How To Become A Real Estate Agent In Ohio (5 Steps)

Learning how to become a real estate agent in Ohio can bewilder those unfamiliar with the process. With numerous license requirements and procedures, clarity is essential to ensure aspiring agents embark on the right track. Due to the complexity of the process, this article aims to make the journey transparent, outlining the precise steps needed to kickstart a career in Ohio's real estate market:

• Ohio Real Estate Agent Requirements

• Confirm You Are Eligible To Become A Real Estate Agent

• Complete A Background Check & Pre-Licensing Real Estate Coursework 

• Pass The Ohio Real Estate Broker’s Exam & Apply For A License

• Join An Ohio Real Estate Broker

• Ohio Real Estate License Renewal

• Pros & Cons Of Becoming A Real Estate Agent In Ohio

• Ohio Real Estate Agent FAQ

Learning how to become a real estate agent in Ohio can be more convoluted than anticipated. While the allure of the profession is undeniable, the path to licensure is often obscured by various requirements, regulations, and procedures. Many aspiring agents navigate a maze of paperwork and prerequisites, trying to figure out where to begin. 

Recognizing this challenge, we have crafted this comprehensive guide to illuminate the steps necessary to transform aspirations into reality. By providing clarity and direction, we aim to streamline the process, ensuring that every aspiring real estate professional in Ohio can pursue their dreams efficiently and confidently.

Ohio Real Estate Agent Requirements

The Ohio Real Estate Commission is entrusted with ensuring the competency and ethical conduct of real estate agents within the state. Recognizing the significance of the role, the Commission has implemented rigorous guidelines that aspiring agents must adhere to before obtaining a license. These guidelines are designed to uphold standards of professionalism and integrity within Ohio's real estate industry. To become a licensed agent, you'll need to navigate a well-defined 5-step process:

• Step 1: Confirm You Are Eligible To Become A Real Estate Agent

• Step 2: Complete A Background Check & Pre-licensing Real Estate Coursework 

• Step 3: Pass The Ohio Real Estate Salesperson Exam & Apply For A License

• Step 4: Join An Ohio Real Estate Broker

• Step 5: Ohio Real Estate License Renewal

1. Confirm You Are Eligible To Become A Real Estate Agent

  While learning how to become a real estate agent in Ohio, the first step you’ll come across is prerequisites of license application. That is to say, aspiring real estate agents must meet all of these criteria if they want to be eligible to receive an Ohio real estate license:

• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

• Applicants must be either a United States or US citizen or of legal status.

• Applicants must demonstrate honesty and truthfulness.

• Applicants must not have been convicted of disqualifying offenses outlined in Section 9.79 of the Revised Code.

• Applicants must not have been convicted by a court of violating civil rights laws in the Ohio division of real estate, relevant to real estate transactions, or if adjudged, must prove honesty, truthfulness, and a lack of future violation for at least two years.

• Applicants must not have violated any provisions or rules of real estate licensure during previous real estate & professional licensing periods or must prove they will not violate such provisions or rules again.

• Applicants born after 1950 must possess a high school diploma or equivalent recognized by the Ohio Department of Education.

• An Ohio broker must sponsor applicants.

It is essential to ensure you meet all of these eligibility requirements before continuing your journey. Please do so to save time and money. Therefore, only consider moving on to the next step once you are confident you meet the requirements above.

2. Complete A Background Check & Pre-licensing Real Estate Coursework

The second step in obtaining a real estate license in Ohio involves completing a thorough background check and undertaking a state-approved pre-licensing course, may it be online courses or in person, each essential for aspiring agents to advance in their career pursuits. 

The background check process mandates all applicants undergo a comprehensive criminal records review encompassing state and FBI databases. Facilitated by Webcheck, a Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation-approved platform, applicants must have their fingerprints taken within ten days of applying. In addition, applicants must submit an $18 processing fee directly to the Web-check user at the time of fingerprinting.

Following the background check, aspiring agents must enroll in a state-approved pre-licensing course, a pivotal component in their journey toward licensure. For real estate education in Ohio, this course spans 120 hours and is structured to equip students with the fundamental knowledge and skills for real estate industry success. The curriculum of a real estate school encompasses critical subjects:

• Real Estate Principles and Practices (40 hours)

• Ohio Real Estate Law (40 hours)

• Real Estate Appraisal (20 hours)

• Real Estate Finance (20 hours)

Aspiring agents will have their choice of provider regarding the state-approved coursework. However, one of the most well-known and trusted educators is The CE Shop. Nationally recognized for its top-tier curriculum, The CE Shop offers aspiring Ohio real estate agents several packages to prepare for the state exam, ranging from $1,499 to $1,795.

