5 Licenses and Certifications You Need to Jump Start Your Real Estate Career in Las Vegas
Flexibility and unlimited growth opportunities are just two of the reasons real estate is a popular career choice. Let’s face it, all markets go through ups and downs, but there will always be people buying and selling real estate. Now is a great time to pursue a career in real estate in Las Vegas, Nevada. This is your guide to everything you need to know about becoming a realtor or opening a real estate business in Sin City.
Prerequisites to Becoming a Realtor in Las Vegas
In order to qualify to become a real estate agent in Las Vegas, you must first be at least 18 years of age. You must also hold a legal US residency in order to sell real estate in Nevada.
Las Vegas Real Estate Educational Requirements
There are certain educational requirements you must meet in order to become a real estate agent in Las Vegas. You must have 90 hours of prelicensing education which includes:
- Real estate principles – Either 45 hours or 3 college credits
- Real estate law – Either 45 hours or 3 college credits. It is important to note that 18 of these hours must be Nevada real estate law.
Las Vegas Real Estate Licensing Requirements
In order to become licensed to sell real estate in the state of Nevada, you must first successfully complete the educational requirements and submitted to fingerprinting. Next, you must take and pass Nevada’s state licensing exam in order to receive your license. You must either have passed the Nevada state exam or a national exam within the past 12 months.
If you do not pass the licensing exam the first time, do not be discouraged. You are allowed to take the test again. With each failure, a certain amount of time must pass before you can retake the test. The time is not designed as a punishment, but rather to ensure you have adequate time to study on the parts you might find difficult.
Recommended Commercial and Residential Certifications to Boost Your Career
You are more than welcome to practice real estate with a real estate license. However, the more certifications you have to your name, the more opportunities you will have, the more money you will make, and the more distinguished and recognized you will be in the real estate industry. Let’s take a look at 5 certifications that will take your real estate career to the next level.
Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM)
Obtaining the CCIM designates you as an elite expert in commercial and investment real estate. In order to receive this designation you must:
- At least 2 years of experience working in the commercial real estate industry
- Portfolio of Qualifying Experience – shows that you have fulfilled the volume of transactions required for the certification. You must submit your portfolio before being eligible to take the exam.
- Member of the National Association of REALTORS
- Member of the CCIM Institute
- Complete the required educational courses
- Receiving a minimum score of 70 on the qualifying exam
Accredited Land Consultant (ALC)
Those who receive this highly sought after designation are known as the most experienced experts when it comes to all types of land. Those who earn this certification enjoy access to the ALC network which opens up endless business opportunities.
In order to receive this designation, you must complete:
- LANDU education program
- Adherence to an honorable code of conduct
In addition to completing a rigorous education program, you must also have a proven track record and professional growth before being eligible to apply to become an accredited land consultant.
Certified Property Manager (CPM)
As a certified property manager, you will be recognized as a leader in real estate management. There are four ways in which you can earn your CPM designation:
- Complete the required coursework – Consists of 7 rigorous courses.
- Designation Fast Track – Already hold a CCIM, CFM, CSM, PCAM, RPA or SIOR and submit the application fee.
- Real Estate Degree Fast Track – Have obtained a bachelor’s or graduate degree in real estate property management along with the approval fee.
- Professional Experience Fast Track – Have at least 20 years of experience in real estate property management along with the required fee.
Seller Representative Specialist (SRS)
Homeowners looking to sell, strive to find a realtor who holds the SRS certification. Those who hold this certification are accredited by the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers. Additional education is required in real estate sales as well as a portfolio of successful real estate sales.
Certified Investor Agent Specialist (CIAS)
With a CIAS certification, you have the ability to help potential buyers who are looking to invest in property. In order to receive this certification, you must complete an additional educational program geared towards investment properties and how to get the best return.
Las Vegas Real Estate Business License Requirements
Are you looking to open your very own real estate business in Las Vegas, but not sure what kind of certifications you will need? Let’s take a look at the licenses you will need to obtain in order to be compliant with Las Vegas law.
First of all, you will need to apply for a Las Vegas business license either within 30 days of receiving a new Nevada Real Estate Division License or 30 days prior to relocating to Las Vegas.
Secondly, either obtain or make sure you have a valid real estate license from the Real Estate Division of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry.
Lastly, there must be written agreements presented between real estate agents and the broker they will be working for.
Real Estate Courses Designed to Work Around Your Busy Schedule
Century 21 Americana Real Estate School is not only much more affordable than most real estate schools but also offers the flexibility that you need while juggling a full-time job and a family. You’ve been dreaming about a career in real estate and now it is time to do more than just dream. Visit our Course Description page to get more information and enroll!
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