License Law Requirements

Becoming a real estate agent takes dedication.  To start, the Louisiana Real Estate Commission requires that you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Have obtained a high school diploma or equivalency certificate (GED).
• Complete 90 hours of real estate education in courses approved by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission.
• Pass the real estate salesperson licensing examination.
• Select a Broker who you would like to affiliate with (sponsoring Broker).

We suggest you interview with Ron Brooks.  He will provide you with valuable information that could help make the decision easier.

Educational Requirements

A good head start in real estate means learning more than just the bare minimum.  Educational requirements must be in specific real estate courses and can be obtained through the following sources:

• Take a pre-license course from a reputable school that is certified by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission.  Generally, both day and evening classes are offered.  Some schools offer on line courses.  Contact us for a recommendation.
• Credit for real estate courses completed at a college or university may be accepted based on the applicability of the subject to the current pre-licensing course requirements.

PRE-License Testing

After completion of the classroom hours you will be given a Certificate of Completion and are eligible to apply for the licensing exam given each weekday, except holidays.

The exam is divided into two parts:

• Real Estate Principles and Practices (consisting of contracts, different types of ownership, financing and pricing the property) and,
• Louisiana Laws and Real Estate Rules & Regulations (covering laws that are unique to our state).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why consider a career in real estate?
Real Estate sales provide an opportunity to run your own business with a minimum amount of up front cost.  The idea of flexible hours can be a huge incentive, plus most people like the idea of not having a limit placed on the amount of income they can earn.

How do I get started?
The first step is to set up an appointment to discuss the many benefits of being associated with Patterson Real Estate.  Ron Brooks will be happy to answer any questions you may have, show you the office, and work with you to determine how you can embark on a successful real estate career.

How long will it take to get my license?
Real estate classes offered by local real estate schools, certified by the State of Louisiana, are varied in format, from all-day to nights, part-time to full-time.  Some even offer on-line classes to allow students to work at their leisure.  The amount of time depends on the number of hours you can spend each day to complete the required hours.  Generally, the process takes from four to twelve weeks.  Once you have taken the exam, and Patterson Real Estate Agency processes all the necessary paperwork to the Real Estate commission, you should receive your license within a short time.

How soon will I begin to earn an income?
Highs and lows are part of any sales career - some months will be higher producing then others; consistency over time will be higher producing then others; consistency over time will be the key to your success.  Remember the first commission check may not come for a couple of months because real estate sales are paid on a commission basis and it takes time to establish and build a customer and client base for your business.

How much can I expect to earn?
Remember, you are in business for yourself, so you decide how much you want to earn and set realistic goals to achieve success.

How do I get business?
Your objective in this business is to assist people through the process of buying and selling homes.  Your business can come from people you already know or from complete strangers.

What does it costs to get started?
We estimate the start-up cost to be approximately $1,500.  Some of these expenses include your tuition, your real estate license, membership dues in the local, state and National Association of Realtors, errors and omission insurance, etc.  Ron Brooks will elaborate on what fees are due and when.

What characteristics make a good sales agent?
Attitude and personality traits include:  Honesty, integrity, willing to learn, good self-image, positive, outgoing, enthusiastic, likes to help others, independent and creative, handles frustration well, mature, persistent and willing to work hard.

Patterson Real Estate © 2006
Ronald D. Brooks, Broker ~ Houma, Terrebonne ~ State of Louisiana ~ USA