How To Become A Real Estate Agent In Kansas
When it comes to real estate, Kansas might not be the first state you would consider. However, there’s a considerable real estate market within the state and one that has been receiving increased attention in recent years. Cities like Wichita and Kansas City are seeing strong growth rates in their real estate value.
Also, the availability of a wide range of potential markets from high-end ultra-modern condos to cozy suburban townhouses means that the state appeals to a wide range of potential investors. However, before practicing as a real estate agent within the state you must first obtain your real estate sales agent license.
Let’s take a look at the steps required to become a real estate agent within the State of Kansas, some of the costs involved and how long the entire process will take. Keep on reading!
How To Get Your Real Estate License in the State of Kansas
As we mentioned before, there are several key criteria you have to pass before you can become a real estate agent in the state of Kansas. These criteria were put in place by the Kansas Real Estate Commission (KREC), the government agency in charge of licensing and regulating real estate agents within the state. In a nutshell, they include:
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must have a high school degree or GED
- Complete all 30 hours of Principles of Real Estate pre-licensing classes
- Pass the final exams in your pre-licensing real estate courses
- Schedule your exam
- Pass the Kansas Real Estate Exam
- Submit to a criminal background check
- Complete 30 hours of Kansas real estate practice courses
- Find a broker to sponsor you
- Apply for your KREC license
While all these may seem pretty simple, there are some important aspects that I would like to highlight to make the process as smooth as possible.
Meet the Minimum Age, Education, and Citizenship Requirements
The first part is quite straightforward and applies to most states in the country. Any individual interested in applying for a real estate license within the State of Kansas must provide proof that they are at least 18 years of age and have a GED or high school diploma. The individual must also be a U.S. citizen with a valid Social Security Number or a lawfully documented resident within the country. You must also have not been convicted of certain felonies within a particular period.
Complete 30 Hours of Principles of Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course
The next step is to complete 30hours of KREC-approved real estate pre-licensing courses. This course covers the basic theories and practical concepts that you will need to know as a practicing real estate agent in Kansas.
The topics covered in the course include:
- Kansas License Law
- National Math Module
- License Law and Math Practice Exam
- National Ownership
- National Brokerage
- National Finance
- National Valuation
These classes can be a combination of physical classes and online resources and coursework or solely online classes depending on your preferences. These classes will be held by experienced real estate professionals at State Approved Schools.
These courses may seem a bit confusing initially since you are learning an entirely new set of languages and concepts. However, with time and dedication, you’ll easily adapt and find yourself gaining a deeper understanding of the real estate industry.
Click here from more info on Kansas Real Estate Pre-License Classes: Real Estate School
Pass the Final Exams in Real Estate Courses
Once you have completed the courses you have to pass the final examination with at least a score of 70%. Once you have passed this you will be presented with a Certificate of Completion for that course. When applying for your license you must submit a copy of this certificate to be eligible.
Most people rush to finish the material and take the final exams. However, this is not the best way to approach the course. Take your time to ensure that you understand the course material fully and avoid overwhelming yourself with information.
It takes some time for KREC to process your application, so overloading yourself with information will only make the process harder than it has to be. However, remember that you must take the exam within 12 months of passing your pre-licensing exams
Schedule Your Exam
Once you have passed your pre-licensing exams and have received your Certificate of Completion, your next task is scheduling your Kansas Real Estate Licensure Exams. The exams are handled by Pearson VUE, a national testing company that has been contracted by the state to handle KREC licensing exams.
Once you process your application and pay the examination fee of $82, they will send you an Examination Authorization Form which entitles you to take the exam only one time. You can also obtain more information about the process by reading the Pearson VUE candidate handbook.
There are also dozens of study material and updated preparatory questions that candidates can easily download or purchase from various sources online. These study tools as well which include interactive quizzes and short video content covering key areas which usually appear in the exam. Using prep tools can help give you a huge boost in confidence when taking the real estate exam.
Check out this real estate exam study tool: Prep Agent
Pass the Kansas Real Estate Licensing Exam
The Kansas state salesperson exam is divided into two sections of multiple-choice questions, a national section and a state section. The total number of questions are 140 questions. The time allowed in the national section is 150 minutes, while 90 minutes are allowed in the state section, giving you a total of 240 minutes (4 hours). A passing score of 70 percent is required in both sections.
Your score will be displayed immediately after completion of the exams and an official score report with your score and any other diagnostic information will be provided to you. The exam report will also be reported to the Kansas Real Estate Commission. You must pass both portions of the exam before moving on to the next steps with your license.
If you passed one section of the exam and failed the other you can retake only the section you failed. However, you must pass the section you failed within 6 months or you’ll have to rewrite both sections of the exam. You will be required to pay an examination fee of $75 every time you retake the exam.
Complete the National Criminal Background Check
This involves providing the KREC with a completed Criminal Background History after applying for their real estate license. The Criminal Background History is only valid for 6 months from the date the official completed the report. That means you have to write and pass your licensing exams within a year of completing the background check.
A fingerprint kit will be included with your Principles of Real Estate materials. If you like you can also request a kit from KREC, or you may pick one up at the Pearson VUE testing center when you take the Licensure Exam. The cost of this service is $60.
Complete 30 Hours of Kansas Real Estate Practice Courses
This is one of the last steps in your journey to becoming a fully licensed real estate agent in Kansas State. Take the exam at any of the KREC-approved centres and pass the final assessment. If you pass you will be given a Practice Course Certificate of Completion which must be sent to KREC as part of your application. The certificate is valid for six months.
Find A Kansas Brokerage To Sponsor You
The last step before licensing is to apply for sponsorship with a licensed broker. This involves completing a sponsorship request which may take anywhere between 1-2 months. There are several important things to keep in mind when choosing a broker. They include factors such as:
- Broker reputation
- Mentorship culture
- Commission splits
- Commission caps
- On-going monthly fees, and so on.
Related: How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make In Kansas
Apply for a Kansas Real Estate License
After completing all your courses, passing your licensing exams, being fully certified by the national background check and applying to a brokerage firm, it’s finally time to apply for your license. This service costs about $140 ($125 license fee and a $15 application fee).
Remember that this application must be completed within 6 months of passing your licensing exams and national background check. You are required to forward the following certificates to the KREC email:
- Education Certificate you are issued when you complete the Principles of Real Estate course online exam
- Two score reports Pearson VUE will give you when you pass the two sections of the KREC Exam
- Copy of your Kansas Practice Course certificate
- Submit your KBI/FBI criminal background check and $60 fee (if not already submitted) along with the $15 application fee, and your $125 license fee.
In Conclusion
Getting your real estate license in Kansas is quite easy if you follow all the required steps. The entire process can take anywhere between several months and may cost you between $700-$1000. However, with hard work and dedication, you’ll be a licensed Kansas real estate agent in no time.