One of the hottest real estate markets on the east coast, North Carolina continues to attract the interest and investment of homebuyers.
Thanks to the stable economy, strong job market and relatively lower cost of living, North Carolina is witnessing a net positive migration rate.
The growing population indicates the rising demand for real estate in both big cities like Raleigh and Charlotte as well as smaller towns such as Asheville and Wilmington.
Click here to learn more about how to become a licensed professional and start your career in real estate.
With rising median home prices and a growing inventory for residential properties, North Carolina’s real estate landscape is a fertile opportunity ground for agents and brokers.
Did you know that the top real estate agents in North Carolina make around $110K to $130K annually while enjoying job perks and a dynamic career.
From flexibility to financial freedom, a career in real estate can give you the ability to be your own boss and become an independent professional.
North Carolina has seen steady demand for real estate and industry estimates have forecasted a bright future for the housing market in the years to come.
As the market continues its growth trajectory, both aspiring and experienced real estate professionals can make the most of opportunities.
If you are considering a career as a part-time real estate agent or want to build a thriving, long-term career path, now is a good time to get started.
A career in real estate is an exciting and rewarding profession, however, to join the industry, you must first obtain a real estate license in North Carolina.
To build a successful career in North Carolina real estate, you will have to complete a set of steps and fulfill various licensing requirements.
Getting a license might seem overwhelming, especially if you are a complete beginner, but if you follow a step-by-step process, it is easier than you think.
To help you get started, we have put together this article which outlines all the important aspects on how to become licensed and what it takes to start a career in real estate.
The need for a real estate license
Like many regulated industries and professions, real estate is also governed by a set of state and federal laws and rules.
As per the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC), every individual must fulfill the licensing requirements and obtain a valid state license to work with clients.
Working in real estate requires you to obtain a minimum level of education and training, which you will complete as part of your licensing journey.
There are numerous benefits of getting licensed and if you are serious about starting a part-time or a full-time career, here’s why you must obtain a NC real estate license:
● High earning potential
With a real estate license, you will gain access to job oportunities which are reserved exclusively for licensed individuals.
Having a license will also allow you to to work with clients anywhere in the state and earn commissions in exchange for your services.
A license makes you more employable, credible and boosts your income opportunities significantly.
● Access to the MLS
MLS is a statewide database of real estate properties in a particular locality or neighborhood which can be used by agents and brokers to search for leads. .
Only licensed professionals are allowed access to the vast network of MLS (Multiple Listings Service) and the opportunities.
If you have access to the MLS, you can easily benchmark properties and compare listings data to evaluate potential opportunities.
● More networking opportunities
With a real estate license, you can join members-only communities and be a part of various state and national groups for professionals.
By joining networks and communities, you can connect with industry professionals and boost your knowledge and skills.
Since real estate is a networking dominated industry, having access to a pool of professionals and peers is highly valuable for getting more business.
Now that you know the advantages of getting licensed, let us walk you through the steps on how to obtain a real estate license in North Carolina.
Steps for getting a NC real estate license
Before you commit to the licensing journey, it is important to understand the requirements and whether or not you can fulfill those requirements
As per the NCREC licensing guidelines, you need to fulfill a set of pre-established requirements to obtain a salesperson license. Below is an overview of the steps:
- Step 1: Fulfill the North Carolina minimum eligibility requirements for a license
- Step 2: Complete 75 hours of mandatory pre licensing education
- Step 3: Provide your fingerprints and complete the background check
- Step 4: Submit your licensing application to the NCREC for review
- Step 5: Take and pass the state real estate licensing exam
- Step 6: Find employer sponsorship
Generally, the licensing process can take between a few weeks to a couple of months depending on how soon you can complete your course credits and pass the test.
If you complete all the steps listed above, you will be on your way to working with clients and earning commissions as a licensed real estate agent.