Getting your real estate license is a pretty easy thing to do. Here’s why that’s a problem.
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In the state of Florida, practically anyone can get their real estate license. I think that’s a major problem, and here’s why.
All you have to do in order to get your license in this state is take a 63-hour pre-licensing course, an exam at the end of the course, and a state exam. It doesn’t require any type of prior experience or knowledge. Essentially, you just have to be 18 years or older.
I have a friend who went to cosmetology school. They had to do 1,200 hours of hands-on training to get their license. With real estate licensing, that 63 hours can be done online or in the classroom. You can get it done within a week and have your license within two weeks. I think that’s absolutely crazy.
“When you hire an agent, make sure they have the necessary experience.”
For 99% of the population, buying or selling a home is going to be the largest financial commitment they ever make. In order to get qualified to help someone with that investment, all you have to do is complete a simple course and pass a 100-question multiple choice exam.
I’m talking about this as a warning and a service to those of you out there who are thinking about buying or selling a home. I got my license in 2010 and I can tell you I knew absolutely nothing about buying or selling real estate after taking that class, even after coming from a family of real estate professionals and going to the University of Central Florida for four years.
So when you’re out there looking for an agent to hire, make sure they have the necessary experience. Anyone who has just gotten their license won’t have that experience. It’s not their fault—it’s just too easy to get a license, and a brand-new agent isn’t going to have the proper experience and training to help you successfully navigate a real estate transaction.
If you have any questions for me about my experience or what you should be looking for in a real estate agent, don’t hesitate to call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
