You are here because you want to get a headstart on your real estate career. You want to be licensed and operational by the time you become a legal adult.

But the question is: can you get your real estate license at 17? Unfortunately, the answer is no. You cannot get a real estate license at 17 in the United States. Across different states, the minimum age requirement for licensing starts at 18 and above.

There are several strides you can take towards licensing at 17. But you can only obtain your license once you are 18, and in other states like Alabama, you have to be 19.

In this article, I will walk you through age requirements and alternative routes for younger aspirants hoping to start their careers early. I will also give you strategic planning tips and steps to take when you turn 18. By reading this guide, you’ll understand how to navigate your way into a successful real estate career.

Minimum Age Requirements

Across the board and in most states, the basic licensing requirements stipulate that an individual must be 18 years old to sit for the real estate license exam. This stipulation is valid for applicants in 47 U.S. states.

But, aspiring agents in three states will have to wait another year before holding their licenses. These three states, Nebraska, Alabama, and Alaska, require licensees to be at least 19 years old before taking the exam.

Planning Ahead

Even though the country has strict age requirements for the real estate exam, there are still options for 17-year-olds eager to dive into real estate. These routes offer rich hands-on experience and practical knowledge, allowing you to plan ahead of your 18th birthday.

Take a Pre-licensing Course

While you may not be eligible for a license, that doesn’t mean you cannot start building foundational knowledge. You may take real estate courses to gain operational understanding in your jurisdiction.

Some online pre-licensing course providers may be willing to welcome you into their programs before you hit the legal age. If you find one of these courses, enroll and begin preparing for your exam.

You can also take our online course, which will help you gain a fundamental understanding of real estate principles. Evident in every lesson is our commitment to excellence and your success.

As you delve deeper into our materials, you realize that learning isn’t only about acquiring new facts and figures. It’s about understanding how pieces fit together to form a bigger picture: real estate practice within your state.

Take an Internship at a Brokerages

My advice to hopeful 17-year-olds is to also consider learning in action. Achieve this by joining a brokerage as an apprentice or intern.

Working directly under seasoned professionals will give you an inside look at how deals are made and contracts negotiated. You can learn about listing presentations, client relationship management, and other core aspects of the trade. It may cost you a few hours a day, but it can reward you with a lifelong career.

This article wouldn’t be complete without recognizing the great trial opportunity interning will afford you. During your internship, as you watch brokers and agents from the sidelines, you get to test drive the industry. This position will allow you to know if real estate is for you.

When you come of age and are ready to launch, this same broker may be your sponsor.

Shadowing a Successful Agent

Shadowing is a career-long activity and something that I still do. Unlike interning, it doesn’t stop the day you hold your license.

Spending time with successful agents will allow you to observe first-hand how these professionals navigate their day-to-day responsibilities. You may even see them in action, managing unexpected challenges as they arise. This will provide you with an enriching learning opportunity.

Another irrefutable benefit of agent shadowing is networking. As you shadow successful agents, you will have access to valuable insights and opportunities that may otherwise not be accessible.

Glean from the knowledge of successful agents and improve your career approach.

These pathways provide the theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary for success in the fast-paced world of real estate business.

Turning 18

When you finally turn 18, one of the first steps you should take as an adult is registering for the real estate licensing exam. Scheduling your exams early gives you ample time to prepare and increases your chances of success.

You will have to wait for your state’s licensing body’s approval before you can schedule the exam. Once you’ve passed your examinations, the next step would be submitting your license application. Your sponsoring broker should be able to help you with this step.

With these initial steps completed, now comes an exciting part: kickstarting your sales career! Turning 18 isn’t just about newfound freedom. It’s an opportunity to start building towards professional goals using strategic planning and proactive actions.

The Countdown to Launch Is On

If you are a 17-year-old with a heart for real estate, there may be an age requirement standing in your way. Can you get a real estate license at 17? You can’t get your license at 17.

But, there are several steps you can take to prepare yourself for a career in real estate. These include enrolling in pre-licensing courses and gaining practical experience through internships or shadowing successful agents.

Action Steps
If you’re eager to jump-start your career in real estate, consider these actions: