How To Become a Real Estate Agent in Ohio

Are you living in Ohio and are considering a change in career? Are you an excellent salesperson and are fascinated by the real estate market in the region?

Then, you will love working as a real estate agent. With so many fields that you can get into, it is no wonder so many people are asking about how to become a real estate agent and how hard is it to get a real estate license.

Read on for answers to these questions and more information on how to start your real estate journey in Ohio.

Getting Your Real Estate License in Ohio

You definitely need an Ohio real estate license in order to practice the job that you love. This serves as proof that you have completed all the necessary steps that are required and that you go into the field as a professional who has mastered your craft.

One common question that first-timers ask is, is it hard to be a real estate agent? Not at all.

All you have to do is meet all the necessary requirements, and you will get your license. And here are a few pointers.

Fundamental Requirements For Obtaining a Real Estate Professional License

If you want to become a real estate agent or broker in Ohio, there are some basic requirements that you have to meet first.¹

Here is what the Ohio Department of Commerce stipulates.

1. You must be 18 years old.
2. You must show proof that you are indeed a citizen of the United States of America, and if not, show that you are a legal alien.
3. You must not be previously convicted of any crime that is categorized as a disqualifying offense under section 9.79 of Ohio’s revised codes.²
4. You must complete a background check from the FBI and the state.
5. You must have not previously violated the state, federal, or civil laws pertaining to buying or how to sell real estate.
6. You must be an honest salesperson.
7. You must show proof that you have already completed high school and have your diploma or its equivalent as long as it is accredited by the Ohio Department of Education.
8. You must be sponsored by a licensed broker in Ohio.
9. You must undertake all the courses required by the Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing under the Ohio Department of Commerce.
10. You must have passed the final real estate exam covering both state and nationwide sections by at least 70%.³

Age and Basic Education Standards

How old do you have to be to be a real estate agent in Ohio? You may ask.

According to the regulations, you are supposed to be an 18-year-old citizen at the time of applying for your real estate license. At the same time, the minimum level of education is a high school diploma or an equivalent.

There are no rules about you needing a real estate degree. While that makes applying for the license easier, it is not really a requirement.

Once you are done with high school, you can go ahead and take the recommended real estate courses offered by the commission, and after passing the final exam and meeting all the other requirements, that will make you a licensed real estate agent. So, that answers the question, do you have to go to school to be a real estate agent?

However, what if you are a student or have other commitments, can you do real estate part-time? Of course you can, and that is actually one of the upsides of working in real estate: the fact that you are flexible and can set your own hours.

Required Course Duration for Licensing

Education for real estate agents in Ohio is mandatory, especially if you don’t have previous training in the field. You are expected to take real estate classes only from an approved institution and to be more specific, one that offers a real estate degree in a minimum of a two-year program.

The Ohio real estate agent education requirements are very clear, you will need to complete 120 hours of education, all within a 10-year period preceding applying for your real estate license. These courses have to be taken seriously because you will be tested on the subjects in the final exam.

This goes to show that you have actually grasped the concepts and are ready to implement them in the field.

Charges for Real Estate School Pre-Licensing

There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to how much you are going to spend on your pre-license education. There are so many factors that will come into play to decide how much it will all cost.

For instance, how much does the school charge for the classes? How much are the reading materials going to cost?

Did you fail the exam and have to retake it? Are you applying from Ohio, or do you need a license transfer from a different state?

Are you taking prep courses?⁴ Read on for further clarifications to these and more questions.

Mandatory Background Assessment for Real Estate License (Fingerprint Center Locations)

One more thing that you have to do when applying for your real estate license is to submit your fingerprints for background checking, and this should be done within 10 days of your application. It is compulsory that you complete the background check and make sure that the site you choose has been approved by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI&I).

There are various locations that administer the web check, and you can find the nearest one on the attorney general’s website.⁵ Remember to carry your photo ID, and note that the cost will vary according to the location.

This check is also vital to identify whether the applicant has a criminal record, leading to questions like, can you be a real estate agent with a criminal record? And can felons be real estate agents?

To be frank, it may be a task to fulfill your dreams of becoming a real estate agent in Ohio if you have a criminal record. Though it is possible, there are chances that your license could be delayed or denied.

What happens is that the REPL will take over the case and determine whether to approve you or not. While you should be hopeful all through the process, it is important to point out the fact that there are some offenses that are unforgivable, according to the Ohio Department of Commerce.

Alongside the commission, the DRE has created a list of the most common disqualifying convictions. Unfortunately, some convictions hold serious ground for the denial of your license application.⁶

What Does a Real Estate Agent in Ohio Do?

It is no doubt that real estate agents are some of the most highly sought-after professionals. If you are starting a business, building your household, or want to buy property, you have to know how to find a real estate agent in your region.

You may ask, why do I need a real estate agent? Can’t one do it all on their own?

With a diverse and complex industry, the real estate industry, you certainly need to be guided by experts in the field.

The real estate agent skills go a long way to make sure that people get what they are looking for and end up making the right financial decision. The agents work hand in hand with those buying and others selling properties, then deploy their negotiation and problem-solving tactics to make sales, leaving both parties satisfied.

If this sounds interesting to you, then you will surely love having a career in real estate.

As long as you have your license, you should be good to go. Do you need the license to sell?

Absolutely, and the rules are very strict on those working without documentation, and it could be grounds for disciplinary actions, including hefty fines by the Ohio Department of Real Estate and Professional Licensing (REPL),⁷ and in more serious cases, it could lead to the pressing of criminal charges.

What Makes a Great Real Estate Agent in Ohio?

Do you have your heart set on becoming an active real estate agent in Ohio? Do you want to make sure that you get nothing but the best out of your career?

Then there is one more important thing: knowing what do you need to become a real estate agent. Everyone wants to thrive in their chosen profession, and if you have the drive, this is how to be a successful real estate agent in Ohio.

Polish Your Skills

There are quite a number of skills that set apart the best real estate agents from the rest. If you want to have an edge in the industry, you want to polish all these skills.

You have to be very good when it comes to your communication, problem-solving, and negotiation skills. You should also work towards being an organized agent who is also great at multitasking.

Build a Great Reputation

You will heavily rely on referrals in your job, so you want to make sure that you maintain a great reputation in the market. Be a great closer and do right by all your clients, and you will be surprised how your reputation will grow stronger in your area.

You can even hire a publicist to help you gain more exposure.

Thinking about a lucrative yet fun career in Ohio? Then, you will absolutely love the perks that real estate has to offer.

Imagine setting your own working hours and having an unlimited earning potential. There is just one hurdle to pass to make this a reality: making sure that you get your real estate license.

This will make it possible to legally practice in Ohio.

The best part is that there are very few requirements involved as long as you pass the qualifying criteria. First, make sure that you are a legal US citizen or legal alien and have a high school diploma or maybe an equivalent.

This means that you will be able to take the 120 hours of courses, complete background checks, sit for the exam, and apply for licensure.

If you pass all the checks and have at least a 70% score, you will be well on your way to becoming a licensed and accredited real estate agent in Ohio.