Knowing how to become a real estate agent in the USA is one of the most frequent searches among entrepreneurial Hispanics seeking a high-income, flexible career. In 2026, the US real estate market continues to offer real opportunities for those who are fluent in Spanish and understand the needs of the Latino community, a segment that represents one of the most dynamic drivers of home purchases in the country.
📹 Watch the full video: How to become a real estate agent in the USA
This article explains step-by-step the requirements, updated costs (as of 2026), the licensing process, and the strategies you need to launch your career as a realtor in the United States. Additionally, if you've already watched our video on this topic, you'll find supplementary and updated information here to help you make the best decision.
Why is being a real estate agent in the USA a great opportunity for Hispanics?
Before delving into the technical requirements, it's important to understand why this career path makes so much sense for our community. According to data from the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP), the top 250 Latino agents collectively closed more than 43,833 transactions, totaling over $20.6 billion in sales volume. Furthermore, these top-performing Latino agents increased their year-over-year performance by 15% and their sales volume grew by 27%, outperforming the overall market, which showed a slowdown.
The Hispanic community continues to grow as home buyers in the United States, and many of these buyers prefer to work with an agent who speaks Spanish and understands their culture. This gives you a real competitive advantage if you decide to become a real estate agent. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), Hispanic agents represent 9% of the association's members, meaning there is still significant room for growth in this market.
General requirements to obtain your real estate agent license
Each state in the USA has its own requirements for licensing a real estate agent, but there are common criteria that apply in most states. To become a real estate agent in the USA , you need to meet the following requirements: be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED), be a legal resident or citizen of the United States, pass a criminal background check, and complete the pre-licensing education hours required by your state.
As Geraldine Franco, a real estate agent interviewed on our YouTube channel, explained, in Tennessee you need to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma, and have been a resident for at least 45 days. Furthermore, you can hold your license in multiple states, which expands your business opportunities.
Pre-licensing education hours by state in 2026
Training hours vary significantly depending on the state where you want to practice. Here is an updated reference for some of the states with the largest Hispanic populations: Texas requires 180 hours of pre-licensing education, making it one of the most demanding. California requires 135 hours distributed across three mandatory courses. Florida requires 63 hours of pre-licensing coursework. New York sets a minimum requirement of 75 hours. Georgia and North Carolina each require 75 hours. Colorado requires 168 hours of training. Massachusetts and Michigan are among the most accessible, requiring only 40 hours.
Geraldine Franco mentioned in the interview that, although you can complete the course online, she recommends attending in person to get answers to your questions directly from the instructor and to share experiences with other students. This advice remains valid in 2026, especially if it's your first experience in the US real estate sector.
How much does it cost to obtain a real estate license in 2026?
The total cost to become a real estate agent varies by state, but according to updated 2026 data, the initial investment typically ranges from $500 to $1,500 just to obtain your license. Here's a typical breakdown of the expenses you can expect: the pre-licensing course costs between $200 and $500 depending on the state and the school you choose. The state exam fee ranges from $43 to $100. Background and fingerprint checks cost around $40 to $60. The state license application costs between $90 and $400 depending on the state. In addition, some states require Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance, which can cost between $149 and $540 per year.
For example, in Texas the approximate total cost is $544, while in Louisiana it can reach $627 and in Alaska up to $1,329. In Tennessee, as Franco indicated in our video, the course cost around $500 and the exams $45, which is still an affordable investment compared to other professional careers.
The step-by-step process to obtain your license
Once you decide to take the plunge, the process of becoming a real estate agent in the USA boils down to these key steps. First, you must complete the pre-licensing education course approved by your state. Then, you have to register for and pass the licensing exam, which typically has two parts: a national section on general real estate principles and a state section on local laws and regulations. Take the time you need to study; as Franco warned, the exam is not easy.
Once you pass the exam, you must complete a background check and fingerprinting. Then, you apply for your state license through your state's real estate commission. Finally, you affiliate with a real estate brokerage, as by law you need to work under the supervision of a broker to practice as an agent.
How much can a real estate agent in the USA earn in 2026?
Earning potential is one of the biggest draws of this career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for real estate sales agents was $58,960, while more recent data from 2026 puts the average at approximately $66,514 per year. However, these numbers can be misleading because earnings vary greatly depending on experience and the market.
Realtors with over 16 years of experience working full-time can easily earn over $100,000 annually. A McKissock Learning survey revealed that 62% of full-time agents earn between $75,000 and $200,000 per year. Regarding commissions, the average total commission rate in 2026 is 5.70%, and the buyer's agent commission averages 2.82%. If you'd like to delve deeper into the numbers, we recommend reading our article on how much a realtor earns selling a home.
