How to Get Your Idaho Real Estate License

The idea of doing business in a different state allows new businesses to open up, many times at lower cost. This is especially true for real estate professionals who can offer their services with ease by simply moving across the country. However, most states have strict licensing requirements that range from 500-1000 hours and more than $6k before they will even consider issuing you a license. In Idaho, the process takes just six months and costs less than $2k-$5k depending on your education level (Varies).

The “can you get a real estate license online in idaho” is a question that has been asked by many people. To answer this question, there are two options. The first option is to take the Idaho Real Estate License Exam and pass it with a score of at least 70%. The second option is to have your broker or agent take the exam for you.

Earning an Idaho real estate license is fairly simple when you know the process. The Gem State requires 90 hours of Idaho Real Estate Commission (IREC)-approved prelicensing education, a background check, errors and omission (E&O) insurance, a passing exam, and an application to acquire your real estate license. Grab your side of tots with fry sauce and read along while we guide you through the process of how to become a real estate agent in Idaho.

1. Comply with Idaho’s Legal Requirements for a Real Estate License

Idaho has similar state requirements to other states, and you must meet them to be licensed as a real estate agent or broker. You must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and be a citizen or legal resident of the United States.

You cannot get an Idaho real estate license if you have a criminal record that includes certain felonies and/or misdemeanors, or if you have had a professional license revoked. You may, however, use the Special Consideration Policy to apply to the commission for an exemption review after five years. Check the IREC website’s commonly asked questions (FAQs) section to check whether you may proceed with licensing.

What if I told you that If you want to work in states other than Idaho, you should be aware of the reciprocity and portability regulations for real estate licenses. There are no reciprocity agreements in place between Idaho and any other state. Provided you have already obtained a license in another state, Idaho will waive the national component of the licensing test if you complete the Request for Waiver Form and complete prelicensing coursework. You must still submit your fingerprints for a background check.

In terms of mobility, Idaho is also a physical state. Agents and brokers are allowed to do business in a physical location state, but they are not allowed to enter the state for the purpose of conducting real estate business. This implies that an agent or broker from another state must do all out-of-state business remotely and is prohibited from entering the state for showings, closings, or any other commercial purpose. Check out our real estate license reciprocity and portability guide for more information about real estate license portability in Idaho.

2. Complete all pre-licensing courses that are required.

If you are legally eligible to get an Idaho real estate license, you may proceed to take the 90 hours of IREC-approved prelicensing courses. Idaho’s online real estate colleges provide programs in-person and online, with costs ranging from $600 to $649.

Idaho’s prelicensing classes are divided into two sections. Module one focuses on core real estate principles, while module two focuses on the knowledge and abilities needed to advertise, sell, purchase, and close a property. The following subjects are covered in the modules:

  • Characteristics of real estate, legal designations, and use
  • Ownership, transfer, and documenting title types
  • Appraisal and property value
  • Contracts and agency in real estate
  • Practicing real estate
  • Environmental concerns and property disclosures
  • Settlement and financing
  • Calculations in real estate math
  • The IREC’s responsibilities and powers
  • Requirements for obtaining a license
  • The IREC’s license legislation and rules
  • Brokerage services are available (agency law)
  • Costs of calculations and closure
  • Idaho’s rules and regulations

Did you know? If you are an actively licensed appraiser, accountant, or attorney looking to get your real estate license in Idaho, you may be able to waive certain prelicensing course requirements. You must submit a written request for waiver with documentation of your license to the Education & Licensing Director before submitting your application.

Idaho Real Estate School is a fantastic alternative for high-quality education, despite the fact that there are many recognized online real estate colleges to select from. It provides live Zoom lessons so you can learn interactively from the comfort of your own home.

Go to Idaho Real Estate School for more information.

3. Take the real estate exam in Idaho.

Once you’ve completed your prelicensing education, it’s time to tackle the Idaho real estate license exam. The exam is divided into national and state sections, and you are required to pass both within one year of finishing your preRequirements for obtaining a license. If you fail one portion of the exam, you’ll only be required to retake that portion. Fortunately, there is no limit on how many times you can retake the exam, but you have to wait 24 hours before rescheduling.

Details about the Idaho Real Estate Exam

Exams are scheduled.

Pearson VUE, a worldwide testing organization that administers real estate testing for the state of Idaho, schedules exams directly. You will get a copy of the Idaho Candidate Handbook when you register, which will assist you in preparing for the test day. You may pay the $80 exam cost with a credit card, debit card, or voucher straight on the Pearson VUE website.

Despite the fact that Idaho does not publish its test passing statistics, you should be prepared to ace the exam on the first attempt. Real Estate Exam Scholar may be your go-to resource for preparation at the cheap price of $39 for six months of access. It also includes a money-back guarantee as well as over 1,200 exam questions to help you test your knowledge and improve your abilities.

Real Estate Exam Scholar is a great place to start.

4. Get Fingerprints & Background Check

For a background check, all applicants must submit fingerprints to the IREC. Before submitting your application, you must obtain fingerprint clearance, therefore schedule your fingerprinting as soon as possible after finishing your prelicensing course.

Applicants should have their fingerprints taken at a Pearson VUE testing location using the appointment link provided by IREC. The IREC will get the findings in seven to twenty-one days, and they will be valid for six months, so you must submit your application within that time limit. By enrolling on the IREC website, you may monitor the status of your fingerprints.

The Idaho Real Estate Commission’s Fingerprints Instructions may be found here for further information.

5. Decide the company you want to work for.

You must locate a sponsoring brokerage with whom to associate your Idaho real estate license in order to keep it valid. Check out our in-depth guide on choose the appropriate real estate business to work with to make your decision a little simpler. Although there are numerous successful brokerages in Idaho, the top five brokerages reported for 2021 are shown below:

*Real Trends 2021 data.

Cities in Idaho with the Highest Median Sales Price in 2021

The amount of commission you will get is directly proportional to the price a house sells for. Check out the sales statistics from Towncharts.com below to get a feel of which towns are bringing in the most money for Idaho real estate agents:

6. Purchase E&O Insurance

To have an active license, all real estate agents in Idaho are required to have E&O insurance. This is used to protect real estate businesses from mistakes made during professional service. Some brokerages provide their agents with E&O insurance. Otherwise, you’ll have to purchase it for yourself. IREC works closely with Rice Insurance Services, LLC to provide affordable options, or you can choose your own provider and submit the Independent Coverage Certification Form.

7. Submit an application for an Idaho driver’s license.

It’s time to apply for your Idaho real estate license now that you’ve fulfilled all of the criteria. Fill out the Salesperson Application form and attach the necessary documents:

  • The licensing price is $160. (paid via check or using a credit card authorization form)
  • a copy of your high school diploma or equivalency certificate, a college or university diploma, or an official transcript from high school or college
  • Disciplinary proceedings against licensees explained (if applicable)
  • a copy of a document proving legal status in the United States (one of the following):
    • State-issued identity card or driver’s license
    • Document from a Native American tribe
    • A valid US passport or visa is required.

The application takes around ten days to complete, and if granted, it will show in the IREC’s License Lookup. Your license will be inactive when it is initially granted, but it will become active after your chosen broker joins you to their brokerage.

8. Begin your career in real estate in Idaho.

You’re ready to begin your real estate career now that you’ve learned how to become a real estate agent in Idaho. Here are some of our articles with material that is ideal for new real estate agents if you want to learn more: 

If you are looking for a real estate license in Idaho, the “real estate license idaho lookup” is a helpful tool. The website allows users to search for real estate licenses by city and state.

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