When you want to become a real estate agent or broker, the first step is becoming licensed. This means you have to learn how to get your real estate license in Delaware. The process is pretty simple, but it will take some work.
You cannot just apply and get your license. Instead, you will have to meet the correct requirements, get the right education, and pass the exam. Let’s look at the steps it will take to get your real estate license in Delaware.
How To Get Your Real Estate License in Delaware in 6 Steps
Step #1 – Meet the Basic Requirements
Before you go any further with the steps to get your real estate license in Delaware, you must meet the basic requirements. There are only two:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be a citizen of the United States or legally able to work in the United States
As long as you meet these two requirements, you can start your pre-licensing course in Delaware.
Step #2 – Complete the Pre-Licensing Course
You are required to complete a 99-hour pre-licensing course in Delaware to get a real estate license. This course is non-negotiable and has to be completed before you can move on to the next step.
The good news, you can take the entire course online, from the comfort of your home. There are many good online real estate schools in Delaware to choose from. Some even provide exam prep materials you can use to better prepare for the real estate exam.
While this course can be completed in as little as three weeks, you can work at your own pace. There are options to take the course online or in person. You can use a self-paced option or an option with a set schedule.
Once you complete the course, you can schedule an appointment to take the Delaware Real Estate Exam. The exam will cost $85 per attempt, so make sure you’re ready for it before you take it.
Step #3 – Pass the Delaware Real Estate Exam
You will need to pass the Delaware real estate exam next. This is a vital step as it’s necessary if you want to get your real estate license. A passing score means you got at least 56 questions correct on the national section and at least 28 questions correct on the state section.
The Delaware real estate exam has a passing rate of about 70%. It’s difficult on purpose and you want to make sure you’re properly prepared before taking it. Once you’re ready, you can register for the exam on the Pearson Vue Delaware Website.
The exam will cover the following topics:
- Property appraisal and value
- Real estate practice
- Real estate math calculations
- Finance and settlement
- Real property characteristics, ownership, transfer, restrictions, and definitions
- Forms of transfer, ownership, and recording of title
- Real estate agency and contracts
- Property disclosures
- Environmental issues
You will also take the state portion, which will cover duties and power of the real estate commissions, licensing requirements, and more.
Step #4 – Complete the Application Process
The next step in the process to get your Delaware real estate license is to complete the application. You will need to pay a $131 application fee and create a DELPROS account. This account will be your online account for uploading documents for your application.
Any documents that require a notary, signature, or seal will also need to be mailed to the Board office. This is the case unless a document instruction specifically tells you to upload the document. Once documents are received in the main, they will be attached or scanned into your records.
Along with the application fee, you will pay a $25 Guaranty Fund fee. You will need to submit all fees, your application, and the following:
- A certificate proving you completed the 99-hour Delaware pre-licensing course
- The score from your passed real estate exam
- A Statement of Broker of Record showing the office you will work in and a signature from the broker
- A copy of any name change documents, if your name is different on your application compared to any documents you submit
All of these items need to be uploaded or submitted properly with your application.
Step #5 – Application Review
You will go through an application review process at this point. It will take three to five business days to complete this process. Once you have been approved, you can print your real estate license from your DELPROS account online.
Step #6 – Gain Sponsorship
You cannot be fully licensed in Delaware without being sponsored by an active Delaware sponsoring broker. Your broker will need to complete and sign the Broker of Record form, which goes with your application. Make sure you have sponsorship or you won’t be able to become fully licensed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Your Real Estate License in Delaware
What is the average salary for a real estate agent in Delaware?
The average salary in Delaware for a real estate agent can vary quite a bit. Most real estate agents are paid on commission. While some may have a very small salary, it’s more common that they will get paid 100% commissions.
Indeed.com puts the average earning for a real estate agent in Delaware at about $76K per year. Many agents working for top firms will earn well over $100K per year, however. You can also earn more with more experience.
ZipRecruiter.com has a similar average salary of about $77K. They put the range of pay at about $12K to $141K per year. The lower end may include part-time agents, however.
Will I need to go to college to become a real estate agent in Delaware?
No, you don’t need any type of college degree to become a real estate agent. You will only need a high school diploma or GED to start the pre-licensing education. It is smart to gain even more training, however, especially if you want to go on to become a broker.
How long will it take me to get my Delaware real estate license?
The process to get your license hinges mainly on how fast you can complete the pre-licensing education. If this takes you a few months to complete, it will delay the rest of the process. The application process should only take a week or two.
While you can certainly finish the pre-licensing education in three weeks, most people don’t. It’s common to take two or three months to complete the entire licensing process. However, it can take up to six months for some.
How much will it cost me to become a real estate agent in Delaware?
The fees for your real estate license in Delaware will cost $241. This covers everything except for the pre-licensing education. Your pre-licensing education will run about $800 to $1,000, depending on the option you choose and the provider.
The total cost you will pay to get your real estate license in Delaware will range from about $1,041 to $1,241. This doesn’t include association dues or MLS fees, which are often necessary when you become an agent.
What will the real estate exam in Delaware include?
The exam will last up to four hours and will consist of 120 questions. You will complete 80 questions on the national section and 40 questions on the state section. It’s necessary to get 56 correct on the national section and 28 correct on the state section to pass the exam.
Is the real estate exam in Delaware difficult?
Yes, it’s difficult and it’s meant to be difficult. If it were easy, you won’t have to gain the necessary knowledge to help buyers and sellers with a very large financial transaction. Many people will fail the exam on their first attempt.
With a good exam prep course, you can avoid this fate. If you want to make sure you don’t have to pay to retake the exam, get a good exam prep course.
Will I need to renew my Delaware real estate license?
Yes, you will need to renew your license by completing the necessary continuing education courses and paying a renewal fee. This must be done every two years before your license expires.
You will need to complete between 6 and 21 continuing education credits, depending on when you got your license for the first renewal. After the first renewal, you will need to complete 21 hours of approved continuing education courses every two years. Of course, every single time you renew, you will pay a renewal fee.
If you want to work in the real estate industry in Delaware, you will need the proper license. Getting your real estate license in Delaware will require some work on your part. It can take a few months to complete all of the steps.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can get your license. These steps will help you start a new career in an exciting and growing industry.
