Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be challenging for many veterans. For one thing, finding the right job can be difficult. Veterans tend to be problem solvers, goal-oriented, have a strong work ethic, and need a sense of purpose for what they do. That’s why many military members become real estate agents.
Real estate agents (called brokers in North Carolina) are licensed professionals. Here’s what you need to know about obtaining a veterans real estate license. We’ll also discuss why becoming a real estate professional is a good fit for many veterans.
Key Takeaways
- Veterans can leverage skills like discipline, leadership, communication, and networking to excel in real estate. Knowledge of VA benefits and personal military connections also help veterans serve a niche market effectively.
- Real estate offers veterans flexibility, independence, potential financial growth, and personal fulfillment, making it an attractive career path. The average median pay for North Carolina agents is $204,000, with opportunities to help fellow veterans navigate homeownership.
- Veterans must complete a 75-hour pre-licensing course, pass the broker’s exam, and complete post-licensing courses to obtain and maintain their real estate license in North Carolina. The GI Bill can be used to cover the broker exam costs.
- Networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and continuing education are critical for veteran brokers to stay competitive and connected in the real estate industry. The Superior School of Real Estate offers flexible courses tailored to veterans’ needs.
Transferable Skills from Military Service to Real Estate
Veterans transitioning into real estate can leverage many skills and traits developed during their military service to thrive in their new careers.
- Discipline: Military service instills discipline, a vital trait for real estate success. Real estate brokers must be self-motivated, organized, and adept at effectively managing their time to grow their business and client base.
- Leadership: Veterans develop leadership skills by leading teams and coordinating operations. In real estate, these skills are essential for confidently guiding clients through complex transactions and negotiations.
- Communication: Clear and concise communication is crucial in both the military and real estate. Veterans excel at conveying critical information, making them effective in managing client relationships and transactions.
- Networking: Frequent relocations during military life foster strong networking skills. Veterans and their spouses are adept at building connections, a key skill for expanding a real estate client base.
- Knowledge of VA benefits: First-hand understanding of veterans’ benefits, such as VA home loans, positions veterans as credible and trustworthy agents, especially for clients with military backgrounds.
- Built-in niche: Many veteran real estate agents specialize in military relocation services and VA loans. Personal connections and shared experiences from military life enable them to serve this niche market exceptionally well.
Benefits of a Real Estate Career for Veterans
Veterans bring a host of valuable qualities to the table that make them well-suited for many careers. Learn more about those qualities and skills by reading 5 Reasons Veterans Make Great Real Estate Brokers.
Why real estate? Here’s why veterans should consider becoming a real estate broker in North Carolina.
Job flexibility and independence
One of the most appealing aspects of a career in real estate is the flexibility and independence it provides. Unlike conventional 9-to-5 jobs, real estate brokers have the freedom to set their own schedules, allowing for a better balance between work, family, and personal commitments. This level of flexibility is especially attractive to veterans, who often value the autonomy to make decisions and steer their own career paths.
Potential for financial growth
Real estate brokers in North Carolina can make good money. As a real estate professional, your earnings are often directly tied to effort, meaning veterans who apply their military work ethic may reap financial rewards.
According to Glassdoor, the median total pay of real estate agents in North Carolina is $204,000.
Personal fulfillment
To be frank, few careers are as meaningful as military service. However, you might find it personally satisfying to help clients (especially other servicemembers) find their dream homes or sell properties at the right price.
FAQ: What is the job outlook for real estate agents in North Carolina?
The job outlook for real estate agents in North Carolina is promising, driven by the state’s growing population, strong housing market, and economic development. North Carolina’s population increased 11 out of the 12 years between 2010 and 2022. Additionally, home values have increased by 2% YoY and homes for sale go to pending in 23 days.
Steps to Obtain a Real Estate License
You must have a real estate license to work as a real estate professional in North Carolina. The process includes completing pre-licensing coursework, passing a standardized test, completing an application, and passing a background check. You don’t have to have a college degree to be a real estate broker in North Carolina.
Here’s the process to obtain a real estate broker license in NC.
Step 1: Complete North Carolina’s 75-hour broker pre-licensing course
A variety of real estate schools and community colleges across the state offer these courses. Look for a school with a strong reputation, high-quality content and instructors, and a commitment to student success. Additionally, consider whether you prefer in-person classes, livestreaming options, or online courses to suit your learning style and schedule.
Step 2: Submit your license application and required documentation.
Complete your application and submit it to the North Carolina Real Estate Commission. The application includes a background check. Upon approval, you’ll receive an exam eligibility notice.
Step 3: Pass the North Carolina real estate broker’s exam.
Completing your education with a quality real estate education provider is the first step to exam success. Boost your confidence with exam prep materials, coaching, and practice tests to identify strengths, address weaknesses, and thoroughly review key concepts, ensuring you’re ready to pass.
Step 4: Complete post-licensing courses
After you’ve passed the examination, the commission reviews your application for licensure. Upon approval, you’ll receive a Provisional Broker’s License. To remove this provisional status, you must complete three 30-hour post-licensing courses within 18 months of licensure.
Financial Assistance and Scholarships for Those Obtaining a Veterans Real Estate License
What benefits do veterans get for real estate licensing? In North Carolina, veterans and their spouses receive several benefits when applying for a real estate license.
- Expedited licensing process: The state may streamline the licensing process for veterans and their spouses. Contact the North Carolina Real Estate Commission to learn more.
- Reciprocal licensing: Military members and spouses with a license from another state may qualify for licensure by endorsement if the previous state’s standards meet or exceed North Carolina’s requirements.
- FAQ: Can veterans use the GI Bill for real estate school?
According to the WEAMS licenses/certification search for North Carolina, you can use your GI Bill to pay for your North Carolina Real Estate Broker Exam.
Unfortunately, there is no fee waiver for servicemembers and their families who wish to become a real estate broker in North Carolina. All applicants must pay a $100 fee when submitting their application.
Additional Resources and Support for Veteran Real Estate Agents
Even though your pre-licensing coursework will cover real estate laws, regulations, and practices, building connections with other brokers and industry professionals can provide valuable insights and support. Additionally, staying up to date with professional development and continuing education is essential to maintaining your real estate license and staying competitive in the industry.
FAQ: Is there a special real estate license for veterans?
No, there is no unique real estate license for military members and their spouses. However, those licensed in another state may have an expedited process for earning their NC broker license.
Here are some additional resources available to veteran real estate brokers in North Carolina:
Networking opportunities and professional organizations
Join groups like the North Carolina Association of REALTORS® or local real estate boards to connect with other professionals, attend industry events, and gain access to exclusive tools and resources.
Mentorship programs and career support
Look for mentorship opportunities through veteran-specific programs or local brokerages to receive guidance from experienced agents and build a strong foundation for your career.
Related Article: How to Find a Real Estate Mentor
Continuing education and professional development
Stay informed about market trends and changes in regulations by completing the continuing education courses required by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission and exploring additional training opportunities to sharpen your skills.
These resources can help veterans transition smoothly into a successful real estate career in North Carolina, providing the tools and connections necessary for long-term success.
Next Steps
How do veterans get a real estate license in North Carolina? The first step is enrolling in pre-licensing courses. Consider choosing Superior School of Real Estate as your education provider.
Superior School of Real Estate offers in-person, livestream, and at-your-own-pace online real estate courses in North Carolina. We also provide post-licensing courses and continuing education. Superior is your one-stop shop for all your real estate education needs!
