When you want to learn how to get your real estate license in West Virginia, you need the right steps. Entering a career in real estate can be very rewarding. This is one of the best career choices if you don’t want to complete a college degree.
While you won’t need a college degree to become a real estate agent, you will need the right license. Getting your real estate license in West Virginia is the first step. Let’s look at the steps you will need to follow.
How To Get Your Real Estate License in West Virginia in 7 Steps
Step #1 – Meet the Basic Requirements
You will need to be able to work legally in the United States as a citizen or lawfully admitted alien. It’s also necessary to be at least 18 years of age and have your high school diploma or GED. As long as you meet these basic requirements, you can enter the process to get your real estate license in West Virginia.
Step #2 – Complete the Pre-licensing Education
You will need to complete a 90-hour pre-licensing course before you can get your real estate license. This course is split into four different sections, which are:
- Real Estate Principles and Practice (30 hours)
- Real Estate Finance (20 hours)
- Real Estate Appraisal (20 hours)
- Real Estate Law (20 hours)
These courses can all be completed online from the comfort of your home. There are several good real estate schools that offer self-paced and Livestream online versions of the courses. If you prefer to work on your pre-licensing education from home, all you need is a good online real estate school.
It’s common to find providers of pre-licensing education that offer even more. You can get good exam prep materials to help you prepare for the real estate test, as well. With the right package, you will have everything you need to pass the exam.
Step #3 – Complete the Background Check
The next step in the process to get your real estate license in West Virginia is the background check. You will need to get your fingerprints taken and complete the application. This has to be done before you can take the real estate exam.
You will need to use IdentoGO to schedule your appointment for the fingerprinting. It’s also necessary to complete the application for the background check.
You will pay a $45.75 fee to have your fingerprints taken. Once you turn in the fingerprints, the background check process will begin. The West Virginia Real Estate Commission will review the background report to make sure you’re eligible. You may be contacted during this process if more information is necessary.
If you have things that will show up on your background check, you may not be eligible to get a real estate license. These cases are handled on a case-by-case basis. You may have to submit additional documents related to the findings.
Step #4 – Pass the Real Estate Exam in West Virginia
The next step in the process is passing the exam. Before you sit for the West Virginia real estate exam, make sure you’re prepared. A good exam prep course can help you gain confidence and prepare properly for the exam.
You will need to submit an application with all the required documentation and a $25 fee to the West Virginia Real Estate Commission. They will notify you when you become eligible to take the exam.
The real estate exam in West Virginia will cost $96 per attempt. If you don’t pass, you will have to pay this fee for every retake exam.
The exam will have 150 questions with 100 on the national section and 50 on the state section. It’s necessary to get 70 questions correct on the national section and 38 on the state section to pass the exam.
Once you pass both sections of the exam, you can apply for your real estate license in West Virginia. If you don’t pass, you will Virginia need to retake the exam until you do pass.
Step #5 – Complete the Application
Once you pass the exam, you will need to apply for your real estate license. This is done by completing and notarizing the license application letter found on page 13 of the WV Real Estate Commission Candidate Handbook. It’s also necessary to send in your original examination certificate from PSI. A $75 fee will also need to be submitted with your application.
Step #6 – Review of Your Application
At this point, all you need to do is wait for the West Virginia Real Estate Commission to approve your application. This can take three to five business days. Once you’re approved, you will get an email with your license document.
Step #7 – Gain Sponsorship
You will need to have a sponsoring broker once you get your real estate license. There is a form in the Candidate Information Handbook that will need to be signed by your broker. If you don’t have a broker, it’s necessary to find one as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Your Real Estate License in West Virginia
What does an average real estate agent earn in one year in West Virginia?
Real estate agents in West Virginia are paid on 100% commission, in most cases. Your earnings will depend on how many people you help buy or sell a home. Often, you will earn a 1% to 3% commission on each transaction, based on the agreement with your broker.
The average yearly earning in West Virginia for real estate agents is about $75K, according to Indeed.com. Top agents can earn more than $100K per year. It’s also possible to earn more with more experience.
ZipRecruiter.com has a bit higher of an average yearly earning at about $77K per year. They put the range at about $12K to $143K per year for real estate agents.
How long will it take me to get my real estate license in West Virginia?
The most time-consuming step in the process to get your real estate license in West Virginia is the pre-licensing education. This will take a minimum of three weeks to complete. Most students will need two or three months to complete this education.
Along with the pre-licensing course, you will need to go through the background check. This may take a week or two to complete.
As long as things go smoothly, you can get your real estate license in West Virginia in about five or six weeks. However, it’s more common for students to take three to five months to get their real estate license.
What is the cost to become a real estate agent in West Virginia?
Getting your real estate license in West Virginia will cost $241 in fees. If you don’t pass the exam the first time, you will pay another $96 per retake. You will also need to spend between $350 and $700 for pre-licensing courses.
You can expect to spend between $591 and $941 to get your real estate license in West Virginia.
How difficult is the real estate exam in West Virginia?
The exam has a 70% passing rate for the national section and a 75% passing rate for the state section. It’s not easy and you should be well-prepared to take this exam. If you’re not prepared, you may have to retake the exam, which will cost you time and money.
Will I need to renew my West Virginia real estate license?
Yes, every year on June 30th, your license will expire in West Virginia. A renewal application and renewal fee need to be submitted no later than June 15th. If your license expires, you will not be able to continue to work as a real estate professional. You will also incur late fees.
The fee for license renewal is $75 for salesperson licenses and $150 for broker licenses. Late fees can range from $50 to $100, depending on how late you submit your renewal. If you fail to renew, you will have to retake the real estate exam.
Along with the fees, you will have to complete at least seven hours of continuing education courses every year. This must be done through an approved real estate school. Most courses can be completed online.
In some cases, the West Virginia Real Estate Commission may issue a real estate license good for more than one year. They may issue a license good for two years, but this is rare.
If you want to work in the real estate industry in West Virginia, you will need to get the proper license. It takes some time and effort to make this happen. With the right education and paying the correct fees, you will be able to get your real estate license in West Virginia.
Those looking to go into a career in real estate will need to go through these steps. Start by making sure you meet the minimum requirements. Then, follow the steps to get your real estate license.
