“Where y’at” with obtaining your Louisiana real estate license? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Read this article and follow the steps on how to become a real estate agent in Louisiana. Before you know it, you’ll list and sell homes in The Big Easy and launch a rewarding career. Bookmark this page so you can return to it and use it as a checklist as you go through the licensing process.
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Quick Facts & Costs for Louisiana Licensees
Types of Licensees in Louisiana & How Much They Earn
- Real estate salesperson (salary range $$51,300 to $85,500): Assists clients in buying, selling, and leasing property under the supervision of a real estate broker.
- Real estate broker (salary range $114,000 to $213,000): 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 Louisiana Real Estate License
Step 1: Meet Louisiana Requirements
To be eligible for a Louisiana 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 Louisiana Real Estate School
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Cost:
Starting at $400
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Time commitment:
90 hours
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Helpful resource:
Best Real Estate Schools in Louisiana
Louisiana requires applicants to complete 90 hours of approved real estate prelicensing education. Salesperson prelicensing classes must include specific real estate courses, including real estate principles and practices, the Louisiana Real Estate License Law, Commission Rules/Regulations, Law of Agency, and Civil Law about real estate.
Colibri Real Estate is a high-quality 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 Louisiana-specific real estate laws, ethics, and contracts, so you are fully prepared for the state exam. Colibri is an excellent option for aspiring Louisiana real estate agents and is backed by solid student support.
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Step 3: Apply for a Louisiana Real Estate License
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Cost:
$90
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Time commitment:
About an hour
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Helpful resource:
Louisiana real estate application Part A and Part B
Once you have completed your prelicensing education, you must submit the application Part A and pay the $90 fee. Don’t complete Part B or pay for E&O just yet. You’ll take those steps later after you’ve passed your exam. When you submit Part A, include your course completion certificate. You’ll also need to submit a photo ID such as a state-issued driver’s license, US passport, or US passport card.
Step 4: Acquire E&O Insurance
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Cost:
$149
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Time commitment:
1 hour
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Helpful resource:
Here is more information on E&O insurance requirements from LREC
You have two E&O options to purchase the insurance independently or through LREC group insurance. Rice Insurance Services Company, LLC (“RISC”) has been awarded the Louisiana Group Errors and Omissions Insurance Program for the state, and the fee is $149. The insurance is prorated by whichever month you apply for your license. A breakdown of the monthly proration is found in application Part B.
Step 5: Get Fingerprints & Background Check
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Cost:
$60.75
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Time commitment:
1-3 weeks
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Helpful resource:
Fingerprint instructions and Identogo
All applicants must submit fingerprints for eligibility for a Louisiana real estate license as part of a background check. Initial license applicants must complete a fingerprint-based criminal history review conducted by the Louisiana State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Follow these quick steps:
- Go to the Identogo website and input the service code 7N4TH
- Schedule an appointment
- Make payment online to Identogo
- Get your fingerprints at your designated appointment time, bringing one valid ID for verification
Step 6: Pass the Louisiana Real Estate License Exam
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Cost:
$78
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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 Louisiana Salesperson Prelicensing Checklist and PearsonVUE Candidate Handbook
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If you don’t pass the exam on your first try, you have one year of unlimited tests to complete and pass the exam. The exam is divided into state and national tests. If you pass one and not the other, you only have to retake the test you failed. If you have not retaken and passed the test within one year, you have to reapply to LREC, pay the fees, and retake the exam.
Step 7: Join a Real Estate Brokerage
Although this is the final step, it’s never too early to start interviewing real estate firms to find one that is a good fit based on your needs and goals. Consider what the brokerage offers in training, support, and fees, if any. Also, ask about the compensation structure and how you’re paid.
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 8: Start a Successful Career in Louisiana
Learning how to get a real estate license in Louisiana 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 your sphere if they know anyone 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 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, whether 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 hard “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
How long does it take to become a licensed real estate agent in Louisiana?
The average amount of time it takes to become a licensed real estate agent from start to finish in Louisiana is generally three to six months. The two steps that take the most time when getting your license are prelicensing classes and test preparation. However, some online programs offer self-study, so you can complete the 90 hours in two or three weeks.
Is Louisiana real estate exam hard?
The Louisiana real estate exam is moderately difficult. The passing rate is 70%. If you put in the proper effort, you should pass on your first attempt. In case you fail only the state or national part of the exam, you’ll only need to retake that portion. However, you must reapply for examination eligibility from LREC and pay fees for another attempt.
Back to You
Taking these seven steps toward becoming a real estate agent in Louisiana will get you started on your new career path. You can use these steps as a checklist to get your Louisiana real estate license and follow our tips in Step 8 and other articles on The Close to launch and succeed as a Hawaii real estate agent.
Have other questions about getting your real estate license? Let us know below!
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