Designed as a comprehensive exam prep for the forthcoming real estate license exam and the demands of a career in the field, successful completion of this course is imperative for aspiring agents. At the end of the pre-licensing coursework, students must pass a final exam to demonstrate their understanding of the material and readiness to progress to the state exam. 

3. Pass The Ohio Real Estate Broker’s Exam & Apply For A License

After completing the pre-licensing coursework, the next step for individuals aspiring to become Ohio real estate agents is to apply for the state salesperson exam; this involves an initial payment of the $81 exam fee. Candidates must also furnish proof of fulfilling the education requirements, typically by submitting official transcripts or course completion certificates.

Upon receipt of the application and supporting documentation, the testing vendor will process the information and provide the applicant with a Candidate Information Bulletin. This bulletin contains detailed instructions on scheduling and preparing for the state and national portions of the Ohio Real Estate exam.

To obtain a license, candidates must pass both sections of the Ohio real estate licensing exam with a score of 70 or higher. Once they successfully pass the exam, candidates can apply for their real estate license. It is worth noting, however, that applications won’t be valid until the aspiring agent becomes sponsored by a broker. So, once the exam is passed, strive to work under a sponsoring broker, which brings us to our next step in learning how to become a real estate agent in the state of Ohio. 

4. Join An Ohio Real Estate Broker

Securing sponsorship from a licensed real estate broker is the fourth crucial step in becoming a real estate agent in Ohio. Working under a broker is a mandatory requirement for agents who want to become licensed, as it provides essential mentorship, guidance, and legal supervision crucial for navigating the complexities of the real estate market. 

When selecting a broker to work with, aspiring agents should prioritize finding a reputable and supportive real estate brokerage firm; this includes assessing factors such as the broker's track record, market presence, training programs, commission structure, and company culture. Additionally, agents should seek a broker who offers opportunities for professional growth, ongoing education, and a collaborative working environment to foster their development and success in the industry.

5. Ohio Real Estate License Renewal

Upon obtaining their real estate licenses, agents in Ohio must adhere to a renewal process mandated every three years. This renewal process requires completing continuing education courses to stay updated with industry standards and regulations. The CE Shop, a reputable provider, offers packages tailored to fulfill the required 30-hour course. These packages, priced between $189 and $265, encompass a comprehensive curriculum designed to enhance agents' knowledge and skills in various aspects of real estate. From legal updates to market trends, these real estate courses ensure agents remain well-equipped to navigate the dynamic landscape of the real estate industry. 

By investing in continuing education, agents uphold their commitment to professionalism and maintain good reputation, ensuring they stay current on industry developments and maintain their licensure in compliance with state regulations. With the continuing education completed, agents may apply for the renewal and submit the $182 salesperson renewal fee.

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Pros & Cons Of Becoming A Real Estate Agent In Ohio

Learning how to become a real estate agent in Ohio can be a great career choice. However, before leaping, you must understand what you are getting into. As a result, we’ve curated a comprehensive list of the industry’s pros and cons to help you make an informed career choice.    

Benefits Of Becoming A Real Estate Agent In Ohio

Learning how to become a real estate agent in Ohio coincides with many benefits, including: 

• Lucrative Profit Potential: Real estate agents can earn commissions of up to 3% (or more) of the property's sale price, presenting a pathway to significant financial rewards, especially in markets witnessing sustained property value appreciation. 

• Fulfilling Role In Realizing Dreams: Beyond financial gain, a career in real estate enables agents to empower clients through expert guidance when buying or selling a home. This guidance can save clients money, optimize their profits, and ultimately fulfill their homeownership aspirations.

• Flexibility & Independence: While new agents begin under the mentorship of a sponsoring broker, they enjoy a considerable degree of flexibility and independence in managing their schedules. Although the profession demands dedication with occasional irregular hours, it generally provides greater control over work hours compared to traditional 9-to-5 jobs.

• Networking Opportunities: The real estate sector thrives on a dynamic network of professionals, facilitating connections among agents, mortgage brokers, and other industry stakeholders. Cultivating these relationships proves indispensable for career growth and sustained success in the field.

