If you’re a prospective real estate agent in Pennsylvania, you may have heard about the state’s background check requirement. It’s a pretty big deal, but it doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might think.
Getting a real estate license in Pennsylvania can help you provide your clients with an experience they’ll be happy with. It also allows you to make money in a career that offers the chance to help people buy and sell homes.
What to Expect
If you are applying for a salesperson license in Pennsylvania, you may receive a letter asking you to complete a background check. You can order a background check online for a fee, and results are usually available within four business days.
If there are any criminal convictions on your report, the real estate commission might not grant you a license. If you have a past criminal record, it is best to let the commission know as soon as possible so they can take any necessary action.
Once you pass the real estate exam and have all of your documents ready, you can submit your application to the real estate commission. The application requires verification of your exam passage (supplied by the testing company), a transcript from your school, a criminal history check, and an application fee.
Pennsylvania requires that future agents complete 75 hours of pre-licensing coursework before sitting for their exam. These courses are divided into two sections: 30 hours of fundamentals and 45 hours of practice. Many private schools, community colleges, and public universities offer these courses in classroom, home study, and online formats.
How to Prepare
Before applying for your license, you must have a criminal background check and fingerprints done. The Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission (PREC) requires these steps to ensure you are honest, trustworthy, and competent to work in the real estate industry.
A criminal history record check, or CHRC, will include a background investigation, which will look at any arrests and other convictions. It may also include an FBI identity history summary check.
In addition to this, you must provide two forms of identification containing your photograph and signature. This can be a driver’s license, state ID, passport, military ID, or any other government-issued document.
You must also take the real estate exam. This exam is split into national and state portions, and you will need to pass both in order to qualify for licensure. The state portion is 30 questions, and the national portion is 80 questions.
How to Respond
If you are a real estate salesperson in Pennsylvania, you must pass a background check. This is done to ensure you are not a danger to yourself or your customers and to keep the public safe.
Many different issues can affect your real estate license. One of the most common is a criminal charge, such as a DUI.
In addition, some other rules and regulations apply to real estate transactions. Allegations of breaking these laws can have a devastating effect on your career.
A Pennsylvania Real Estate License Attorney can help you respond to any allegations of wrongdoing and defend your license. Attorney Peters has over 20 years of experience representing real estate professionals and can help you protect your livelihood and your future.
Can a Felon Get a Real Estate License Even If You Have a Felony on Your Record?
Applicants for real estate licenses often wonder if they will be able to get a license even if they have a felony on their record. It can be a frustrating process, but many states allow felons to pursue a license with restrictions or extra processes.
Pennsylvania does not pre-review criminal history applications; instead, you must disclose your past criminal activity when you submit your application. You must also provide the required supporting documentation before your application can be reviewed.
If you have a prior conviction on your record, you may be unable to obtain a real estate license in Pennsylvania. This is a bad situation because becoming a licensed real estate agent requires pre-licensing education, passing a state exam, and a background check.
In some cases, you can have your convictions removed from your criminal history records by applying for a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities or a Certificate of Good Conduct. The certificates are granted by the governor and can restore many of your rights.
Some of the most common types of crimes that disqualify you from obtaining a real estate license include
- Fraud and forgery
- Money laundering
- Drug possession
These offenses can be very serious, and most states will want to see that you have a strong work history and a good recommendation from a former employer before they give you a license.
The commission typically focuses its attention on the dates of conviction, the nature of the offense, whether the crime is related to the practice of real estate, and any other factors that relate to your qualifications to be a real estate professional. If you have a previous conviction that is related to the practice of real estate, you must explain this in detail on your application.
A felony can have a long-term impact on your ability to acquire a real estate license in Pennsylvania. The commission may not approve your license until after you have completed a number of years of probation, parole, or post-release supervision.
It is important to note that there are several exceptions to this rule. The exceptions include those who have pled nolo contendere or been found not guilty of the felony.
Another exception to the felony conviction bar is those who have had their convictions erased by a pardon from the governor. However, this is not a permanent solution, and it can be difficult to get a pardon.
Lastly, you will need to complete a criminal history report from the Pennsylvania state police before your application can be submitted. This will require you to pay a fee and allow the agency to run a criminal background check on you.
Most of these checks will take 10-12 weeks. If you have any felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions within the last five years, you may not be approved for your real estate license. You will also need to answer a series of questions about your character and other personal details.
