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The real estate market is booming in Missouri, with many new agents joining the industry through online education and becoming licensed. The state ranks 10th for most REO homes sold to date; meanwhile, it’s also experiencing a housing shortage.
Missouri real estate license course is the first step to becoming a real estate agent. It will teach you how to become a licensed broker and also provide you with information on what it takes to be an agent in Missouri.
In Missouri, obtaining a real estate license requires an initial time investment. You must complete 72 hours of prelicensing instruction certified by the Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC), complete all background checks, pass a test, and submit an application. This step-by-step guide will bring you through the process of becoming a real estate agent in Missouri, including recommendations on how to get started.
1. Comply with all legal requirements set out by the state
In Missouri, the legal prerequisites for acquiring a real estate license are straightforward. You must be at least 18 years old to participate. If you have a criminal record, you will be denied a real estate license in Missouri if you have specific offenses. Other violations that do not result in an automatic refusal are looked at individually.
The MREC will look into the applicant’s past, including their education, employment experience, and residential history, as well as their court records and candidate statement. Before proceeding further in the licensing process, carefully check the Information Regarding Criminal Convictions Form to discover whether you are eligible based on your background.
What if I told you that All 50 states have complete reciprocity with Missouri. This implies that agents who are already licensed in another state are exempt from taking MREC’s 48-hour prelicensing course. They simply need to pass a background check, complete a 24-hour Missouri Real Estate Practice (MREP) course, and pass the state section of the real estate test to get their license.
In terms of mobility, Missouri is also a cooperative state. It permits out-of-state real estate agents and brokers to do real estate business in the state. 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.
2. Complete all pre-licensing courses
In order to work as a real estate agent in Missouri, you must satisfy two educational prerequisites. Before taking your license test, you must finish the first 48 hours of schooling. The Missouri Real Estate Practice (MREP) course takes the next 24 hours and maybe done before or after your real estate licensing test.
Fortunately, many education providers will combine the necessary 72 hours of training to be completed in-person or online at a Missouri real estate school. Depending on the institution you pick, prices vary from $199 to $485. The following topics will be covered in the classes:
- Controls and limitations on land use
- Market research and valuation
- Financing
- Agency principles in general
- Disclosures about the property
- Contracts
- Property management and leasing
- Transfer of ownership
- Real estate practice
- Calculations for real estate
What if I told you that You may skip the schooling requirements and only pass the real estate licensing test if you hold an attorney’s license. To receive your license, submit your application along with your bar card.
There are several approved online real estate schools from which to pick to complete your education needs. Real Estate Express provides high-quality online real estate education with self-paced and livestream alternatives, so you can customize your learning to meet your specific requirements.
3. Complete Fingerprint & Background Check
A background check is needed for everyone seeking a real estate license in Missouri. To do so, you must first register with the Missouri Automated Criminal History System (MACHS) with code 0004, giving the FBI and Missouri State High Patrol permission to submit fingerprint data to the MREC.
After you’ve enrolled, you’ll be routed to IDEMIA (IdentoGO) fingerprint locations, where you may pay $40.50 through credit or debit card online. Only your fingerprint receipt is required when submitting your application, thus getting your fingerprints done at the same time as enrolling for your test is suggested. Fingerprint findings are normally received by MREC within three to five business days.
4. Take the Examination
It’s time to arrange your licensure test when you’ve finished your coursework and background check. Although Missouri does not announce official state test pass percentages, unauthorized websites estimate that the pass rate is about 50% to 60%. Because the test is given on a computer, you will get your results instantly after taking it.
If you don’t pass your test the first time, you may reschedule as many times as you like until you pass both parts. You may retake just the national or state part if you fail one of them. In any case, you’ll have six months to pass and submit your license application after finishing your study.
Exam Specifics
Make Your Exam Appointment
PSI, a leading supplier of state licensing examinations, administers the Missouri real estate exam. Appointments may be made over the phone (1-888-818-5829) or online. To start scheduling online, you’ll need to register for a PSI account, which will get you access to the scheduling portal. For more exam information, you will get a copy of the Missouri Candidate Information Bulletin.
The test costs $65 if you take both the state and national components, or $62 if you just take the state portion. Payments may be done with a credit or debit card straight on the website. Candidates who call to schedule an appointment may pay by credit card over the phone or at the test facility with a personal check, cashier’s check, or money order.
Real Estate Test Scholars provides exam preparation resources relevant to Missouri at a reasonable price if you need additional assistance preparing for the real estate exam. It also comes with a money-back guarantee if you don’t pass the first time.
5. Decide the company you want to work for.
You must locate a sponsoring brokerage to affiliate your license in order to keep it active in Missouri.
6. Submit an application for your license
You will get information for applying for your Missouri salesperson license along with your passing score report. After completing the 48 hours of prelicensing study, you must apply for your license within six months.
Application forms may be found on the MREC website and can be sent or dropped off with payment to the MREC. The application price is $50, and the first license issuing fee is $40, so you’ll have to pay the Missouri Real Estate Commission $90 in cash or by check.
7. Get Your Real Estate Career Started
You’re ready to begin your real estate career now that you know how to become a real estate agent in Missouri.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Missouri?
It takes a person about three years to be fully qualified for licensure in Missouri.
How much does it cost to become a real estate broker in Missouri?
The cost to become a real estate broker in Missouri is $2,000.
