Introduction

Getting started in Real Estate is a relatively simple process. However, there is a right way and wrong way to get started. First, there are the basics associated with acquiring a license. Following that there is a period of training beyond what the state requires. Next, a successful agent will build the business required to succeed. Lastly, continued follow up and hard work will build business into the future.

Florida Real Estate License

The process of acquiring a Florida Real Estate License is well documented and relatively straight forward. The State of Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation and, more specifically, the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) define the requirements.

Prior to anything else, an applicant should complete the required application and submit fingerprints as required by FREC. The process is relatively straightforward. However, it can be time consuming so it is important to complete the application upfront.

An applicant must complete a 63-hour pre-licensing course which is approved by FREC. There are several in the Volusia/Flagler Area. The most well known is Bob Fritze’s School of Real Estate which is available directly on US-1 in Holly Hill. Another option is Climer Real Estate in the Orlando area. Either school requires 63 hours of classroom attendance which is offered in a variety of formats including full days for seven straight days, evening only classes, or a few days each week for several weeks. Following the class there is a test administered at the real estate school. This test will cover material discussed during the course and is relatively straight forward.

Following the successful completion of the class and approval of the application, the applicant must take a state administered exam. This test is much more difficult and recently has an approximately 50% pass rate. Many applicants must take the exam more than once. It is highly suggested that everyone prepares thoroughly for this test.

Once the test has been successfully completed, a licensee must sign on with a brokerage. The license is considered inactive until it is activated with the approval of a real estate broker. The activation can either be done online by the broker or through the use of a form sent to FREC.

Lastly, there is a post licensing class that must be completed within the first two years. The post licensing class is 45 hours and is available through most of the schools that offer pre-licensing course.

Real Estate Training

The state required training and courses are designed to cover the technical aspects of real estate. They are specifically related to the laws and math associated with specific portions of the practice of real estate. The course does not include several vital points. A proper real estate training program should cover several key points. In general, this training should be provided by the real estate brokerage and is only successful if it is conducted on a local basis. Prospective agents should focus on solutions that offer in person classes. Online and book based training is simply not effective for this solution. Expect to spend a month building the required knowledge to succeed in this area.

Technical

It is essential that a real estate agent understands how to complete the required files to list a piece of property. Likewise, a real estate agent must be able to complete the contract to purchase and sell property. If an agent doesn’t understand these basics, it is impossible to process transactions while protecting the buyer, seller, licensee, and brokerage.

Sales and Marketing

An agent cannot succeed without the basic tools required to work with buyers and sellers. A good real estate training program covers tools and techniques for prospecting to find interested parties and continues through handling objections and relevant follow up.

Administrative

There are several aspects related to the ongoing practice of real estate that are general in nature. Training should be provided by the real estate brokerage.

Next steps

After the training is completed the applicant should have the necessary knowledge to begin prospecting and building an inventory of listings. In addition, a proper marketing strategy should be in place to build interested buyers. These buyers and sellers, with the proper marketing strategy and agent support, will become a source of ongoing closings. This stream of business leads to additional business moving forward.