Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey as a real estate agent in South Carolina? The real estate industry offers endless opportunities for growth and success, and we're here to guide you through the process of obtaining your real estate license. While it may seem overwhelming at first, we'll break down the steps for you and provide valuable insights to help you kickstart your career.
6 Steps to Get a Real Estate License in South Carolina
The South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) has set certain requirements that you must fulfill to become a licensed real estate agent in the state. Here are the six steps you need to follow:
Step 01: Complete the 90-Hour Real Estate Pre-License Course
To begin your journey, you need to enroll in a 90-hour pre-license course. This course consists of two sections: a 60-hour Salesperson Pre-Licensing course and a 30-hour Advanced Real Estate Principles course. These courses can be taken online, allowing you to learn at your own pace.
Step 02: Pass the Course Real Estate Exams
Once you have completed the pre-license course, you will need to take a final exam for each section. The passing score for each exam is 70%. Some real estate schools offer online proctored exams, making it convenient for you to take them from the comfort of your own home.
Step 03: Submit Your South Carolina Exam Application
After passing both course exams, you can apply to take the South Carolina Real Estate Salesperson Examination. Simply submit your application along with the required fee of $25.
Step 04: Complete a Criminal Background Check
Once you have completed the exams and submitted your application, you will receive instructions on how to undergo a state and federal criminal history background check.
Step 05: Pass the South Carolina Real Estate Exam
Upon approval of your exam application, you will receive an examination eligibility letter. This letter is valid for one year, so be sure to schedule and take the state exam within that timeframe. The South Carolina real estate salesperson licensing exam is administered by PSI.
Step 06: Select a Sponsoring Broker
To activate your license, you will need to choose a sponsoring broker. It's important to select a brokerage that aligns with your goals and provides the necessary support and training for new agents.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Real Estate License?
If you're eager to dive into the world of real estate in South Carolina, it's helpful to have an idea of how long the licensing process will take. On average, the timeline looks like this:
- Complete your 90-hour pre-licensing real estate courses: 3 to 9 weeks
- Schedule the real estate course exam(s): 1 to 2 weeks
- Apply/Schedule your state real estate exam: 1 to 2 weeks
- Complete fingerprints and background check: 1 to 2 weeks
- Interview and select a real estate brokerage: 1 to 2 weeks
- Real estate commission processes your license application: 1 week
While the timeline may seem daunting, there are ways to expedite the process. Opting for an online course allows you to learn at your own pace, and you can complete your background check and interview brokerages while finishing up your coursework. By staying focused and taking advantage of online resources, you can become a licensed real estate agent in South Carolina in less than eight weeks!
Sell charming Craftsman bungalows like this when you become a real estate agent in South Carolina!
Cost to Get a Real Estate License in South Carolina
Becoming a real estate agent in South Carolina involves certain fees. Here are the costs you can expect:
- Pre-License Real Estate Course: $300 to $650
- Exam Application Fee: $25
- Salesperson License Application: $50
- Background Check/Fingerprinting: $25 to $50
- State Exam Prep Courses or Materials: $25 to $150 (optional)
Total Cost to Get Licensed: $400 to $775
More Costs to Expect as a New Agent
Obtaining your license is just the beginning. As a new agent, there are additional expenses to consider:
- Post-License Continuing Education Fee: $100 to $250
- South Carolina License Renewal Fee: $45
- Board of Realtors/Annual Dues (varies by association)
- Business cards and signage
- Multiple Listing Service (MLS) quarterly fee: $150 to $175
- Sentrilock or Supra eKey for home showings: $100 to $150 annually
- Marketing materials and advertising
- Brokerage joining fee: $0 to $700
- Monthly brokerage fee: $30 to $350
Total Cost to Become a Real Estate Agent in South Carolina: $1,650 to $2,600
Woman trying to add up the cost to get a real estate license in South Carolina
Find the Best Online + In-Person Real Estate Schools
To obtain your real estate license, you must attend a school that is approved by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. Here are some of the most popular schools in the state:
- Real Estate Express
- Kaplan Real Estate Education
- Real Estate School for Success - South Carolina
- McKissock Learning
- The CE Shop
- Real Estate School of Charleston
When selecting a school, compare pricing and consider these factors:
- Pass rate: What percentage of students from the school passed the state exam on their first try?
- Guarantees: Does the school offer any guarantees if you don't pass the exam?
- Practice tests: Does the school provide practice tests or charge extra for them?
- Exam prep courses: Are there separate exam prep courses or weekend cram courses available?
How to Select a South Carolina Real Estate Broker
Affiliating with a real estate brokerage is a requirement for actively assisting home buyers and sellers in South Carolina. Here are some tips for choosing the right brokerage:
- Research different brokerages, as they can vary in culture, training, and support.
- Consider virtual or cloud-based brokers, which often provide support outside of traditional business hours.
- Prioritize support over commission splits. Look for brokerages that offer formal training programs and access to mentors.
Common questions about getting a real estate license
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions aspiring real estate agents in South Carolina often ask:
- How hard is the South Carolina real estate exam?
- What if I don't pass the real estate exam?
- How do I become a real estate broker in South Carolina?
- How much do South Carolina real estate agents make?
- Is getting a real estate license worth it?
How difficult is the state real estate exam?
The South Carolina real estate licensing exam is considered challenging by many agents. It consists of 110 multiple-choice questions, with 80 national questions and 30 state-specific questions. You have three hours to complete the exam.
What if I fail the South Carolina real estate exam?
Failing the exam on the first attempt is not uncommon. You can retake the exam after waiting for 24 hours. There is no limit to the number of attempts within a one-year period, and each retake costs $50.
How do I become a real estate broker in South Carolina?
To become a real estate broker in South Carolina, you must have at least three years of active licensed real estate experience and be at least 21 years old. Additionally, you will need to complete 60 hours of training, which includes Broker IIIA and IIIB pre-licensing courses. Afterward, you must pass the South Carolina real estate broker exam. The exam fee is $63, and the broker license fee is $125.
How much do real estate agents make in South Carolina?
Earnings for real estate agents in South Carolina vary depending on factors like location and experience. On average, agents make between $36,000 and $100,000 annually. Agents with 1-2 years of experience earn around $90,000, while those with 10+ years of experience average $118,000+ annually.
Is getting a real estate license worth it?
The answer to this question depends on your goals. If you plan to sell a few homes each year to friends and family, you need to consider the costs and benefits. However, if you're eager to build a successful career in real estate, the market in South Carolina is thriving. It's important to have at least six months of savings and potentially keep your current job until you establish a solid foundation for your real estate business.
Conclusion
Becoming a real estate agent in South Carolina is an exciting and rewarding path. By following the steps outlined above, selecting the right school and brokerage, and staying focused on your goals, you can turn your dream into a reality. Good luck on your journey to becoming a licensed real estate agent in South Carolina!
Note: The information provided in this article is for reference purposes only. Please consult the South Carolina Real Estate Commission for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
