Are you ready to learn how to become a real estate agent in Wisconsin and make some real cheddah? (We’re not talkin’ the Wisconsin cheesy, melty kind, either). Before you can start listing and selling properties, you must take the required 72 education hours, pass the state exam, pay all requisite fees, and apply for your license. Let’s jump right in.
Quick Facts & Costs for Wisconsin Licensees
Types of Licensees in Wisconsin & How Much They Earn
- Real estate salesperson (salary $81,220): Assists clients in buying, selling, and renting property under the supervision of a real estate broker.
- Real estate broker (salary $102,885): Can act as a real estate agent or take on additional tasks of managing agents and overseeing transactions.
Step-by-Step Breakdown: How to Get a Wisconsin Real Estate License
Step 1: Meet Wisconsin Requirements
To be eligible for a Wisconsin real estate license, you need to:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a US citizen or have legal working status in the US
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
Step 2: Choose a Wisconsin Real Estate School
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Cost:
Starting at $300
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Time commitment:
72 hours
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Helpful resource:
Best Real Estate Schools in Wisconsin
Wisconsin requires you to complete 72 hours of education to get your license. These courses will cover everything you need to know to pass your exam, including contracts, financing, business ethics, fair housing, and more. When choosing a school, consider whether you’d like to learn in a traditional classroom experience or through online education. Either one will help you complete your hours, but it must fit your learning style to be truly beneficial.
Colibri Real Estate is a top-notch real estate school known for its flexibility. The school provides online courses to fit busy schedules and help you balance studying with your other obligations. Its programs cover topics on Wisconsin-specific real estate laws, ethics, and contracts, so you are fully prepared for the state exam. Colibri is an excellent option for aspiring Wisconsin real estate agents and is backed by solid student support.
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Step 3: Pass the Wisconsin Real Estate License Exam
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Cost:
$65
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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 WI PearsonVUE Candidate Handbook
| Test Format and Number of Questions |
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| Where to Register for Exam | PearsonVUE |
| Items to Bring to Testing Center |
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| Passing Grade |
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If you don’t pass the exam on the first try, no worries. There’s no limit on how many times you can retake this exam, though you are required to pay the exam fee each time. You can avoid retakes by studying well and ensuring you’re well-rested before exam day. Use real estate flashcards and quizzes right up to taking the exam, and you should be able to breeze right through.
Step 4: Get a Background Check
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Cost:
$68
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Time commitment:
1 hour
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Helpful resource:
Wisconsin State Legislature
Applicants are not mandated to get a background check. However, they are encouraged to submit a predetermination if they have things on their record. The predetermination should be submitted before applying for a license. Here’s what they’re looking for:
- Personal statement describing the facts that led to each offense and any rehabilitation completed.
- An application for predetermination and a $68 fee.
- Police report, criminal complaint, and judgment of conviction and sentencing.
- Verification of compliance or completion with the terms of the sentencing.
Step 5: Apply for a Wisconsin Real Estate License
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Cost:
$60
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Time commitment:
1 hour
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Helpful resource:
LicensE Portal and Department of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS)
You can complete a DSPS paper application or apply online through the LicensE portal. You must provide proof of completing the 72-hour prelicensing education or equivalent, and your PearsonVUE certificate showing you passed the exam. The cost for an initial license is $60 with a sponsoring brokerage.
Step 6: Join a Real Estate Brokerage
Ideally, you want to find a sponsoring brokerage before applying for your license. If you don’t have one when you apply for your license, you’re charged an additional $10 fee and must complete more paperwork. It’s ideal to interview up to four firms and evaluate if they have the tools and resources you need to launch your career.
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 7: Start a Successful Career in Wisconsin
Learning how to become a real estate agent in Wisconsin and choosing a broker is just the beginning of your real estate journey. Now, it’s time to hit the ground running and launch your successful career. Here are some preliminary steps to get going:
- Tell your friends and family: Tell everyone about passing the exam and launching your exciting new career. Ask if they know of anyone who is thinking about buying or selling in the near future.
- Get a real estate mentor: A real estate mentor is someone who is experienced in sales and wants to support you in your goals. Having a skilled mentor can shorten your learning curve and help you get closer to closing your first deal.
- Learn selling techniques: Real estate prelicensing education doesn’t always teach how to get listings and clients. It’s designed to help you pass the state exam. When interviewing brokers, see what training is available to help you fast-track your career.
- Called expired listings and For Sale By Owners (FSBOs): I always think of FSBOs and expireds as low-hanging fruit. You already know they want to sell. You just have to gain their trust and show them that you can sell their home faster and for more money than if they do it themselves.
- Implement marketing and lead gen strategies: Your marketing mix should include a website, social media presence, email marketing, and print materials. Check out these articles to help.
- Attend networking events and one-to-ones: It’s time to mix and mingle with other real estate professionals. Look for opportunities to connect professionally by meeting for coffee, attending networking events, or joining a networking group.
- Follow up with potential leads: Most agents only follow up once, if at all. But not you. You’ll follow up every few weeks unless it’s a rigid “No.” For example, if they’re not selling their house, don’t keep asking them if they want to sell. Put them on your shortlist and send a Christmas card.
FAQs
What are the pros & cons of becoming a real estate agent in Wisconsin?
Some of the pros of becoming a real estate agent in Wisconsin are having a flexible schedule, unlimited earning potential, and building relationships. Some cons of becoming a real estate agent in WI are long hours during the startup phase, lack of guarantee of steady income, and stressors involved in real estate transactions.
Is the Wisconsin real estate exam hard?
The passing rate for the Wisconsin Real Estate Salesperson Exam is 75%, meaning that a quarter of the people who take it do not pass. Be sure to pay attention during your prelicensing course and take studying seriously. If you put in the proper effort, you should pass on your first attempt.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Wisconsin?
The average amount of time that people take to become a real estate agent in Wisconsin is generally three to six months. The two steps that take the most time when getting your license are prelicensing classes and test preparation. We estimate that it takes most people one to four months to complete classes, though online self-paced learners could be done in as few as two weeks. After that, administrative tasks will likely take another few weeks.
Back to You
Taking these seven steps toward becoming a real estate agent in Wisconsin will get you started on your new career path. You can use these steps as a checklist to get your WI real estate license and follow our tips in Step 7 and other articles on The Close to launch and succeed as a Wisconsin real estate agent.
Have other questions about getting your real estate license? Let us know below!
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