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In order to obtain a real estate license in New York, one must pass the state’s requirements and meet certain other qualifications. This means that the process is lengthy and comprehensive. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything from going over your finances to visiting your local bank branch while also touching on how licenses are granted and helpful resources during each step of the way.
In comparison to other states, obtaining a real estate license in New York is rather simple. To begin your real estate profession in New York, you’ll need 75 hours of prelicensing study, a passing grade on your school and state exams, and a sponsoring brokerage. This step-by-step tutorial will walk you through the prelicensing requirements in the Knickerbocker State, allowing you to get your New York real estate license and begin your career.
1. Comply with New York’s Legal Requirements for a Real Estate License
To work as a real estate agent in New York, you must first get a license from the state. You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED to do so. It’s worth mentioning that you don’t have to reside in New York to apply, but you must be a United States citizen or legally admitted immigrant with a valid form of identification.
Individuals who live in New York and have a valid driver’s license are covered, but those who don’t drive or commute from another state may receive a non-identity driver’s card to fulfill the need. In any state, receiving a non-identity driver’s card is the same as getting a driver’s license—minus the driving test. You may get it by making an appointment and bringing the required identification to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
It will be difficult to get a New York real estate license if you have been convicted of a felony or a sex crime. If you only have one felony on your record, you may petition the court for a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities to have some collateral repercussions removed from your record. If you’ve been convicted of many felonies, you may apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct to determine if you can get your real estate license. The New York Department of State (NYDOS) will assess whether you are qualified for licensing once you submit these papers.
What if I told you that
If you want to work in states other than New York, you should be aware of the state’s real estate license reciprocity and portability rules. Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia have reciprocity agreements with New York; check the NYDOS website to determine whether your license qualifies.
In terms of mobility, New York is also a physical geographic state. This indicates that you are permitted to do business in another state, but you are not permitted to enter the state to conduct real estate business. An agent or broker from another state is required to do all out-of-state business over the internet and is not permitted to enter the state for showings, closings, or any other purpose.
2. Complete Required Prelicensing Courses & School Exam
Once you’ve satisfied the state’s legal criteria, you’ll need to enroll in recognized prelicensing classes in New York, which may cost anywhere from $149 to $495. The following courses are included in the 75-hour NYDOS authorized real estate salesperson qualification curriculum:
- Basic Real Estate Principles
- Properties for Commercial and Investment
- Fair Housing and Human Rights
- The Agency Law
- Construction, Real Estate Finance
- Concerns about the environment
- Condominiums and cooperatives
What if I told you that
If you are a current member of the New York State bar, you are already eligible for licensure. If you have a Bachelor’s degree with a focus in real estate or have completed identical prelicensing courses in another state, the NYDOS may waive your 75-hour education requirement. If this is the case, send your official transcript or original Certificate of Course Completion from a recognized real estate school to the NYDOS, along with a letter seeking a waiver of the education requirements.
You won’t be deemed finished with your prelicensing classes unless you pass a school test. This test is not the same as the New York real estate license exam, but it must be taken and passed in order to proceed to the next stage in the licensing procedure. Your education provider will conduct the school test, which will be proctored online or in person, and will need a 70% pass rate. You’ll get a Certificate of Completion after you’ve passed your school test, indicating that you’ve completed 75 hours of schooling.
There are several online real estate courses to choose from, but if you want to get started right away, Real Estate Express is an excellent alternative. That way, you may tailor your 75 hours to meet your schedule.
3. Take the Real Estate Exam in New York
It’s time to pass your state test when you’ve finished your prelicensing coursework and school exam. The first-time pass percentage for the New York real estate licensing test is about 60%, while the second-time pass rate is around 80%. By rescheduling within 24 hours of your failed attempt, you may take the state test as many times as you want until you pass.
Details about the New York Real Estate Exam
Make Your Exam Appointment
In order to Make Your Exam Appointment, you must first create an account using your personal email address through eAccessNY, which is a website run through the NYDOS that contains all of your real estate licensing information, including your exam scheduling, exam results, sponsoring brokerage, continuing education hours, and so on. You will continue to use this account throughout your time as a real estate agent in New York. After you’ve created your account, you will be able to apply to take the exam in the location most convenient for you.
We propose Real Estate Test Scholar’s prep course to help you improve your abilities before the exam. They provide excellent test preparation at a reasonable cost. Even better, if you don’t pass the first time, they will refund your money.
4. Decide the company you want to work for.
To keep your New York real estate license valid, you must work with a sponsoring brokerage.
5. Get Your New York Driver’s License
It’ll be time to apply for your first real estate salesperson license when you’ve completed your examinations and picked a brokerage to work with. The application procedure will happen via eAccessNY, similar to enrolling for your test, or you may send in the NY real estate salesperson application if you want. There is no need to send anything to the NYDOS if you are completing your application online.
After you’ve filled out your personal information, you’ll need to submit your sponsored brokerage’s license number, also known as the Unique Identification Number (UID#), which you may get directly from the brokerage. Complete the following questions and make your $55 payment via the website.
Your sponsoring brokerage will be responsible for submitting your license to eAccessNY for approval. This procedure is instantaneous, but it will take two to three weeks for your paper license and real estate salesperson identity card to arrive at your firm.
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 New York.
