What it Costs to Become a Real Estate Agent in Texas

Real estate is a lucrative and exciting field that offers great opportunities for growth and success. To become a licensed real estate agent in Texas, you must meet the educational and licensing requirements of the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). One of the significant considerations for anyone considering becoming a real estate agent is the cost of obtaining a license. 

So, what does it cost to become a real estate agent in Texas? 

The total cost of becoming a licensed real estate agent in Texas varies depending on several different variables. The main variables are Educational Costs, Licensing Costs, Exam Fees, and Brokerage Fees.

After adding up these fees it can cost anywhere from $600-$1,000 to become a licensed Real Estate Agent in the state of Texas in 2023.

Education Costs

Before applying for a real estate license in Texas, you must first complete the required pre-licensing education courses. These courses are designed to give you a fundamental understanding of the real estate industry, including basic real estate principles, law, contracts, and finance.

The cost of these courses may vary depending on the school or institution offering them. The cost can range from $300 to $1000. It is essential to choose a TREC-accredited school to ensure that the courses you take meet the licensing requirements.

Use our recommended real estate school.

Licensing Costs

After completing the pre-licensing courses, you must then apply for and obtain a real estate license. To do this, you'll need to complete an application with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). You'll also be take a state exam. Once you pass the exam and your application is approved, you will receive your real estate license and be able to begin working as an agent.

Application & Background Check Fee

• Before taking the Texas Real Estate exam, you must apply through the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). This process includes a background check and requires a fee of $185, plus the cost of electronic fingerprinting (typically $38.25, but varies based on the provider). There might also be additional state/local taxes involved.

Texas Real Estate Exam Fee

To take the Texas real estate license exam with an approved Pearson Vue provider, and pay the test fee fee. The fee for the state portion of the Texas real estate license exam is $43 per attempt.

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

Brokerage Fees

To practice real estate, you must work under the supervision of a licensed brokerage. Many brokerages charge a fee for their services, which can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. 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 to see what services they offer, and how their fees are structured.

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!