If you are looking to launch a career as a real estate agent in Pennsylvania, go through this guide to learn about the various aspects of this profession. Not only will this post handhold you through the intricate aspects of how to get a PA real estate license butit will also enlighten you on the costs involved to get a license and how much you can hope to earn in the state.
Who Needs A Real Estate License In Pennsylvania
Anybody who wishes to work as a real estate agent or broker must first get a valid real estate license. It allows you to buy, sell, lease, or rent properties on behalf of clients against commission for these services. This is mandated by the Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission, the controlling body that issues real estate licenses in the state.
You can either work as a real estate agent or a broker. However, a broker’s license will be issued to you only after you have at least 3 years of experience as an agent, go through pre-licensing courses, and pass a broker licensing exam. It effectively means that your first PA real estate license will be that of a real estate agent.
Read moreto learn more about getting a PA real estate license.
How To Get A PA Real Estate License
There are 6 steps to get a real estate license in Pennsylvania but before you start on your journey, you must fulfill some compulsory eligibility requirements. These include being at least 18 years old and a citizen of the USA. Migrants with working rights in the country can also apply for a real estate license in Pennsylvania. You must also have a high school diploma to your name.
Once these conditions have been fulfilled, you can start on the six steps to get a PA real estate license.
Step 1
Complete the 75-hour pre-licensing course with a provider who is approved by the State Real Estate Commission. The subjects covered are as follows:
- Real Estate Fundamentals: 30 hours
- Real Estate Practice: 45 hours
After completing each course, you have to go through a proctored exam to get a certificate. It is proof that you have gone through 75 hours of pre-licensing coursework.
This course may be taken online or in a classroom setting. However, online courses offer the convenience of anytime study from any location once they are downloaded on any Internet-enabled device. Check out the state-approved online courses from RealEstateU. They are not only of the highest quality but very affordably priced too.
Step 2
Schedule a PA real estate licensing exam with the Pearson VUE Testing Center. It is a body that offers testing programs in various fields all over the USA.
Step 3
On the appointed day, appear for the exam and pass it with a minimum grade of 75%. The exam has 120 multiple-choice questions split into national and state-specific sections of 80 and 40 questions respectively. The duration of the exam is 180 minutes and the result in pass/fail grades is announced soon after completing the test at the exam center. A confirmation email follows later.
Step 4
As required by the Commission, you must submit a criminal record check after you pass the licensing exam to get a PA real estate license. This verification is done through PATCH which is the state police website. The clearance certificate must not be more than 90 days old when you upload it along with the application for getting a PA real estate license.
Step 5
Find a licensed real estate broker in Pennsylvania to sponsor and employ you. If you are already employed by a broker, an active real estate license will be issued to you, or else, you will get an inactive real estate license. This PA real estate license will be activated once you inform the Commission of your employment status. Your activated license will be held by your sponsoring broker during your employment and will be transferred to the next broker should you choose to switch employment.
Step 6
The final step is to apply online for a PA real estate license on the PA Department of State portal. Along with the application, upload proof of having completed the 75 hours of pre-licensing coursework, background check clearance, and passing the licensing exam. A real estate license will now be issued to you.
What Is The Average Earnings For A Real Estate Agent In Pennsylvania
The average earning of a real estate agent in Pennsylvania is $106,176. However, this figure is not standardized throughout the state and differs from city to city. Here are a few examples to give you an idea about it.
- Philadelphia, PA: $112,797 per year
- Newtown, PA: $103,210 per year
- Bethlehem, PA: $101,322 per year
- Ambler, PA: $99,813 per year
- Greensburg, PA: $88,008 per year
What Is the Cost of Getting A PA Real Estate License
There are two components to the cost of getting a real estate license in Pennsylvania.
Fixed Costs:
- The State Exam Fee is $49 paid directly to PSI for every attempt
- The Criminal Record Check Fee is $22
- The License Application Fee is $107 consisting of a $25 application fee, $72 license fee, and $10 real estate recovery fund fee.
- Total fixed costs: $178
Variable Costs:
This is the cost of the 75-hour PA real estate pre-licensing coursework and varies between $149 and $350. Online courses are relatively cheaper than classroom-based ones.
Hence the total cost for getting a PA real estate license ranges from $327 to $528.
These are the main points to know for getting a real estate license in Pennsylvania.
