Do You Need a College Degree to Become a Real Estate Agent?

The path to most careers begins with getting a college degree. But what about real estate? You do not need a college degree to become a real estate agent.

In most states, the only requirements are being at least 18 years old, completing state-approved pre-licensing courses, and passing a licensing exam.

While the good news is that a degree isn't a legal requirement, it can still offer a competitive edge. Not all degrees apply to the daily hustle of real estate, so it's important to examine both sides of the "college vs. no college" debate. Below, we’ll discuss the specific advantages a degree provides and the actual steps required to get your license without one.

What are the benefits of having a college degree in real estate?

As mentioned earlier, you don’t need to go to college for real estate. But, college has never hurt a person’s professional development. Enrolling in college for real estate comes with perks. Some of which will carry over into your professional growth.

Which college majors are best for real estate agents?

If you already have a degree, it can help you practice real estate. For example: studying finance helps you understand confusing mortgages. When your client is in escrow, you may find it easier to explain a buyer or seller net sheet to them. You can provide financial advice to your clients.

But, that doesn’t mean that having any degree will give you an advantage. If you have a science degree, there might not be much overlap with real estate.

Another advantage of going to college for real estate in major or minor is access to a broker's career. You can fulfill the experience required to become a real estate broker. A 4-year major or a minor in real estate will allow you to become a broker after you get your salesperson license.

Usually, you are required to hang your license for 2 years at a brokerage. Then, take additional courses before you apply for a broker’s license. With a 4-year college degree, you can expedite this process.

How a degree improves your real estate communication skills

Don’t discount the value of college when it comes to cultivating people skills. College is a social environment. So, it teaches students how to interact with different personalities. Real estate is a “people” business and that's an important skill to have.

Using critical thinking to navigate complex real estate deals

The design of college courses is to educate and promote critical thinking. This is crucial and useful during a difficult real estate transaction.

Omit, there will be some advantages to having some college experience or a degree. But, the question was, “is college necessary to become a real estate agent?” Nope!

So now, let’s explore the alternative if you don’t have a college degree.

What skills are required to be a successful real estate agent without a degree?

There are fundamentals that every person should have to succeed in real estate. This goes beyond the classroom curriculum. It’s personal mindsets and skills that will help you excel.

Why passion and motivation drive real estate success

Don’t underestimate the importance of having a passion for something. It’s the driving force that leads and motivates a person to pursue an interest. If you have a passion for real estate, you already have a foundation for success in the field.

The importance of interpersonal skills in real estate sales

Real estate agents are in the business of helping people. If you are a “people person,” you already have the skills needed to be a great real estate agent. If you enjoy being of service to others, this trait will serve you well.

Don’t think of yourself as a “people person?” Whether you realize it or not, your previous work experience has prepared you to work with people. It’s how you interact with your coworkers and the customers themselves. Real estate agents apply people skills all the time in their careers.

If you currently work at a big company, see how many people you know and try to expand the circle. It should be good practice for when you become an agent! Also, this will expand your sphere of influence!

Why lifelong learning is mandatory for licensed agents

Education will be a constant throughout your real estate career.

You have to complete a real estate school program before you take the real estate state exam. While licensed, you will learn about new laws, regulations, and contract updates. Upon renewal of your license, there will be continuing education requirements. Not to mention career training throughout your career.

To say the least, this career requires you to be open to learning new things. Having the mentality of being a lifelong student will help you improve. Be an education sponge – absorb everything!

What are the legal requirements to get a California real estate license?

We've explored the “college vs no college” question. Also, we learned about the merits of both sides.

Now, let’s get to the good part!

Whether you have a degree or not, there are only a few actual requirements needed to get your real estate license in California.

• Be at least 18 years old
• Complete the 3 pre-licensing courses
• Pass the real estate state exam

That’s it!

There’s no requirement to have your high school diploma or GED. Also, there's no requirement to have a college degree.

How to choose an accredited real estate school for pre-licensing

Students can take the 3 pre-licensing courses at a college or real estate school. This satisfies the educational requirement to get your real estate license. Most real estate schools offer courses online, which makes them accessible to everyone.

It’s also worth mentioning that an accredited real estate school offers college-level courses. This doesn’t mean real estate school is hard. People often choose to enroll in real estate school over a college for a quick start to a real estate career.

Final Thoughts on Going to College to Become a Real Estate Agent

Whether you have a degree or not, people who want a real estate career have many things in common.

They want the opportunity to have their own business with limitless earning potential, the freedom of making their schedule, to provide a good life for themselves and their family.

They have a desire to help people.

The college experience will promote critical thinking and developing great people skills. This will help shape you into a great real estate agent. So, the takeaway is that a college degree can help, but it is not necessary.

What is necessary is to have great passion, people skills, and drive. These are the true key characteristics to succeed in real estate.