Table of Contents
Getting a real estate license in Michigan is not easy. There are many processes, and it can be confusing to know what you need to do in order for the state of Michigan to issue an agent’s license as well as seller or broker licenses
In comparison to other states, the criteria for obtaining a real estate license in Michigan are rather simple. You must finish 40 hours of prelicensing study, apply for your license, pass your test, and choose your sponsoring brokerage before you can begin your real estate career.
1. Comply with Michigan’s Legal Requirements for a Real Estate License
To become a licensed real estate agent in the Great Lakes State, you must meet certain standards. You must be at least 18 years old, have a high school certificate or GED, and be a citizen or legally admitted immigrant in the United States. These are relatively common credentials in the United States.
What if I told you that if you want to operate in states other than Michigan, you’ll need to be familiar with the state’s real estate license reciprocity and portability rules. Although Michigan has no official reciprocity agreements with other jurisdictions, persons who have a real estate license in another state may be eligible for a Michigan license if their experience and training are substantially equivalent to that necessary in Michigan. To determine whether you qualify, go to Michigan.gov.
In terms of mobility, Michigan is likewise a cooperative state. This implies that out-of-state real estate agents and brokers are permitted to do real estate business in Michigan. Out-of-state agents, on the other hand, must have a co-brokerage agreement with a licensed in that state in order to operate on a real estate transaction. Check out our real estate license reciprocity and portability page for more information about real estate license portability in Michigan.
2. Complete all pre-licensing courses that are required.
Prelicensing education is essential for both Trolls and Yoopers. These may be taken in person or online at a Michigan real estate school that is accredited. Online courses vary in price from $149 to $310 and include the following topics:
- Michigan’s licensing laws and regulations
- Liens, contracts, and communal ownership
- Property valuation and taxation
- The basics of finance and real estate
- Mathematical property descriptions, titles, and ownership
- Using land for lease
What if I told you that Most states waive prelicensing real estate education for active members of the Bar Association, but Michigan does not. When you’re ready to get your broker’s license, you may substitute MBA or law degree courses for the 90-hour broker prelicensing hours.
You must pass the school test, which is different from the Michigan state real estate license exam, to get your Certificate of Completion from your education provider. The school test will be proctored online or in-person and will be conducted by the institution where you finished your courses. You may start applying for your license after you’ve obtained a 70% passing grade from your school.
It might be tough to find an online real estate school that meets your goals and learning style, but we can help.
3. Obtain a Michigan real estate license.
The state of Michigan no longer accepts paper applications, but you may follow the progress of your application and get electronic alerts if you apply online.
Even if you have a criminal past, you may still apply for a Michigan real estate license. When you submit your license application to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), you will be required to provide information about your criminal record so that they may analyze the circumstances of the case and approve or refuse your application. To evaluate your eligibility, you may use the Request for Conviction History Form to submit your convictions and relevant court evidence.
To apply for a license in Michigan, you must first create an account on MiPLUS, the state’s licensing system. You’ll be able to submit your application and any supplementary paperwork using the online portal after you’ve established your login. Remember that there is an application cost of $88 that must be paid with a credit or debit card. Because application processing might take six to eight weeks after you finish your prelicensing course, you should submit it as soon as feasible.
LARA will send you an email with your Test Candidate ID Number, which is your authorization to register for the exam after your application has been accepted. You have one year from the end of the course to take the test. You may either choose your sponsoring brokerage on your application or wait until after you pass the test to submit that information.
4. Take the Real Estate Exam in Michigan
It’s time to pass the Michigan real estate license test once you’ve finished your prelicensing studies and school exam. Because the test is computer-based, you will know if you passed or failed the exam right away. If you don’t pass, you’ll get a separate score for each of the subject portions, which you may use to prepare for the re-examination. The good news is that you have up to a year from the end of the course to take the test as many times as you like till you pass it.
Details about the Michigan Real Estate Exam
Make Your Exam Appointment
After you’ve received email authorization, you can Make Your Exam Appointment with PSI, which is a national provider for state licensing exams. You’ll be required to create an account on the PSI website, which will then allow you to access the scheduling portal. The fee to take the exam is $79 and can be paid directly on the website using a credit or debit card. You will receive a copy of the Candidate Information Bulletin for additional testing information.
We suggest Real Estate Exam Scholars for a full exam prep course if you need assistance preparing for the examination. They provide excellent test preparation at a reasonable cost. Even better, if you don’t pass the first time, they will refund your money.
5. Decide the company you want to work for.
You must locate a sponsoring brokerage to work for in order to keep your Michigan real estate license valid, and your sponsoring brokerage must certify your employment via MiPLUS.
6. Get Your Real Estate Career Started
You’re ready to begin your real estate career now that you know how to acquire a real estate license in Michigan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a Michigan real estate license?
It takes around 6-8 months to get a real estate license in Michigan.
How do I get my Michigan real estate license?
To get a Michigan real estate license, you would need to take an examination given by the state. This includes passing the following topics: Real Estate Principles and Practice of Brokerage, Fundamentals of Cost Accounting, Property Appraisal and Review Techniques as well as any other required courses that have been approved by your specific school district.
