You can get your real estate license in Ohio when you turn 18. You may be excited about working in the industry after seeing videos like this one that show a young woman making a tremendous amount of money in her first three years on the job. However, this video fails to mention that you must have a real estate license to work as an agent. Keep reading, and we’ll tell you the fastest way to get a real estate license in Ohio – and a quick overview of the process.
Key Takeaways
- In Ohio, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma (or equivalent) to obtain a real estate license. Although you can’t get your license before turning 18, you can start taking pre-licensing courses while still in high school.
- If you dedicate 40 hours per week, you can complete the required 120 hours of pre-licensing education in about three weeks. Getting licensed can take as little as two to three months, including finding a sponsoring broker, studying for the exam, and processing the application.
- Real estate can be an attractive career for those who enjoy flexibility, working with people, and a dynamic work environment.
Ohio Pre-Licensing Education Requirements Overview
You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma (or equivalent) to get your real estate license in Ohio. Here’s a brief overview of the licensing process for becoming a real estate salesperson:
Pre-Licensing Courses: Complete 120 hours of pre-licensing education. So, if you spend 40 hours per week on real estate classes, you can get through the coursework in about three weeks.
Sponsoring Broker: Real estate salespeople must work under the supervision of a real estate broker (an experienced real estate agent with a higher-level license.) You must find a sponsoring broker before applying to take your real estate exam. Don’t worry – your real estate school should offer Career Nights to help you connect with hiring brokers in your area.
Application: You must complete an online application to schedule your exam and get your license. Part of that application process is a background check. You’ll have access to people’s homes when they aren’t there, so the Ohio Department of Commerce must ensure you’re trustworthy.
Salesperson Exam: Ohio’s real estate licensing exam is 180 minutes long, and you need to get at least 70% to pass the test to become a real estate agent. One benefit of getting your real estate license when you are young is that you are used to studying for and taking tests. With the help of a quality real estate school, you can easily complete this part of the licensing process.
How Early Can You Get Your License in Ohio?
You can earn your real estate license in Ohio when you turn 18 and have a high school diploma or equivalent. However, you can start taking pre-licensing courses before your 18th birthday to be ready to submit your license application when you reach that magic age. However, it’s probably a good idea to wait until you are close to 18 before you start real estate school since you can’t take your test until your birthday.
Can you start real estate classes in high school in Ohio?
Yes, you can start real estate classes while you are in high school in Ohio. However, you can’t earn your license until you are 18 and graduated.
Can you get your real estate license at 16?
No, you must be at least 18 to get your real estate license in Ohio. However, you can start taking real estate classes before you turn 18.
How Fast Can You Get Your Real Estate License in Ohio?
You can get your real estate license in Ohio as fast as two or three months. Here are some factors determining how long it will take and the fastest way to get a real estate license in Ohio.
Pre-licensing courses (3 weeks): You must complete 120 hours of coursework to get a real estate license in Ohio. The courses can be taken in-person, via live stream, or at your own pace online.
Choosing self-paced courses is the fastest way to get a real estate license in any state. When you enroll in online classes, you can start learning immediately. Disciplined students can get through the material in about three weeks.
Find a sponsoring broker (1 week – while taking real estate courses): You may already have a broker in mind who has already agreed to work with you. However, if you don’t, you will want to interview with several brokerages to find the right fit. Hondros College hosts Career Nights to help you connect with hiring brokers in your area.
Prepare for the salesperson exam (1-2 weeks): While taking the Ohio licensing exam will take only a few hours, you must set aside time to study. Quality study materials will make this process easier and increase the likelihood of passing the test the first time you take it. Of course, the faster you pass the test, the sooner you can earn your first commission check!
Application (1 month): It will take time for your application to be processed. Unfortunately, the Division of Real Estate eLicense Center website doesn’t provide estimated processing times.
Two to three months may feel like an eternity for those getting started in real estate. However, setting realistic goals and timelines for obtaining a real estate license is important so you don’t become discouraged with the process.
What Is the Expected Starting Salary for Real Estate Agents In Ohio?
The average starting salary for real estate agents in their first three years is $39,100 in Ohio. (It’s worth noting that the average income of real estate agents with 11 to 25 years of experience is $217,388!) However, those numbers may vary depending on your niche or specialty – and how hard you work. People are drawn to real estate for unlimited income potential.
Is Becoming a Real Estate Agent Right for You?
It’s hard for many people to decide on a career. How do you know if real estate is the right industry for you? Answer these questions:
- Do you like interacting with new people?
- Do you want to set your own hours?
- Do you want to be your own boss?
- Are you interested in architecture and design?
- Do you want to work outside of a traditional office?
- Do you want to work in an exciting, dynamic industry?
If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, real estate might be the right career (or side hustle!) for you. For a more in-depth analysis of real estate as a career, sign up for our Career Starter Kit, and you’ll receive a real estate career quiz.
If you’re ready to get started in real estate and want to get your Ohio real estate license quickly, choose Hondros College’s online real estate pre-licensing courses. How soon can you get your real estate license? You can start within minutes and complete the courses on your own schedule. If you decide that online learning isn’t the best option for you, you can change to in-person or livestream classes – at no extra charge.
Learn more about becoming a real estate agent in Ohio by chatting with one of our licensing experts at Hondros.
