How Much Does a Texas Real Estate License Cost?

Starting a career in real estate can be a lucrative opportunity, but it is important to understand the costs and expenses associated with obtaining and maintaining a real estate license in the state of Texas.

Cost to Become a Licensed Real Estate Agent in TX

How much does it cost to become a real estate agent in Texas? In 2023, the total cost of becoming a licensed real estate agent in Texas ranges between $557 and $828, depending on how much the pre-licensing course costs. If you need to retake the license exam, it's $43 per attempt. Note that this range does not include the electronic fingerprinting fee (typically $38.25, but varies based on the provider), any additional state/local taxes, and the cost of brokerage fees (which varies greatly - more on that below).

That range comes from adding up the following fees to become a licensed real estate agent in Texas:

• Application & Background Check Fee: $185 for a 2-year real estate license

• Pre-Licensing Course: $329 to $600

• Texas Real Estate Exam Fee: $43 per attempt

Total: between $399.50 and $699.50, plus fingerprinting (usually anywhere from $38.25) if you pass the license exam the first time (if not, it's $43 per attempt). To practice real estate in Texas, you must work under the supervision of a licensed brokerage, which will charge an additional fee(s).

Here's how to get your TX real estate license.

Cost to Maintain a Real Estate License in Texas

• Continuing Education Fees

• TX Real Estate License Renewal Fee

• Additional Ongoing Costs

Application & Background Check Fee

Before taking the Texas Real Estate exam, you will need to submit an application for a real estate license to the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). This process includes a background check and requires a fee of $185, plus the cost of electronic fingerprinting. There might also be additional state/local taxes involved.

Pre-Licensing Course

The next step in getting your real estate license is completing a pre-licensing course. These courses are typically offered by real estate schools or online providers and range in cost from $300 to $600.

Texas Real Estate Exam Fee

In order to take the Texas real estate license exam with approved provider Pearson Vue, you will need to pay a fee. The fee for the state portion of the Texas real estate license exam is $43 per attempt.

Brokerage Fees

In order to practice real estate, you must work under the supervision of a licensed brokerage. Many brokerages charge a fee for their services. These fees can come in the form of a monthly expense, a fee per transaction, and/or a commission split. Every company is different, with different expenses and varying value propositions. As this will be your most expensive investment, it’s important that you do your research and carefully interview each licensed Texas real estate broker.

Continuing Education Fees

In order to maintain your TX real estate license, you must complete continuing education requirements every two years. These courses typically cost between $19 and $99.

TX Real Estate License Renewal Fee

Assuming you've met the renewal requirements, the 2023 cost to renew your Texas real estate license can be found on the TREC website.

Additional Ongoing Costs

It is important to keep in mind that these costs are just the beginning. As a real estate agent, you will also need to budget for marketing, transportation, and other business expenses. While the initial investment may be substantial, a career in real estate can be financially rewarding with consistency, focus, and discipline.

Next Steps

Contact us to learn more about a career with the best Abilene real estate agents on the Tonya Harbin Team!