From blues and bluegrass music to iconic rivers and catfish farming, Mississippi is an enticing place to live, so I can understand why you’re fixin’ to start your career as a real estate agent. But to connect residents of the Magnolia State with the properties of their dreams, ya’ll need to learn how to get your real estate license here. That’s where I come in. Follow these eight easy steps to learn how to become a real estate agent in Mississippi, and you’ll be launching your career in no time.
Quick Facts & Costs for Mississippi Licensees
Types of Licensees in Mississippi & How Much They Earn
- Licensed real estate salesperson (salary range: $56,800 to $121,698): Assists clients in buying, selling, and renting properties under the supervision of a licensed broker.
- Licensed real estate broker (salary range: $42,600 to $156,266): Oversees transactions, manages agents, and operates independently or owns a real estate firm.
Step-by-Step Breakdown: How to Get a Mississippi Real Estate License
If you’re ready to begin your journey to becoming a licensed real estate agent in Mississippi, follow these essential steps to get started:
Step 1: Meet Mississippi Requirements
To be eligible for a Mississippi real estate license, you need to:
- Be at least 18 years old
- You must be a resident of Mississippi at the time you apply for your license
Step 2: Choose a Mississippi Real Estate School
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Cost:
Starting at $199+
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Time commitment:
60 hours
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Helpful resource:
Best Real Estate Schools in Mississippi
To become a real estate agent in Mississippi, you need to complete 60 hours of classes at a state-approved real estate school. The amount of time you’ll need comes down to how much class time you allot per week. You’ll finish in less than two weeks if you approach it like a 40-hour workweek. It’s important to pick a school with high-quality education to help you really get the hang of the material. Most people choose a real estate school based on their budget and class format.
If you’re looking to complete your course online, check out The CE Shop. The Mississippi prelicensing classes start at $209, and you can take advantage of its money-back guarantee if you don’t love the format.
Use Promo Code: TheClose35 – Save 35%
Step 3: Join a Real Estate Brokerage
The next step in how to become a real estate agent in Mississippi 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.
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 4: Apply for a Mississippi Real Estate License
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Cost:
$120
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Time commitment:
1 hour
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Helpful resource:
Application Information
Before you take your real estate exam, you must send your license application to the MREC for review. Mail it or drop it off in person, along with a $120 fee. Don’t forget that both you and your sponsoring brokerage need to sign and notarize the application. You’ll also need to include some specific documents with it.
- Two photographs (full face and profile views)
- Your prelicensing course certificate of completion
- The application fee
- If you are licensed in another state, you’ll also need to include a Certification of Licensure in that state
- If you have a criminal record, you’ll also need to send a written statement detailing and documenting the incident surrounding it
- Your application should be mailed or delivered to the following address:
- Mississippi Real Estate Commission
Lefleur’s Bluff Tower, Suite 300
4780 I-55 North, Jackson, MS 39211
Once your application has been approved, you will receive a letter of approval from the Mississippi Real Estate Commission, and you will be able to book your exam. This needs to be done within two months of your application getting approved. If you don’t schedule it in that time, you’ll lose your application fee and your file will be closed.
Step 5: Get Fingerprints & Background Check
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Cost:
$50
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Time commitment:
Up to 30 days
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Helpful resource:
criminal record FAQs
MREC requires that all applicants pass a background check before becoming a licensed real estate agent in Mississippi. When MREC gives the thumbs up on your application, they’ll send you a fingerprint kit, an authorization code, some instructions, and a fingerprint card along with your approval letter. You’ll also receive another consent form and an envelope with which to send the card back to MREC. You’ll also have to pay the $50 processing fee for your background check.
Step 6: Pass the Mississippi Real Estate License Exam
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Cost:
$75
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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 Mississippi Candidate Bulletin
| Test Format and Number of Questions | Multiple choice format and 120 total questions |
| Where to Register for Exam | PSI Exams |
| Items to Bring to Testing Center |
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| Passing Grade | 70% on the National portion 75% on the State portion |
Once you’ve wrapped up your prelicensing education, chosen a sponsoring broker, and applied for your license, it’s time to tackle the licensing exam at a testing site in Mississippi. Testing sites for the Mississippi real estate exam are located in the following cities:
- Jackson, MS
- Memphis, TN
- Mobile, AL
- Metairie, LA
- Baton Rouge, LA
You’ll have four hours to tackle a 120-question multiple-choice exam, and you’ll find out right away if you passed or not. If you don’t pass, you’ll get a detailed report to help you prepare for the next try. You can retake the national part of the exam as much as you want within the two-month window from your application being approved, and you can retake the state portion twice within the same window. If you fail the state portion twice, you’ll need to wait three months before reapplying for the exam. Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay $75 each time you retake the exam.
Important note: Both the state and national portions must be passed in the same 2-month eligibility period.
Step 7: Get Errors and Omissions Insurance
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Cost:
$148
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Time commitment:
1 hour
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Helpful resource:
Rice Insurance Services, LLC
Once you’ve passed your exam and are ready to activate your Mississippi real estate license, you’ll need to get errors and omissions insurance (E&O). This insurance protects real estate businesses from mistakes made during professional service.
Some brokerages might provide E&O for their brokers, but if not, you’ll need to buy it yourself and send in a Conformity Endorsement or the Declaration Page from your E&O provider. MREC teams up with Rice Insurance Services, LLC, to offer some budget-friendly options.
Step 8: Start a Successful Career in Mississippi
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.
FAQs
Is the Mississippi real estate exam hard?
The passing rate for the Mississippi Real Estate Salesperson Exam is estimated to be around 70%. 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. Otherwise, you’ll need to pay another $75 to take the test again.
Can you take the Mississippi real estate exam online?
Unfortunately, you’ll need to go to one of the exam testing sites to take your Mississippi real estate salesperson exam. But the good news is that you can complete the required 60 hours of classwork from the comfort of your home if you choose.
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 portion of the exam that you did not get the required score on.
Back to You
Now that ya’ll know how to become a real estate agent in Mississippi, you’re ready to help clients buy and sell gothic revival-style houses in Jackson, Greek revival-style homes in Natchez, and Italianate-style properties in Oxford. Remember, with the right education and solid support from your brokerage, you’ll be on the path to success.
We’d love to hear if you’ve already got the process started. Drop a comment and let us know what step you’re on!
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