Louisiana Real Estate License

Home to some of the most-visited tourist areas in the nation, Louisiana is a prime location for real estate professionals. Those interested in a realty career in this state may wonder how to get a real estate license. Fortunately, obtaining a real estate license is relatively simple provided that candidates meet certain prerequisites and fill out the appropriate paperwork. The Louisiana Real Estate Commission (LREC) requires that all applicants for a real estate license in the state to submit to certain guidelines. The following offers guidance for those interested in getting a real estate salesperson license in the state of Louisiana.

Basic Prerequisites
The LREC requires that applicants for a real estate license meet certain qualifications. In general, real estate licensees must:

  • Be 18 or older
  • Hold a high school degree or equivalent
  • Complete 90 hours of prelicensure coursework from approved schools
  • Obtain a sponsoring broker and Errors & Omissions insurance
  • Pay the $45 new license fee for salespersons
  • Submit to a federal background check
  • Submit an official application
  • Pass the official licensing exam

Because a background check is required, applicants should pay attention to deadlines, as federal background checks can take time and cause delays.

Training & Education
The LREC requires 90 hours of prelicensure coursework. Applicants must attend an approved school, but certain out-of-jurisdiction exceptions may apply on a case-by-case basis. Candidates should check with the LREC to determine if their program meets the commission requirements on prelicensure coursework. In addition to prelicensure coursework, realtors must complete 45 hours of post-licensing coursework within 180 days of obtaining a state license. In general, post-licensing coursework is a one-time requirement and does not count as continuing education. However, 8 hours of post-licensing coursework may count towards the 12 hour annual continuing education requirement.

The educational requirements may be offset by applicable college coursework at accredited colleges or universities. The LREC will determine if these justify waivers of portions of the 90 hour prelicensure requirement.

One of the requirements for obtaining a license is to pass the final licensing exam. For specific exam requirements, applicants should contact the LREC directly, as the information is not clearly provided on the main website.

Louisiana requires 12 hours of annual continuing education credits, of which 4 of these hours are a mandatory topic chosen by the LREC. The renewal fee for a salesperson license is $35.

Additional Information
Louisiana recognizes the following nine states in reciprocity: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania. Realtors from these states must furnish proof of license in their existing state, fill out the necessary forms and pay the appropriate fees in order to obtain a reciprocal license in Louisiana. In addition, all applicants must submit to a background check upon application for license, regardless of reciprocity.

The LREC governs other real estate professionals, such as brokers, in addition to real estate salespersons. This article speaks directly to those interested in obtaining a real estate salesperson license in the state of Louisiana. Those interested in a career as a broker may wish to check out the LREC website to learn more about application and eligibility requirements for other real estate careers.

While the LREC maintains standards for Louisiana real estate professionals, national and international organizations exist to maintain broader standards for real estate agents and commissions. The National Association of Realtors and the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO) work to develop and standardize codes of ethics and business behaviors of real estate professionals on a global scale.

Resources:
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/real_estate_license/Louisiana.asp
http://www.lrec.state.la.us/salesperson/#SLR
http://www.lrec.state.la.us/reciprocal/
http://www.lrec.state.la.us/post-license-education/
http://www.lrec.state.la.us/continuing-education/

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