If you’re considering getting your Iowa real estate license, you’ve come to the right place! While your official resource for requirements will be the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing, we have our own list of to-dos and tips as you navigate the steps of obtaining your real estate license.
A career in real estate can be incredibly rewarding and a great way to connect with those in your area, whether you live in a busy city like Des Moines or a quiet community like Dubuque. Are you ready to take the first step in your real estate career? Let’s get started!
Iowa’s Basic Eligibility Requirements to Get a Real Estate License
Before you sign up for any pre-licensing courses, know that you must be at least 18 years old at the time the application is submitted. Otherwise, there are no residency or citizenship requirements.
Important note: All steps to obtain your license must be completed within one year, and the application must be made within six months of passing the exam.
Complete 60 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education
The first step is to complete an Iowa Real Estate Commission-approved 60-hour pre-license course. This course will give you the foundation you’ll need to not only pass the exam, but also work with clients.
At Iowa Real Estate Academy, we offer both online and live via Zoom courses to complete this education. Our 60-hour pre-license course covers all of the required coursework described by the Iowa Real Estate Commission and outlined by PSI Exams. We’ll cover topics like:
- Property ownership and transfer
- Real estate law and contracts
- Financing and mortgages
- Agency relationships and ethics
- Iowa-specific rules and regulations
Take & Pass the PSI Real Estate Exam
Before you register for your exam, ensure you have your completion certificate for your 60-hour pre-license course, which will be issued by the Iowa Real Estate Academy. Once you have that, you’re ready to register!
The exam is administered by PSI Examination Services at various locations around the state, or you can register for the online exam by visiting their website. There are two parts to the exam: a national section that covers general real estate principles and a state section that is focused on Iowa laws.
Undergo a Background Check
Your next step on the road to becoming a licensed real estate agent is completing a criminal background check. This process can take 8-10 weeks, so plan ahead!
Once the commission reviews your background check, the report is only valid for 210 days.
Complete Additional Required Courses
In addition to your 60-hour pre-license course, you also need to complete the following 12-hour courses sometime in the year leading up to your license application:
- Developing Professionalism and Ethical Practices
- Buying Practices
- Listing Practices
Visit our courses page to register for these pre-license essentials! These courses must be taken in-person or live via Zoom and can be completed in any order.
Have a Sponsoring Broker
To apply, you’ll need to be affiliated with a licensed sponsoring broker. This will give you the supervision and hands-on training you’ll need as a new agent. When looking for a sponsoring broker, you should consider a few things:
- Company Culture: Ensure you’re working with a brokerage whose approach and reputation align with you and your goals.
- Commission Structure: Review how commission is divided so you know how you’ll be compensated.
- Training & Mentorship: Are there opportunities for guidance and growth? Will they be able to provide you with resources as a new real estate agent?
Obtain Errors & Omissions Insurance
Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance is professional liability insurance that protects against claims of negligence, misrepresentation, or mistakes in the real estate transaction. It typically covers lawsuits stemming from failed disclosures, inaccurate property descriptions, and misinterpretation of advice.
Apply for Your Iowa Real Estate License
It’s taken a lot to get here, but finally, it’s time to apply for your Iowa real estate license! You’ll submit your application through the Iowa Real Estate Commission’s online portal. You’ll need to provide documentation of everything you did to prepare. This includes:
- Your course completion certificates
- Passing exam results
- Background check documentation
- Sponsoring broker details
Once your application is approved and your license is issued, congratulations! You’re officially able to practice real estate anywhere in Iowa.
Ready to Start Your Real Estate Career in Iowa? Register for an Iowa Real Estate Academy Course Today
Our courses will help you get your career started, plus we offer all the renewal and continuing education courses you’ll need in the future. As a locally owned small business, we care a lot about your success in this industry, and you’ll receive training from our very own Director of Education, Amy Shafer.
If you still have questions about getting your real estate license or whether this is the right career for you, send us an email.