Getting a real estate license in Pennsylvania is a relatively straightforward process, but it’s important to understand the specific steps involved and the requirements you must meet. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from completing your pre-licensing education to passing the state exam and finding a sponsoring broker.
Eligibility Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Complete 75 hours of approved real estate education
- Pass the Pennsylvania and national real estate licensing exams
- Find a sponsoring broker
- Apply for your Pennsylvania real estate license
How to Get a Real Estate License in Pennsylvania
1. Complete the required education
You must complete 75 hours of approved real estate education from an accredited college or university, or from an approved real estate education provider.
Once you have chosen a provider, you will need to complete the following courses:
- Real Estate Principles and Practices (30 hours)
- Real Estate Law (15 hours)
- Real Estate Finance (15 hours)
- Real Estate Brokerage (15 hours)
You must pass all four courses with a score of 75% or higher in order to complete the education requirements.
2. Pass the real estate licensing exams
You must pass both the state and national portions of the real estate licensing exam. You can register for the exams through Pearson VUE.
3. Find a sponsoring broker
Once you have passed the exams, you must find a sponsoring broker to work with. A sponsoring broker is a licensed real estate broker who will supervise your work and provide you with training and support.
4. Apply for your real estate license
You can apply for your real estate license online through the Pennsylvania State Licensing System (PALS). The application fee is $97, plus a $10 real estate recovery fund fee if you have never held another Pennsylvania real estate license.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in PA?
The amount of time it takes to get a real estate license in Pennsylvania varies depending on how quickly you can complete the required steps. Most people are able to complete the process within four months.
Here is a breakdown of the steps involved and the approximate amount of time each step takes:
- Complete 75 hours of pre-licensing education (2-4 weeks)
- Pass the real estate salesperson exam (4-6 weeks)
- Find a sponsoring broker (1-2 weeks)
- Apply for your real estate license (1-2 weeks)
Once you have submitted your application, the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission will review it and process it. This process can take up to two weeks. Once your application has been approved, you will be issued your real estate license.
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in PA?
Yes, the cost of getting a real estate license in Pennsylvania is approximately $580. This includes the following costs:
- Pre-licensing education: $300-$650
- Exam fee: $49
- Application & licensure fees: $107
- Fingerprinting fee: $22
Additional costs may include:
- Exam preparation materials: $50-$100
- Real estate association membership: $100-$200
- Multiple listing service (MLS) fees: $200-$500 per year
- Marketing and advertising costs: variable
It is important to note that these costs are estimates and may vary depending on the specific pre-licensing education course you choose, the exam preparation materials you use, and your real estate association membership.
Conclusion
Getting a real estate license in Pennsylvania is a great way to start a rewarding career in the real estate industry. With hard work and dedication, you can build a successful business and help people buy and sell their homes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to get a real estate license in PA?
It typically takes 3-6 months to get a real estate license in PA. This includes the time it takes to complete the required education, pass the licensing exams, and find a sponsoring broker.
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in PA?
The total cost to get a real estate license in PA varies depending on the cost of your pre-licensing education, the cost of the licensing exams, and any other associated fees. However, you can expect to pay around $1,000-$2,000 in total.
Is it hard to get a real estate license in PA?
The real estate licensing exam in PA is challenging, but it is passable with adequate preparation. The pass rate for the first-time exam takers is around 50%.
What are the requirements for a real estate license in PA?
To qualify for a real estate license in PA, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Complete 75 hours of approved pre-licensing education
- Pass the Pennsylvania Real Estate Salesperson Exam
- Find a sponsoring broker
How long is the PA real estate course?
The PA real estate course is 75 hours long and covers a variety of topics related to real estate, including:
- Real estate law
- Real estate principles and practices
- Real estate finance
- Real estate appraisal
- Real estate ethics
Is real estate good in PA?
The Pennsylvania real estate market is relatively strong, with low unemployment and a growing population. The average home price in PA is around $250,000.
Is Pennsylvania cheap to live?
The cost of living in Pennsylvania is below the national average. For example, the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in PA is around $1,200 per month, compared to the national average of $1,800 per month.
What states accept PA real estate license?
Pennsylvania has reciprocal license agreements with 41 other states, meaning that you can transfer your PA real estate license to any of these states without having to take the licensing exam again.
