Are you thinking of working as a realtor in Alabama and wondering if you are making the right decision? Recent numbers show that real estate property prices in Alabama are affordable, making it easier for more people to own homes and invest in the real estate market.

However, the property inventory has yet to stabilize, leading to more competition among home buyers. According to experts, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Auburn lead the race as some of the best cities to work as a realtor in Alabama.

Predictions from market experts show that Alabama’s real estate market will continue to thrive entering 2024. The key factors driving this growth are low interest rates and better economic conditions. As a student planning to enroll in a real estate program, this is music to your years. 

Herein, we will break down everything you must know about becoming a realtor in the Heart of Dixie via online real estate programs.

Let’s Start With the Basics

Don’t rush to enroll in the program before going through the state’s prerequisites. Licensed realtors from other states have different requirements, which we look at in this article. The requirements aren’t strict, making it easy for any legal U.S. citizen over 19 years old to work as an agent in Alabama.

You also need to have at least a high school level education. A diploma or any high school equivalency certificate is enough to get you into a real estate class. Last, you must be a person of good moral and ethical standing. If you have had your license revoked in any state within the last two years, you are not eligible to work as a realtor in Alabama.

But if you have a license from another state, what are the requirements? Alabama reciprocates with most states across the U.S. All you must do is take a six-hour course for licensure in Alabama and sit for the exam.

Pros of Enrolling in an Online Realty Program

We cannot deny it, technology has made online learning very efficient. Some schools have dedicated apps where students can access learning materials and schedule live sessions with their tutors. 

Many real estate schools in Alabama also offer their services online. This can be the perfect option for students with a 9-5 job or those that stay far away from the school. Online programs are flexible and convenient, allowing you to study from anywhere.

The other thing we must mention is the self-paced study plans. We all have different study habits. With the self-paced lessons, you can go back and forth as you like to understand the concepts well.

When comparing online programs vs. enrolling in in-person classes, studying online is cheaper and more cost-effective. You don’t have to worry about transport or paying for accommodation if you live far from the campus.

Choosing an Online Realty School in Alabama

This isn’t as easy as it may look on paper. The many options available make it hard to select the best school, but with some help, you can make the best decision. Before anything else, ensure that the school is accredited by the AREC.

Accredited schools comply with the state’s curriculum and employ the best tutors to help curate study plans and offer student support. Next, review the curriculum and study plans to ensure that they are comprehensive and easy to understand.

Reviews can help you gain more insight about the school or online program. Rave reviews are a good sign, but you know what’s better? High pass rates. Consider enrolling in a school with many students passing the pre-licensing state exam on their first attempt.

But if you don’t have enough time on your hands to review schools, pop over to this site. It is one of the best online schools in the USA, offering top-rated real estate programs. What we love the most about RealEstate4U is their diverse course packages, which are available from as low as under $200.

Education and Coursework

The primary purpose of the pre-licensing program is to introduce you to diverse topics related to real estate work. The program is 60 hours long and covers everything from state to federal real estate laws and regulations. You will also learn about financing and loan options for homeowners to buy property. 

Ensure that you create a learning schedule to help you finish the coursework on time. Also, look for extra materials to help you prepare for the test. Some online schools offer exam preparation packages for a fee. 

The preparation package may include mock exams, access to one-on-one sessions with tutors, and short notes to help you revise and reinforce your understanding before sitting for the test. 

Don’t Fret! It’s Exam Time

A little anxiety is normal when preparing for the exam. The test has 140 questions set to be completed within 3.5 hours. Out of the 140 questions, 40 are on topics related to state laws and regulations, and the rest make up the national portion.

Exam registration and scheduling are done online via the PSI website. The registration fee is around $77, payable on each attempt. You must get at least 98 questions right, or 70%, to pass the exam.

Let’s Get You a Sponsor

In AL, you need a sponsoring broker to mentor you as you seek to make your mark as a new realtor. Brokers are licensed by the state to offer mentorship services to new professionals. Similar to choosing a school, you must vet the brokerage firm before contacting them for a spot in their office.

Review the commission offered and the type of clients and properties they deal in. We recommend working with a broker who will help you reach your career goals. Some schools help their students find internships at the best brokerage firms. 

Final Step, and Congrats

The last step of this process is submitting your papers to the AREC website for approval. You must do this within 90 days after sitting for the exams. You will undergo a background check before your application is approved by the state. 

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