If you want to become a real estate agent in Arkansas, you are probably wondering what steps you should take to reach your goal. Working as a real estate agent comes with many benefits you might not have considered. You have to follow the right steps and complete the examination before moving forward and reaching your goals.
When you want to become a real estate agent, you find a good school and study so that you can begin your dream career. Nothing compares to the feeling of working toward your goals and finally reaching the outcome you had in mind, and you will be thrilled when you see what you can do as a real estate agent. Let’s explore the requirements and steps you must take to get your career on track.
Benefits of Working as a Real Estate Agent
Working in real estate comes with plenty of benefits you don’t want to overlook:
- Set Your Own Hours
- Unlimited Income Potential
- Be Your Own Boss
Working as a real estate agent means you get to set your own hours. If you want to have certain days off, you won’t have to go through a boss to do it. You never have to worry about working on days you don’t want to work because you control your schedule. Working as a real estate agent also gives you unlimited income potential.
You can work as much as you want, and your income depends on your effort. You can put in more hours or focus on homes that offer higher commissions when you want extra money. It’s rare to find a career that gives you that much control over your earnings. The other benefit is that real estate agents are their own boss.
Downsides of Working as a Real Estate Agent
Being a real estate agent comes with a few downsides you might want to consider. Although you can set your own hours, it’s easy to overwork if you are not careful. Without a set schedule, you could end up working more than you otherwise would have. Working too many hours leads to burn out and makes it hard to enjoy what you do. You don’t want to fall into that trap.
Keep in mind that these downsides should not stop you from chasing your dream. If you are serious about becoming a real estate agent, you can still enjoy the benefits while reducing the downsides. For example, you can commit to working set hours if you don’t want to work too much.
You can also save money so that you don’t go broke during slow periods. Slow periods hurt many real estate agents because they don’t plan for them. Remember, real estate agents who plan for those times will have no trouble making it through them, and you will know you did the right thing when you see the outcome.
Real Estate Requirements
You have looked at the pros and cons of being a real estate agent, and it’s now time to explore some of the requirements. You don’t want to work toward your new career and later find out that you don’t meet all the requirements. You must be at least 18 years old to be a real estate agent in the state. However, you can begin taking classes before you are 18 if you want to get your career started early.
You must pass a 60-hour class that shows you everything you need to know about launching your real estate career. After taking your class, you must take and pass the state examination to become a real estate professional. In addition to the other requirements, you must also pass a background check before working in the industry.
Background Check
You have to pass a background check to work as a real estate agent in Arkansas. If you have a few minor crimes on your record, that should not be enough to stop you from working in the field. Consider some of these crimes that could disqualify you from working as a real estate agent:
- Murder
- Kidnapping
- Sexual Extortion
- Rape
Other serious crimes can also prevent you from working in this industry. The state puts these restrictions in place because real estate agents show homes and work closely with prospective clients. Do your best to keep a clean record if you want to work as a real estate agent.
Criminal History Exceptions
If you have a disqualifying offense on your criminal record and still want to be a real estate agent, you might be able to get a waiver that makes an exception for you. To get a waiver, you have to meet one of the requirements that let you become an agent despite your past criminal record.
The age at which you committed the offense is a factor that could let you move forward. Also, the amount of time since you committed the offense is an important consideration. If you committed the offense a while ago and have since shown an ongoing effort to improve yourself, you could have a shot at getting your Arkansas real estate license.
Speak with the instructor at your real estate school to find out if your criminal history could get in the way of your career. If you don’t know if you qualify for a waiver, try getting one before investing time and money into the process. You will be thrilled with the results and know you made the smart move for your bottom line.
Arkansas Real Estate Course
Take an Arkansas real estate course so that you can get your license and begin your career. Your course should go over everything you need to know to begin, and you will learn about real estate law. The course should also cover different situations and how you should handle them, but don’t forget to study ethics and how they relate to your desired field. Your course should have test exams that let you know what to expect.
Arkansas Real Estate School Considerations
Keeping a few considerations in mind is important if you want to choose the right school for you. Look for schools that fit your budget if you don’t want to overspend. When choosing a school, look for one close to you, and you won’t need to travel far. Find out when classes are available and whether they fit your schedule. If you want the best possible results, see if online classes meet your needs.
Final Thoughts
Getting into real estate is not as hard as some people think. This career has many opportunities and benefits you don’t want to overlook. You need to pass a background check, go to school, and pass the test to start this career. You will soon be on your way to a rewarding career that challenges you and has unlimited income generation potential.
Working as a real estate agent is fun for those who are right for the industry. When you work your first day as a real estate agent, you will know you made the best move for your future and earning potential. You might not make a lot when you first begin, but your earnings increase with your experience.
You must learn how to be a good salesperson and interact with prospective buyers to get the most from your effort. If you consider all these tips and move forward with your needs in mind, you should have no trouble reaching your goals.