• Gateway To Wholesaling & Flipping Opportunities: Learning how to become a real estate agent in Ohio coincides with amassing a significant amount of knowledge pertaining to the local market. As a result, many real estate professionals use the skills they acquire from this process to learn how to wholesale real estate in Ohio or how to flip houses in Ohio.

Read Also: Is Being A Real Estate Agent Worth It? 10 Pros & Cons To Consider

Drawbacks Of Becoming A Real Estate Agent In Ohio

Learning how to become a real estate agent in Ohio comes with many drawbacks, including:

• Income Uncertainty: Anyone who has ever learned how to become a real estate agent in Ohio undoubtedly knows how these professionals make their money. That said, commissions are less predictable than traditional paychecks; their sporadic nature suggests real estate agents must budget differently than those with conventional careers.

• Intense Competition: Ohio’s promising real estate market has attracted a lot of real estate professionals to the industry with the hopes of making a lucrative living. As a result, however, there are a lot of real estate agents in the state, which increases competition over listings.

• Lack Of Employee Benefits: Unlike conventional employment arrangements, most real estate agents in Ohio do not receive benefits packages, such as health insurance or retirement plans. Consequently, agents must independently plan and manage these critical aspects of their financial well-being. 

• Irregular Work Hours: Real estate agents frequently adjust their schedules to meet the needs of their clients, which may entail working evenings, weekends, and irregular hours to accommodate various closing timelines and client availability. This flexibility in scheduling is essential for agents to effectively serve their clients and ensure smooth transactions in the real estate market. 

• Upfront Costs & Fees: Beginning a real estate career in Ohio entails upfront expenses related to pre-licensing education, application fees, and other licensing-related costs. These initial investments are crucial steps in becoming a licensed real estate agent

Ohio Real Estate Agent FAQ

Starting a career in real estate can be rewarding, but it also comes with its share of questions and uncertainties. In this section, we address aspiring agents' most common queries about becoming a real estate agent in Ohio.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Real Estate Salesperson License In Ohio?

The timeline for obtaining a real estate salesperson license in Ohio varies greatly depending on individual circumstances. While there's no fixed timetable, aspiring agents typically take anywhere from a few months to around six months to complete the requirements. This duration is influenced by factors such as the individual's level of motivation and dedication and the pace at which they navigate through the licensing process. The 120-hour pre-licensing course is a steadfast requirement, so soon-to-be agents have at least one objective number to factor into their timetable.

How Much Does It Cost To Become A Real Estate Agent In Ohio?

Becoming a real estate agent in Ohio involves several expenses. Firstly, there's the background check fee, which typically amounts to $18. Additionally, prospective agents must complete pre-licensing coursework ranging from $1,499 to $1,795. Upon completion of the coursework, there's an $81 fee for the state exam application. After obtaining the license, agents must attend renewal classes every three years, costing between $189 and $265, and a renewal application fee of $182 every three years. Altogether, aspiring agents should budget approximately $1,969 to $2,248 (depending on personal preferences) for these expenses.

How Much Do Real Estate Agents In Ohio Make?

Various factors, such as experience, location, and market conditions, play pivotal roles in shaping the earning potential of real estate agents in Ohio. Assuming agents make somewhere in the neighborhood of 2.5% to 3% of the total sales price of a home, and the median home value in Ohio is $213,323, it’s safe to assume the average real estate agent makes about $5,333.08 to $6,399.69 in commissions on every deal. To be clear, these are just averages; actual earnings will vary from person to person and deal to deal.

Experienced agents with robust networks and clientele often command higher incomes. Nevertheless, newcomers should anticipate potential earnings fluctuations during the initial stages of their careers. This simplified overview underscores the income opportunities available to aspiring real estate agents in Ohio while highlighting the significance of comprehending the multifaceted factors influencing individual success.

Final Thoughts On How To Become A Real Estate Agent In Ohio

Learning how to become a real estate agent in Ohio presents an accessible gateway to the local housing sector. While the path may appear daunting initially, with dedication and access to appropriate resources, individuals from various backgrounds can successfully navigate it. This comprehensive guide simplifies the process, delineating the five essential steps aspiring agents must undertake to realize their potential and forge a prosperous career in Ohio's flourishing real estate market.

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