As you embark on your real estate journey, consider these five simple real estate licensing pitfalls. These are mistakes you can easily avoid with just a little preparation and awareness.

No. 1: Picking the wrong real estate school
If you enroll in a real estate school that is not recognized in your state, you’ll waste time and money. That's why selecting the wrong real estate school is at the top of our list of real estate licensing pitfalls. Do your research and find a professional real estate school, such as Colibri Real Estate, that is ARELLO-accredited and recognized in your state. Many accredited real estate schools offer online pre-licensing courses that are designed to fit your schedule.

No. 2: Not verifying state eligibility requirements
Every state has different eligibility requirements. To sit for your exam, you'll need to meet age requirements, complete a background check, and take a certain number of pre-licensing credit hours. You also may need to purchase Errors & Omissions Insurance or have the sponsorship of a broker. To avoid real estate licensing pitfalls, make sure you know the requirements in your state.

No. 3: Missing deadlines
Missing deadlines is one of the most common real estate licensing pitfalls. Each state offers state licensing exams at different times. A testing center that is unaffiliated with your school will administer your exam. Therefore, you’ll need to find out from the testing center what your deadlines are and what you need to do before you take the exam. That includes things like having your fingerprints and background check submitted to the licensing board. It also means knowing the date and application deadline of the next available exam. The frequency of available exams varies from state to state and among testing centers.

No. 4: Skipping real estate exam prep
Real estate exam prep programs are not required as part of the pre-licensing coursework. But they often give potential licensees the confidence they need to pass their exam on the first try. The best real estate exam prep programs are filled with state-specific study information, including example questions and practice exams.

No. 5: Signing on with the wrong broker
Once you pass your state licensing exam, you’ll need to sign on with a broker. Your real estate brokerage will provide mentoring and guidance through your first years. Choosing the wrong broker is one of the most important real estate licensing pitfalls to avoid. To be sure a brokerage is right for you, ask yourself these questions:

• Is the culture right for you?
• Does the real estate brokerage offer you the kind of support you want?
• Can you find an individual broker there who can and will guide your first year in the business?
• Does the real estate brokerage give you leads?
• Does the brokerage have a market share big enough to provide you with business?
• What is the commission split?

Avoid these five common real estate licensing pitfalls, and you'll be well on your way to starting a successful new real estate career.

Tina Lapp is head of customer experience and instruction for Colibri Real Estate. With nearly 30 years of professional education experience in the real estate sector, Lapp empowers aspiring and seasoned professionals to thrive in their careers. Lapp was inducted into the RISMedia Newsmakers Hall of Fame in 2022.

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