How to Stay Compliant When Selling Real Estate
So, you want to get into real estate, but you’re not sure where to start. Many people wonder if it is legal to sell real estate without a license. While it may be tempting, it is not advised to sell real estate without a license, unless you are strictly selling property you personally own. In this article, we’ll discuss the requirements for selling real estate in North Carolina, as well as educational requirements for those seeking to pursue a career in real estate. Continue reading to learn more about the ins and outs of the real estate industry.
Who Needs a Real Estate License?
In North Carolina, anyone who lists, leases, buys, exchanges, negotiates or sells real estate for others, for compensation, must have a real estate license. Licenses are required to protect consumers and ensure that transactions adhere to state regulation. Real estate agents, brokers, property managers, and real estate developers typically need a license to pursue their field of work. However, if you seek to sell your own personal real estate, you are not required to have a license in the state of North Carolina. If you’d like to pursue real estate full time, part time, or as a side hustle, it’s recommended that you obtain a license.
Benefits of Having a Real Estate License
Having a real estate license comes with many benefits. Besides being able to legally sell real estate, having a license also enables individuals to maintain compliance with local and state laws, enhances credibility, and provides expanded opportunities. Selling real estate for others without proper licensure can lead to serious consequences, including penalties, fines, and damage to one’s reputation. By obtaining licensure, individuals can instantly boost their credibility and gain access to a broader range of opportunities such as networking events. In short, obtaining a real estate license is worth it if you are considering selling real estate in any capacity.
Obtaining a Real Estate License Online
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in real estate in, but you don’t have a very flexible schedule, don’t fret! At Sea Coast Academy, we offer online real estate licensing courses for those seeking licensure in North Carolina and South Carolina. Our self-paced online courses work with even the busiest of schedules, making your dream career in real estate more accessible than ever. The roadmap to becoming a real estate professional may be more streamlined than you think. Here’s what you need to do:
– Enroll in Pre-licensing Courses
Taking pre-licensing courses is the first step you need to take in your real estate journey. These courses help prepare aspiring real estate professionals for the state licensure exam. The pre-licensing courses also provide students with a wealth of knowledge about the real estate industry. Many states require that you take pre-licensing courses before taking the state exam, so make sure to check the requirements in your area.
– Pass the State Exam
After taking the pre-licensing courses, you should be feeling ready to take the state exam. The state exam covers all the material you learned in pre-licensing courses. This exam gives aspiring real estate professionals a chance to showcase their knowledge and prove that they are ready to enter the field. Once you’ve passed the state exam, you will be issued your real estate license! But there are still things to learn, so don’t stop your real estate education just yet.
– Enroll in Post-licensing Courses
Congratulations! You’ve passed the state exam and been issued your real estate license. Now you can enroll in post-licensing courses to sharpen your skills and learn more about real estate regulations, state laws, and best practices for serving your future clients. Many states, including North Carolina and South Carolina, require newly licensed individuals to take a certain number of post-licensing courses to maintain their license, so make sure to check with your state regulations.
– Maintain Licensure with CE Courses
Once you’ve completed pre-licensing courses, post-licensing courses, and passed the state exam, the only thing you’ll need to do to maintain your license is taking continuing education courses. The good news is that Sea Coast Academy also offers online continuing education courses, so busy real estate professionals don’t have to rearrange their schedule to attend in-person classes.
Are you looking to get started in real estate? Contact us today to learn how Sea Coast Academy can bring your dream real estate career to life!