How to Get a Georgia Real Estate License

Step-By-Step Guide to Getting a Real Estate License in Georgia

We know exactly what you’re here for. After endless hours of searching the depths of the internet for answers, you just want a reliable, straightforward source to tell you the steps needed to obtain a real estate license in GA. Luckily for you, we can do exactly that.

You can follow this step by step guide to get a Salesperson’s License in Georgia:

Step 1: Complete the Pre-licensing Course 

In Georgia, you’ll need to sign up for and complete 75 hours of the salesperson pre-licensing course. This takes the average student anywhere around 2 to 6 weeks to complete. You can even take the course online, which allows you to go at your own pace.

The courses will cover a variety of real estate topics, so be sure to pay attention. You will learn about Georgia real estate laws, what processes and procedures you need to follow, and how transactions work as well as a slew of other topics.

Read up on the reviews for the best Georgia real estate schools below before deciding on a course. Some will be a better fit for you than others based on your preferred learning style.

Step 2: Pass the Georgia Real Estate Exam

Next, you must pass both the National and State portions of the Salesperson Real Estate Exam. The exam consists of 152 multiple-choice questions, 100 of which are dedicated to the National portion while the remaining 52 questions focus on real estate regulations in the state of Georgia. You will have just 4 hours to take the exam, so make sure to fuel up on food and water before you begin. 

We don’t mean to psych you out, but keep in mind that only about 60% of students who take the realtor license exam in GA pass.

Additionally, make sure to set $115 aside to cover the cost of the exam! Sure, it might seem like quite a bit of work and money — but it’ll be worth it.

Step 3: Apply for Your Georgia Realtor’s License

Submit the licensing application provided by the Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC). This is when they will run a background check and ask for your fingerprints. This is just policy, so don’t worry. GREC just needs to make sure they have the most up to date information on you and can identify you if necessary. 

Upon applying, you can choose between an active or inactive real estate license. Not sure which one to choose? Well, an active license means that you’re working under a sponsored broker and can engage in real estate brokerage activities. An inactive license, on the other hand, implies that you don’t have a sponsoring broker, and are therefore ineligible to engage in real estate brokerage activities.

Once your application is approved, you’ll be a licensed salesperson in the state of Georgia Congratulations!

But, there are still a few more things to tackle. 

Step 4: Find a Brokerage

After obtaining your license, you’ll want to find a brokerage in Georgia who will sponsor you. The easiest way to do so is to find their contact information on the web, contact them directly, and introduce yourself. Be sure to include what your aspirations and goals are. Don’t worry, most brokerages are looking to bring on new agents, so they will appreciate you reaching out. 

You’ll get to choose a brokerage you like, that focuses on a niche you love, that has a company culture you love, and most importantly … has a good commission rate, so your paycheck is XL. Worried about finding a brokerage yourself? Agent Advice helps with warm introductions to hiring brokerages if you sign-up for a class through us. Phew!

You have total freedom to choose your sponsoring broker. Here’s some things agents look at when choosing a brokerage:

• Commission Rate – Look at each brokerage’s commission rate when you’re shopping around. If they’ve got a good rate, your commission checks will be larger than life. 💸
•  Niche – Maybe you want a brokerage that focuses on a niche on a location or a specific category of real estate like commercial retail, single family homes, or fixer-uppers. So if you have a specific interest you can find a broker who shares that interest.
•  Culture – Maybe the company’s culture is important to you. If so, get to know what they’re all about, how they work, and what’s important to them.

That’s all just to say that you have the freedom to choose a brokerage that fits you.

Mission Complete

Those are the steps you need to get your Georgia real estate license. Yes, you might have to trudge through paperwork, check boxes, file forms, burn the midnight oil, chug coffee … but after all that … you’ll have your license. We recommend printing it out on super-gloss and framing it. Leave some room next to it for your first commission check; A LOT of room!

And there you are: those are the steps needed to start practicing as a GA realtor. Keep in mind that 36 hours of continuing education courses need to be completed every four years in order to keep your real estate license active. By then, you’ll be a real estate pro and the courses will be a breeze!

While taking the first steps to obtain your Georgia real estate license might seem daunting, we’re here to guide you along the way. Feel free to browse through our library of information and resources on all things real estate; we promise it’ll be well worth your time.

Georgia real estate license requirements as per GREC

Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria to be a GA real estate agent. This is pretty simple and straightforward, but the requirements vary slightly from state to state so let’s make sure you don’t waste any more of your time. Before spending money on a course, make sure that you are:

• At least 18 years old
• Have graduated from high school or obtained the equivalent of a high school degree such as a GED

How much does a real estate license in GA cost?

There are several costs and fees you will come across when getting your Georgia real estate salesperson license. The licensing examination fee itself is $115.00, and the license fee is $170.00 if you apply at the testing center upon passing the exam. Payment can be made by credit card, cashier’s check, or money order made payable to the Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC).
There are also some other variable costs, which include tuition and fees for completing your pre-licensing education, costs to obtain your background check, and other miscellaneous costs that may arise when completing the needed requirements.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay to become a Georgia real estate Agent:

• Pre-licensing: $200+
• License Fee: $170 
• Exam Fee: $121 per attempt
• Background Check: $30 
• Cost of Optional Fees (Realtors’ Fees, etc.): $150-$500
• Renewal Fees: $125
• Continuing Education Fees: These vary according to the type of classes you are taking

How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Georgia?

How much time it will take you to acquire a real estate license in Georgia depends on yourself only. The sooner you pass the Pre-Licensing coursework, do the background check, and pass the licensing examination, the faster the process will end. Usually, the pre-licensing course takes around 2 to 6 weeks to complete, while scheduling and passing the exam can take anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks. So, all in all, the entire process from starting the course to obtaining your license can take from 3 weeks to 9 weeks to complete.

What’s the real estate agent salary in Georgia?

Georgia agents make $69,150 a year on average. This breaks down to $33.24 per hour. 

Here’s an idea of the salary rates agents can expect in some of Georgia’s top paying cities:

• Atlanta: $113,420
• Savannah: $100,165
• Athens: $95,904
• Roswell: $102,468
• Augusta: $98,953
• Hoschton: $91,255
• Marietta: $100,562
• Columbus: $96,269
• Hiram: $87,147

How Much Do Homes Cost in Georgia?

The average Georgia home costs $256,962. Home prices have risen between 15% and 20% over the past year depending on the region. Here’s how prices break down by city:

• Norcross: $370,00
• Sandy Springs: $552,000
• Brookhaven: $789,000
• Chamblee: $510,000
• Braselton: $425,333
• Savannah: $325,000
• Atlanta: $400,000
• Temple: $299,000
• Winder: $341,5000
• Augusta: $177,860
• Macon: $150.026

What are Commission Splits Like in Georgia? 

Commission splits in Georgia are currently between 5% and 6%, The average is 5.67%.

However, the amount you take home will be significantly affected by how much of your commission your brokerage is asking. Here are some Florida brokerages and the splits they require:

• Coldwell Banker: With different offices asking for different commissions, agents can expect either a 55/45 split or a 60/40 split. 
• Berkshire Hathaway: 60/40
• Century 21: 50/50
• RE/MAX: 95/5
• Realty One: 0 commission