Regarding the commission structure with your agency, Franco explained that the ratio is generally 80% for the agent and 20% for the agency for the use of the brand. Over time, you can become independent and retain a larger percentage of your earnings.
Strategies to get your first clients as a Hispanic agent
Obtaining your license is just the beginning. The real challenge lies in building your client base, and this is where your Hispanic identity becomes your greatest strength. Franco shared in our video that the first step is marketing yourself: telling everyone you know that you have your license and asking them to recommend you. He also mentioned that one of his most effective strategies is to call potential clients directly to offer his services.
In 2026, in addition to traditional networking techniques, it's essential to leverage digital tools. Create a professional social media profile focused on the Hispanic market in your area. Publish content in Spanish about the home buying process, financial tips, and local real estate market news. Register on platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin to increase your visibility. Also, join NAHREP to connect with other Latino professionals in the industry and access specialized training.
Common mistakes to avoid when starting out
Many Hispanics researching how to become real estate agents in the USA make mistakes that hinder their success. The first is not preparing sufficiently for the exam, resulting in having to pay again and wasting valuable time. Another common mistake is choosing the wrong agency; look for one that offers mentorship, ongoing training, and a fair commission split for new agents. It's also a mistake not to invest in personal marketing from the start, as without visibility, there will be no clients. Finally, don't underestimate the importance of building genuine relationships within your community; the real estate business is fundamentally based on trust.
Take the first step today
Becoming a real estate agent in the United States is one of the smartest career decisions you can make as a Hispanic entrepreneur in 2026. The initial investment is relatively low compared to other professions, the earning potential is high, and the demand for bilingual agents continues to grow. Most importantly, take the first step: research your state's specific requirements, enroll in an accredited pre-licensing course, and start studying.
If you need personalized guidance on starting your real estate business or any other venture in the United States, schedule a consultation with our team . We're here to help you build the business you've always dreamed of. We also invite you to explore more resources on our Tennessee page if you're located in that state.
How long does it take to get a real estate license, by state?
| Status | Course hours | Typical total time (course + exam + license) | Residency requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 90 (60 for beginning members + 30 for new members) | 2 - 4 months | Resident for at least 45 days |
| Florida St | 63 | 1 - 3 months | No minimum residency required; SSN required on application |
| Texas | 180 | 3 - 6 months | No minimum residence required |
| California | 135 | 3 - 6 months | No minimum residence required |
| Georgia | 75 | 2 - 4 months | No minimum residence required |
| North Carolina | 75 | 2 - 4 months | No minimum residence required |
| New York | 77 | 2 - 4 months | No minimum residence required |
| Illinois | 75 | 2 - 4 months | No minimum residence required |
The hours and requirements are set by each state's real estate commission and vary; please check their official website before enrolling in a course. Most states require a Social Security number on the license application; some accept ITINs or require work authorization. If you have questions about your situation, contact the state commission before paying for the course.
Frequently asked questions about being a real estate agent in the USA
What do I need to become a real estate agent?
Be 18 years old (19 in some states), have a high school diploma or GED, complete your state's pre-licensing course, pass the state exam, pass a background check, and sign up with a sponsoring broker.
What do you need to study to become a real estate agent?
No college degree is required: the pre-licensing course (63 to 180 hours depending on the state) covers real estate principles, contracts, state laws, and financing. What does help afterward are sales, personal finance, digital marketing, and property photography.
How long does it take to obtain a license?
Between one and six months, depending on the state and your pace. Florida is among the fastest (63 hours); Texas and California are among the longest (180 and 135 hours, respectively). You can retake the exam if you don't pass the first time, by paying the fee again.
Can I be a real estate agent with an ITIN or without residency?
It depends on the state. Many require a Social Security number and legal status to issue a license; others accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Check with your state's real estate commission before investing in the course. What you can do without a license is own a business offering related services (staging, photography, property cleaning, property management).
How much does an agent earn in the first year?
Many new agents earn less than $30,000 in their first year because it takes months to close their first sale. With 6–8 closings per year at an average price of $300,000 and a net commission of 2.5% (minus the agency split), a full-time Hispanic agent can earn $40,000–$60,000 in their second year. Details at How much does a realtor earn from selling a house?.
Agent or broker?
You start as an agent (affiliate) under a broker. After 2–3 years of experience and an additional course, you can obtain your broker license, open your own agency, and keep 100% of your commissions. To do this: guide to opening a real estate business.
