You’ll need to go to one of the exam testing sites to complete your Texas real estate salesperson exam. But the good news is that you can complete the required 180-hour classwork from the comfort of your home if you choose.

Can you be a part-time real estate agent in Texas?

Yes, you can work as a part-time real estate agent in Texas, but whether you should is a different question. In my opinion, not working full-time in real estate sets new agents up for failure. While real estate is flexible, it is also highly time-sensitive. Clients expect quick responses, availability for showings, and guidance at various times. If you have another full-time job, it can be hard to realistically meet these expectations.

Back to You

Now that you know how to become a real estate agent in Texas, you can hit the ground running. Remember, with the right education and solid support from your brokerage, you’ll be on the path to success.

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