So you want to sell real estate?
Whether you're thinking about a career in residential, commercial or property management real estate, you're going to need a real estate license to practice in Wisconsin. A real estate salesperson's license allows you to do all the functions typically carried out by real estate practitioners, such as showing properties, holding open houses and drafting real estate contracts. However, with a salesperson's license you can only carry out these activities if you work under the supervision of a broker. Real estate firms are licensed as brokers, which allows them to hire and supervise salespeople (agents).
Individuals can also be brokers and work independently. To do so they require a real estate broker's license.
Individuals can also be brokers and work independently. To do so they require a real estate broker's license.
How do you get a Wisconsin real estate license?
First you need to complete the required education. For a salesperson's license, the State of Wisconsin requires that you complete a 72 hour exam prep course. Once you complete the course, you need to pass the required exam, which is administered by Pearson Vue; a testing company contracted by the State,
For a broker's license, the State of Wisconsin requires that you complete an additional class. The broker's exam prep course is currently a 36 hour course, however this requirement is slated to double as of July 1, 2012. Those who wait until that change goes into effect will be required to complete a 72 hour broker course in addition to their salesperson course.
Many people take the two courses back to back and most find that the broker course and broker exam to be easier when taken that way. You are still required to take both exams, but you can skip the application process and fee for the salesperson's license and apply immediately for the broker's license. That will save you time and money!
You don't need a broker's license, if you plan to work for a real estate firm, but there are many individuals who hold a broker's license and still do work for a real estate firm, as opposed to working independently. Having a broker's license shows the public that you have acquired the additional education.
For a broker's license, the State of Wisconsin requires that you complete an additional class. The broker's exam prep course is currently a 36 hour course, however this requirement is slated to double as of July 1, 2012. Those who wait until that change goes into effect will be required to complete a 72 hour broker course in addition to their salesperson course.
Many people take the two courses back to back and most find that the broker course and broker exam to be easier when taken that way. You are still required to take both exams, but you can skip the application process and fee for the salesperson's license and apply immediately for the broker's license. That will save you time and money!
You don't need a broker's license, if you plan to work for a real estate firm, but there are many individuals who hold a broker's license and still do work for a real estate firm, as opposed to working independently. Having a broker's license shows the public that you have acquired the additional education.