Thinking about a career in real estate?

Take control of your future with an exciting career that provides flexible hours with unlimited earning potential.

Buyers and sellers of real property are more sophisticated than ever when it comes to buying a home and they have certain expectations for the professionalism and service from their broker. Whether you join a national franchise, independent company or decide to begin your own business, you’ll have the opportunity as a real estate professional to get the training you need to exceed their expectations and make your business a success.

• Learn more about obtaining an Illinois Real Estate License [1] from the Illinois Association of REALTORS® Licensing & Training Center.

The real estate industry has evolved into a highly specialized discipline and integrates other specialties such as marketing, geography, economics, finance, sociology, political science, art and law. You can decide to help people buy and sell property, relocate, sell or develop land. In addition, real estate professionals are typically involved members of their communities helping to promote the overall well-being of the community. Learn about real estate specialties. [2]

Scholarships

[3]

Since 2000, the Illinois Real Estate Educational Foundation (REEF) has awarded scholarships to help students and Illinois real estate professionals fulfill their educational dreams and pursue their career in the real estate industry. To learn more about scholarships available call 866-854-7333 or download an application at www.ilreef.org [3].

Licensing Requirements: Broker vs. Managing Broker

As a real estate “selling” broker you are affiliated with a sponsoring broker. Brokers may make sales presentations, identify suitable properties, conduct open house tours, identify sources of financing and coordinate the sales or rental transaction. However, brokers affiliated with a sponsoring broker may do so only on behalf of that one sponsoring broker. With more courses and upon passing an additional exam, you can become a real estate managing broker. As a managing broker you could manage the company that engages in property sales or rentals and have the opportunity to employ other brokers. As with many other professions, education and licensing are required.

Illinois is one state that mandates continuing education (CE) [6] for its licensees. Licensees must complete and pass CE courses at the rate of six hours per year every two years in order to maintain their licenses. These courses keep real estate professionals current on ­topics such as ethics, agency, legal issues, license law, antitrust and finance. The state-approved Illinois Association of REALTORS® Licensing & Training Center has classroom, online and home study options available to complete your CE training. 

I have my real estate license. What's the next step?

Property buyers and sellers are more sophisticated than ever when it comes to buying a home. They do their homework and they have certain expectations for the professionalism and service from their real estate agent. Whether you join a national franchise, independent company or decide to begin your own business, you'll have the opportunity to get the training you need to exceed their expectations and make your business a success. Learn more. [7]

REALTOR® is a registered trademark of the National Association of REALTORS®. This mark represents a high standard of professional conduct in serving the interests of clients and customers. Learn more about the REALTOR® organization. [8]