If you’re considering, becoming a real estate agent in Colorado, this is the most resourceful guide you’ll find. It covers everything from the basics of getting your license to finding a brokerage firm. You’ll learn what it takes to succeed in this business, and how to avoid the common mistakes new agents make. By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to take your first steps toward a successful career in real estate.
| Eligibility | Education | Exams | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| At least 18 years of age | 168 hours of pre-license courses | 230 Minutes | Pre-licensing courses fees – $240 to $360 (approximately) |
| Have a valid Social Security Number | 24 hours of continuing education every 3 years | 154 Questions | Exam fee – $44.95 Application fee- $200 |
| Hold a high school diploma or equivalent | Background check fee – $30 to $40 (approximately) E&O Premium – $229 |
How to become a real estate agent in colorado? These are 8 Steps to Become a Real Estate Agent in Colorado
Step 1: Meet the eligibility requirement
If you’re looking to become a real estate agent in Colorado, there are a few eligibility requirements you must meet.
First, you must be at least 18 years of age. You must also have a valid Social Security Number and hold a high school diploma or equivalent. With these simple requirements met, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a licensed real estate agent in Colorado.
Step 2: Complete the pre-license education
To get your real estate broker license in Colorado, you will need to complete 168 hours of pre-license education from a school approved by the Colorado Real Estate Commission (CREC).
The course should include learning about the essential aspects of Real Estate Law and Practice (48 hours) Colorado Contracts and Regulations (48 hours) Trust Accounts and Recordkeeping (8 hours) Current Legal Issues (8 hours) Real Estate Closings (24 hours) Practical Applications (32 hours)
Step 3: Pass the Colorado Real Estate Broker Exam
The Colorado Real Estate Broker Exam comprises two parts: the National portion and the State portion. You must pass both sections to earn your broker’s license.
A Colorado real estate license has specific requirements, you must pass the state’s real estate broker exam. The exam consists of 154 questions, and you’ll be given 230 minutes to complete it.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for and pass the exam:
Understand the content areas covered on the exam. These include contracts, property management, fair housing laws, finance, etc. Reviewing study materials and taking practice quizzes can help you identify any weak areas that need focus.
Give yourself plenty of time to study. Trying to cram for the exam at the last minute is likely unsuccessful. A few weeks of dedicated studying should be sufficient but start sooner if possible.
How to get a real estate license in Colorado: You need a passing score of 60/80 on the national portion and 53/74 on the state portion.
Colorado real estate license requirements:
It is important to note that the passing score for the national portion of the exam is higher than the passing score for the state portion. The exam’s national portion covers material common to all states, while the state portion covers material specific to Colorado.
Before taking the exam, you need to register with the PSI, the testing vendor. PSI Services administers the test. You may register online or by mail. If you sign up by mail, you must create an account and log in to the website to schedule your exam.
Applicants must pay a $44.95 exam fee.
Step 4: Submit an application to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies
After you pass the exam, you have to submit an application to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies within one year. The application process is simple and can be done online. All you need to do is fill out the form and pay the fee.
I recommend you use the online application submission. Not only is this the quickest and most convenient way, but it also saves you money. The application fee is $485. You will need to have your social security number and a credit or debit card handy to complete the transaction.
Step 5: Go through a background check
When you apply for a real estate license in Colorado, the state will conduct a criminal background check on you. This is to protect the public interest and ensure that only those with a clean criminal record are allowed to work in the real estate industry.
The background check will include a search of both state and national databases, and it will take into account any aliases or maiden names you may have used. If anything comes up on the background check, you will not be eligible for a real estate license in Colorado.
However, if you have been convicted of a crime, you may still be able to get a real estate license if you can show that you have been rehabilitated and are unlikely to re-offend. You will need to submit an application to the state Real Estate Commission, along with supporting documentation, for review.
You’ll need to submit your fingerprints through an approved vendor. IdentoGO is one of the approved vendors in Colorado and they offer fingerprinting services at their convenient locations throughout the state.
Step 6: Find an employing broker
After you pass the exam, find an employing broker willing to sponsor your license. This person will ensure that you comply with all the requirements of being a licensed agent. They will also help you start your career by providing guidance and support.
The real estate industry is competitive, it is essential to have an excellent broker. An employing broker can provide guidance, support, and advice and can help you navigate the industry. However, finding an excellent employing broker can be challenging. Here are some tips on how to find an employing broker who is suitable for you:
Do your research. Talk to people in the industry and ask for recommendations. Read articles and blog posts about employing brokers. And take some time to think about what you’re looking for in an employing broker. How to get real estate license Colorado style is a worthy endeavor if you are a self-starter, entrepreneurial, and want to start a business.
Feel free to reach out to people you admire. If there’s someone whose career you admire, don’t be scared to contact them and ask if they’d be willing to employ you. The worst they can say is no.
