How to Become a Licensed Real Estate Broker in Washington

1. Pick a school and do your 90 hours of course work. At Windermere, we recommend Rockwell Institute because it is consistent and has proven success at getting people prepared to pass the exam. Current cost $489 (January 2021).
   1. HOT TIP: There is an add on to get sample exams and extra cramming practice. GET IT!
2.  Do the following steps as you get closer to completing the 90 hours to break up the studying with actions that will prepare you for taking the exam and getting licensed…
3. Fingerprints! The closest location to Whidbey Island is in Mt. Vernon. You can schedule your appointment on this IdentoGO site. At the time of this blog post (January 2021), it cost $42.80 for the fingerprints and background check. Go to this DOL site for more info.
4. Set up a SAW account (Secure Access Washington) if you haven’t already for your driver’s license. For more info: https://www.dol.wa.gov/business/accountaccess.html
5. Register as a student with AMP through psi here https://ampportal.goamp.com/School/SchoolUser/WAREPStudentRegistration.aspx.
6. Register for the exam. Cost $138.25 https://online.goamp.com/CandidateHome/examination.aspx?p_category=REAL%20ESTATE&p_client_code=WAREP&p_exam_id=21311
7. Once you’ve passed the exams apply for your license! https://secureaccess.wa.gov/myAccess/saw/select.do

* Contact the WA DOL Real Estate licensing department if you need extra help. We recommend emailing them instead of calling for a faster response. https://www.dol.wa.gov/business/realestate/contact.html

Follow these suggestions to get yourself mentally and physically ready to launch your real estate career:

1. Pick a brokerage.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Interview the top brokerages in your area. Since the real estate exam process doesn’t really give you what you need to serve people or build your own business you want to join a brokerage with a robust training program and ongoing support. Schedule a no-pressure introduction meeting with our brokerage today! Email us at WhidbeyCommunications@Windermere.com to do so.
2. Change your phone number to a local area code if it is not already. Nowadays all cell phones have caller ID and everyone is screening calls from out of state numbers. Do not confuse people, all real estate is local and your phone number should be too.
3. If you are beginning your real estate career in November or December then now is a great time to start collecting mailing addresses for Christmas cards.
4. Read some books. We give one of our favorites out a lot!
5. Snoop on the local real estate brokers.                                                                                    What do you see that you like, what don’t you like? Take note! Social media is one good place to find a broker then check out top brokers’ web pages. If you don’t know any go to the website of the brokerage you’re thinking about, head to the agent’s page, and start clicking links. Ours is right here!
6. Interview brokers you admire. Take a broker that catches your attention online for a cup of coffee (they really do like it!). Ask them all the questions but more importantly LISTEN. Some suggested questions are…             
   1. What do you like most about being a real estate broker? Least?
   2. What do you like most about your brokerage? Least?
   3. What advice would you give someone like me who is just getting into the business?
7. Download our guide to 5 things you can do to give yourself a head start here.

PHOTOS BY: Kelsey Kurtis