Being a real estate agent can be both fun and profitable. But there are certain steps you need to go through to embark on the career.
An aspiring Iowa real estate agent has a list of requirements to meet. Take a look at what it takes to get a license and start selling homes in Iowa.
Iowa Professional Real Estate License: Foundational Criteria For Gaining a Real Estate License
So, what do you need to become a real estate agent in Iowa? Although the requirements are somewhat similar, they do vary by state.
Here’s what Iowa requires of their real estate agents:
- Be 18 or older
- Assigned to a licensed broker or form
- Take a pre-license 60-hour real estate license course
- No application for a real estate license is declined within 12 months of the date of application
- 12 hours each of Buying Practices, Listing Practices, and Developing Professionalism and Ethical Practices
- No license for real estate revoked within 2 years of the day of application
- Pass the Iowa licensing exam
- Fill out and submit the application form
- Complete a background check
Age and Fundamental Academic Necessities
In Iowa, all real estate agents need to be 18 or older. However, it’s possible to sit for the exam before turning 18.
Keep in mind that applicants need to apply for a license within 6 months of taking the exam. Because of this rule, individuals under the age of 18 need to time their exam and application carefully.
Compulsory Training Hours for Licensing
This state requires a 60-hour pre-licensing training course. In the course, students learn about the many rules and regulations in the industry.
There’s also extra coursework that includes 12 hours of buying practices classes, 12 hours of listing practices, and 12 hours of professionalism and ethics. If you fail to complete the necessary hours, you won’t qualify for a license.
Before signing up for a course, make sure it’s approved by the Iowa Real Estate Commission.1
Expenditure on Pre-licensing Education for Real Estate
The course for real estate classes in Iowa varies by organization. Depending on the company selling the course, expect to pay around $450-$600.
The additional coursework also comes at an added cost. Classes range from $30 to $100 per class and can be as short as a few hours or as long as a full day.
Prerequisite Real Estate Background Verification
Because real estate agents often deal with sensitive information, the state of Iowa requires background checks on their agents. The process can take between eight and 10 weeks.
To apply for the background check, create an account on My Iowa PLB. Then, fill out a request for the real estate agent background check packet.
The packet consists of a fingerprint card and waiver. Although there’s no fee for the packet up front, the Iowa Real Estate Commission takes a $51 fee upon submission.
The Real Estate Commission looks at charges that show moral turpitude and denies licenses based on those crimes. Some examples of these charges include forgery, embezzlement, and extortion.
Do You Need a High School Diploma To Be a Real Estate Agent?
No, Iowa does not require real estate agents to have a high school diploma. Some other states do require this.
Can You Specialize in Being a Buyer’s Agent?
Yes. If you’re wondering how to become a buyer’s agent, it’s simple. Go through the process of being a real estate agent, and then focus on marketing yourself to buyers.
Why Do I Need a Real Estate Agent?
Real estate agents protect the buyer or seller and assist with the complex process.
What’s the Truth About Being a Real Estate Agent?
In reality, being a real estate agent can be both challenging and rewarding. Because there’s always a demand for housing, there’s always a need for real estate agents.2
How Old Should You Be To Qualify as a Real Estate Agent?
In Iowa, agents need to be 18 or older. They can sit for the exam earlier, but cannot receive a license until they turn 18.
Do Real Estate License Requirements by State?
Every state has its own requirements for becoming a real estate agent. If you’re not in Iowa, there’s a different process for becoming licensed.
References
1Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing. (2023). Real Estate Sales & Brokers. Official State of Iowa Website. Retrieved October 26, 2023, from <https://plb.iowa.gov/board/real-estate-sales-brokers>
2Hurst, J. (2017, November 22). Benefits of a Real Estate Career. University of Denver. Retrieved October 26, 2023, from <https://career.du.edu/blog/2017/11/22/benefits-of-a-real-estate-career/>