A good employing broker has been successful in the real estate business and is willing to share their knowledge with you. They should be able to teach you the ins and outs of the industry, including how to find and finance properties, how to negotiate deals, and how to manage your business.
Step 7: Obtain E&O insurance
As a real estate licensee in Colorado, you are required to obtain an errors and omissions insurance policy. This insurance protects you from financial damages that may occur as a result of errors or omissions in your professional duties.
There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for an E&O policy. First, make sure the policy limit is high enough to cover the potential damages you could incur. Second, be sure to read the policy carefully so that you understand what is covered and what is not. Lastly, make sure you shop around and compare rates from different insurers before selecting a policy.
E&O insurance is designed to protect real estate professionals from financial damages that may result from errors or omissions in their work. A typical E&O policy will provide coverage of $100,000 per claim and $300,000 aggregate, with a $1,000 damage deductible. The annual premium for this type of policy is typically around $229.
Step 8: Maintain a real estate license
Colorado has a three-year licensing cycle for real estate licensees. All real estate licensees need to renew their real estate broker license on or before December 31st of every second year.
The Colorado Real Estate Commission (CREC) requires that all brokers complete 12 hours of continuing education (CE) every year in order to renew their licenses. CE must be taken from a CREC-approved provider and can be completed online or in person. Licensees can check their CE credits online through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Affairs website.
More Info about the Colorado Real Estate Broker Exam
National Portion
The exam is 80 questions long, and you’ll be given 120 minutes to complete it. To pass, you’ll need to get at least 60 correct answers.
The national portion of the Colorado real estate broker exam covers a wide range of topics related to real estate law and practice. You’ll be tested on your knowledge of contracts, property rights, fair housing laws, and more. While the exam can be challenging, if you’re well prepared you can pass it with flying colors.
State Portion
State Portion has 74 Questions. You’ll be given 110 minutes to write it, and you need to answer at least 53 questions correctly to pass. The exam covers a variety of topics, including real estate law, contracts, and appraisal.
FAQ about Real Estate License in Colorado
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Colorado?
It takes approximately five months to complete the necessary education and exams to become a licensed real estate agent in Colorado. However, the time it takes to become a successful real estate agent depends largely on the individual. Some people can build a successful business relatively quickly, while others may take longer.
There are a few key things that will affect how long it takes to become a successful real estate agent. First, it is important to have a strong work ethic and be willing to put in the hours. Second, being knowledgeable about the local market is crucial for success. And finally, having a good network of people who can help you get started in the business is also essential.
If you are dedicated and put in the work, you can certainly become a successful real estate agent in Colorado.
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Colorado?
To obtain a real estate license in the state of Colorado, one must complete pre-licensing courses and pass an exam. The fees for the courses range from $240 to $360, and the exam fee is $44.95. In addition, there is an application fee of $200 and a background check fee of $30 to $40. Finally, Errors and Omissions insurance is required and typically costs around $229. A real estate license, Colorado, requires sufficient E&O insurance.
Can a felon be a real estate agent in Colorado?
A felon can be a real estate agent in Colorado if they submit a preliminary advisory opinion (PAO) to the CO Real Estate Commission. The commission will be able to determine if the applicant is suitable for licensure. If the applicant is found to be suitable, they will be eligible for licensure.
I have a real estate license in another state. Can I become licensed in Colorado by applying through reciprocity?
If you have a real estate license in another state, you can become licensed in Colorado by applying through reciprocity. You will be required to pass the Colorado-specific exam. Once you have met all the requirements, you will be issued a Colorado real estate license.
How to become a commercial real estate broker in Colorado?
To become a commercial real estate broker in Colorado, an applicant must obtain a real estate broker license from the Colorado Division of Real Estate. The first step is to take and pass the Broker Candidate Examination. After passing the examination, the applicant must complete a Broker License Application and submit it to the division, along with the required fees. The division will then review the application and, if everything is in order, issue a license.
To become a commercial real estate broker in Colorado, the applicant must complete 168 hours of pre-license courses. These courses must be approved by the state’s Real Estate Commission.
How much do real estate agents make in Colorado?
In Colorado, real estate agents earn an average yearly income of $81,210. This typically ranges between $40,940 and $110,210. The top 10 high-earning real estate agents in the state make an average of $138,250 per year.
Is being a real estate agent a good career in Colorado?
There are many perks to being a real estate agent in Colorado. You get to be your boss, set your schedule and make a good commission on each sale.
If you’re the type of person who doesn’t mind putting in the extra work, being a real estate agent can be a great career choice. With the right attitude and hard work, you can be successful in this field.
Bottom Line:
In conclusion, if you want to become a real estate agent in Colorado, you will need to complete 168 hours of education, pass an exam, and background check, and then find a sponsoring broker. Once you have completed these steps, you will be on your way to a new career in real estate.
