How to Become a Real Estate Agent in South Carolina in 8 Easy Steps

If you’re fixin’ to start a lucrative career in the real estate industry, pour yourself some sweet tea, pull up a chair over yonder, and check out these eight easy steps that will teach you how to become a real estate agent in South Carolina. I break down the education and licensing requirements, provide the most recent costs, and give tips to launch your new real estate venture. 

Quick Facts & Costs for South Carolina Licensees

Meet the Legal Requirements for a SC Real Estate License (No Cost) Step 1: Meet the Legal Requirements for a SC Real Estate License (No Cost) Step 2: Complete Required Prelicensing Courses (Cost: $599+) Step 3: Submit the SC Exam Application (Cost: $25) Step 4: Take the SC Real Estate Exam (Cost: $63) Step 5: Get Fingerprints and Background Check (Cost: $50) Step 6: Find a Sponsoring Brokerage (No Cost) Step 7: Finalize Your SC License Application (Cost: $50) Step 8: Launch Your Real Estate Career (No Cost)

Types of Licensees in South Carolina & How Much They Earn

• Real estate associate: (average salary $76,673) Assists clients in buying, selling, and renting properties under the supervision of a licensed broker.
• Real estate broker: (average salary $85,819) Oversees transactions, manages agents, and operates independently or owns a real estate firm.
• Real estate broker-in-charge: (average salary $117,699) Manages an office, other brokers, agents, and teams. Oversees all aspects of the brokerage.

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Step-by-Step Breakdown: How to Get a South Carolina Real Estate License

Step 1: Meet South Carolina Requirements

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

• You must be at least 18 years old
• You must be a US citizen or a lawfully admitted resident
• You must possess a high school diploma or GED

Step 2: Choose a South Carolina Real Estate School

• Cost: Starting at $599
• Time commitment: 90 hours
• Helpful resource: Best Real Estate Schools in South Carolina

The South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) requires licensee candidates to complete 90 hours of prelicensing education. Real estate courses cover state and federal laws such as Fair Housing and lead paint, standards of practice, zoning, business practices, ethics, types of agency and contracts, and more. When choosing a school, consider your learning needs, such as instructor support and accessibility, learning formats, and exam preparation materials.

If you want a convenient and affordable option for your SC real estate prelicensing education, check out The CE Shop. It offers a variety of course packages and study tools like flashcards, study guides, and career resources. 

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Step 3: Submit the SC Exam Application

• Cost: $25
• Time commitment: 1 hour
• Helpful resource: Associate Licensure Requirements and Application Process

After you complete your South Carolina real estate prelicensing education, you must submit an exam application before you can sit for the test. Along with your application, you’re required to submit the following information and documentation:

• State-issued ID
• Copy of Social Security card
• Notarized Verification of Lawful Presence
• High school diploma or college education transcript
• Certificate of completion from real estate education

Step 4: Pass the South Carolina Real Estate License Exam

• Cost: $63
• Time commitment: 3 hours, 20 minutes
• Helpful resource: 7 Hacks to Help You Ace Your Real Estate Exam and PSI Exam Bulletin

If you don’t pass the exam on the first try, don’t worry. If you fail the test, you may retake it unlimited times within one year of the first attempt. Otherwise, you must reapply to the commission before registering to take or retake the PSI exam. You only have to take the exam portion you’ve failed, so if you pass the state portion, you only have to retake the national and vice versa. 

Step 5: Get Fingerprints & Background Check

• Cost: $50
• Time commitment: 1 hour
• Helpful resource: SC fingerprinting and background check information.

All prelicensing applicants must submit fingerprints and proof of social security to prove eligible for a South Carolina real estate license as part of a background check. Here are the details:

• SC fingerprint background check is conducted by the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the national fingerprint criminal records check is done by the FBI.
• SR&I does the social security number background check. After sending your application to SCREC, go to the SR&I website and request the social security number-based criminal records check.

Step 6: Join a Real Estate Brokerage

All SC-licensed real estate agents must join a certifying brokerage before applying for a real estate license, so start your search early to find a broker to meet your goals and needs. When choosing a broker to work for, interview with two or three firms. Doing so will help you compare the benefits and training they offer that fits your aspirations.

Step 7: Apply for a South Carolina Real Estate License

• Cost: $50
• Time commitment: 1 hour
• Helpful resource: Log into the Labor Licensing Regulation portal to apply for a license.

To activate your South Carolina real estate license, you just need to upload two more documents to the Labor Licensing Regulation portal since you’ve already completed your exam application. Include your passing scores for the national and state exams, your sponsoring brokerage information, and a $50 fee, which covers two years of licensure. Your application will be processed within seven business days.

Step 8: Start a Successful Career in South Carolina

Learning how to become a real estate agent in South Carolina 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

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Taking these eight steps toward becoming a real estate agent in South Carolina will get you started on your new career path. You can use these steps as a checklist to get your SC real estate license and follow our tips in Step 8 and other articles on The Close to launch and succeed as a South Carolina real estate agent.

Have other questions about getting your real estate license? Let us know below!