To be licensed within the state of California, you must fill out an application and apply. The applications for state boards do vary, but there are some similarities. All boards, including the Department of Real Estate (DRE), require some sort of statement or declaration from the applicant and disclosure of any prior criminal convictions or discipline of a professional license in California or another state. If you are applying to the DRE and getting your real estate license, you do have some additional educational requirements you must submit as well.
Real Estate License Education Requirements
Agent: A real estate agent license is the starting point for real estate careers. Applicants are only required to be 18 years of age, pass an exam, and clear a background check. No additional education or prior training is required.
Broker: On the other hand, becoming a broker is different. When getting this kind of real estate license, one must have the experience of an agent, pass an exam, have a clean record, and complete college-level courses or obtain an associated degree. This is because brokers can run their own firms and will be responsible for other real estate professionals like agents.
Although the education requirements are slightly different for real estate professionals, the DRE requires all applicants to disclose any convictions or prior discipline. No matter what your specialty is, real estate requires licensees to be always honest and trustworthy. Failure to disclose this information could immediately result in a denial and difficulty with pursuing your real estate career.
Related Article: What’s the difference between a broker and an agent license?
Disclosing Convictions or Discipline
Even if you want to be honest and transparent on your application, you may not actually know-how. When getting a real estate license, the main issue many applicants face is how to disclose a prior conviction or discipline properly. During the application process, you will be required to fill out the documentation for the board, including prior discipline. Here you will have the opportunity to explain what happened and any consequences. It’s important to provide all the details. The DRE will also run a background check during this process. If any new convictions or discipline arise, your license could be in jeopardy. At that point, you will need a real estate license defense attorney to petition your denial.
Related Article: What Disqualifies You From Being a Real Estate Agent?
Even if you have a conviction, a denial is not inevitable. A professional license defense lawyer can help you complete the application and clearly explain what happened and what you’ve done to recover from that incident. Your attorney can help provide any additional documentation needed to show your rehabilitative efforts and even gather positive recommendations from your peers if needed.
Contact Unlock Legal
Are you ready to apply for your real estate license? Contact us immediately. Our expert team will help you get the best possible result.
Our clients applying for their real estate licenses can save time and money by working with our team. They save time if their application is filled out incorrectly. If their application is denied, it will take even more time to petition the denial and extra money to cover the fees associated with that petition. Our team can make this application process simple and ensure you start your dream career.
Unlock Legal provides focused representation in criminal defense and defense for California licensed professionals. Contact Unlock Legal today or give us a call at 949-997-1474 to speak with a professional about your case and your unique needs. You’ll find we are compassionate, easy to talk to, and willing to help in any capacity we can.
