Congratulations! You’ve completed your pre-licensing courses and passed your North Carolina real estate exam! While it’s important to take a moment to celebrate this accomplishment, you may be wondering, “Now what?” We’re here to offer you some guidance. Here’s what to do after getting your real estate license in NC.
Please understand that some of these tasks must be completed quickly. However, other tasks, like building your network, will require continuous work. Also, even though we provide a series of steps, most of these tasks can be completed in any order.
Key Takeaways
- After passing the North Carolina real estate exam, your first step is to find a sponsoring broker-in-charge and file the License Activation/Affiliation form to transition your license from inactive to active status.
- As a provisional broker, you must complete 90 hours of post-licensing education within 18 months to maintain your active license and advance your career.
- Building a professional network through organizations, community involvement, and local business connections is crucial for generating leads and referrals while establishing a strong reputation in your area.
- Create a personal brand through business cards, a professional website, and a robust online presence. Leverage digital marketing strategies to attract clients and build credibility as a real estate expert.
What to Do After Getting Your Real Estate License in NC
You’ve completed the 75-hour broker pre-licensing course, submitted a license application and required documentation, and passed the North Carolina real estate broker’s exam. Here’s what you need to do next.
Step 1: Find a sponsoring broker-in-charge.
The entry-level real estate license in North Carolina is an inactive provisional broker. As a provisional broker, you must work under the supervision of a broker-in-charge to have an active status and legally provide brokerage services.
So, the first step as an inactive, provisional broker is to find a sponsoring broker.
You can think of a broker-in-charge as both your partner and your boss, as they’ll help you maneuver through the beginning of your journey as a real estate broker in exchange for a share of your commissions.
Related Article: How to Choose a Managing Broker
FAQ: How do I activate my real estate license in NC?
Once you have found a broker-in-charge to oversee your real estate transactions, you must file a License Activation/ Affiliation form (REC 2.08) with the North Carolina Real Estate Commission. Only after this form is processed (which may take up to 30 calendar days) will your license be active.
It’s important to note that after fulfilling this step, you’ll still have a provisional broker license. In later steps, we’ll discuss how to remove the word “provisional” from your license.
Step 2: Get Errors & Omissions Insurance.
Errors and omissions insurance (E&O) is a professional liability insurance offered to real estate brokers. It offers protection in the event of a lawsuit and helps to pay legal fees, court costs, and any judgment awarded.
North Carolina does not require E&O insurance for brokers, but your brokerage might require that you obtain a policy. Still – some brokerages include E&O in desk fees, so you may not have to get a policy on your own.
Step 3: Fulfill post-licensing requirements.
You can’t stay a provisional broker forever. You have to complete additional coursework to become a broker.
FAQ: How long do you have to take post-licensing in NC?
As a provisional broker, you must complete the 90-hour (three, 30-hour) NC post-licensing education program within 18 months of your initial licensure date. If you fail to complete your real estate post-licensing courses within the 18-month deadline, your license will be placed on inactive status,
Step 4: Join and engage in professional organizations to build your professional network.
There are countless professional organizations that can help real estate professionals connect, network, and increase their knowledge of the field. You can choose to join an organization based on your niche or area.
Here are some reputable organizations to get you started:
- Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM)
- National Association of Realtors (NAR)
- National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries (NCREIF)
- U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
- Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS (SIOR)
- Urban Land Institute (ULI)
- Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate (AFIRE)
- NC REALTORS®
- North Carolina Real Estate Investors Association (NCREIA)
Joining professional organizations is one way to meet more brokers and professionals in fields related to real estate sales. These experienced professionals can teach you about peculiarities of the market that you wouldn’t have otherwise known about. Everyone learns as they put education to practice, but it usually doesn’t hurt to get advice from someone who has already ironed out their way of doing business.
Find someone whose work you admire and ask them for lunch or coffee to ask for advice.
Step 5: Build your network in the community.
While joining professional organizations is an excellent way to grow your professional network, building connections within your local community is equally vital for long-term success in real estate. Your local network can help you generate leads, gain referrals, and establish a reputation as your area’s go-to real estate expert.
Here are a few tried-and-true methods to get to know people in a community.
- Get involved in community events: Participating in local events such as charity fundraisers, business expos, or neighborhood block parties allows you to meet potential clients and build trust. Being a familiar face in the community helps people think of you first when they’re ready to buy or sell a home.
- Volunteer with local organizations: Volunteering for local causes not only gives back to the community but also introduces you to people who may need your services or refer you to others. Consider volunteering at schools, animal shelters, or housing-related non-profits to make meaningful connections while showcasing your commitment to the area.
- Join local business groups: Many towns and cities have local business associations or chambers of commerce. Joining these groups can help you meet other professionals who can send business your way or collaborate with you. Networking with local lenders, contractors, and other real estate-adjacent professionals can create a strong referral network.
- Stay active and visible: Networking in the community is not a one-time effort. Make it a habit to attend local gatherings, celebrate milestones with clients, and maintain visibility through ongoing engagement. Building a reputation as a reliable and approachable real estate professional will open doors to opportunities that go beyond the initial handshake.
By embedding yourself in your local community and fostering genuine relationships, you’ll grow your network and establish a lasting presence as a trusted real estate broker.
Step 6: Develop your personal brand and marketing plan.
Your personal brand sets you apart in a competitive real estate market. It’s how clients perceive you and what makes you memorable.
Start by designing professional business cards, creating engaging social media profiles, and building a personal website that showcases your expertise, listings, and client testimonials.
A strong online presence is crucial for real estate brokers. To attract leads, utilize digital marketing strategies such as social media ads, email campaigns, and search engine optimization (SEO). Share valuable content like market updates, home-buying tips, and success stories to establish yourself as a trusted expert. A well-rounded marketing plan ensures you’re visible to potential clients and reinforces your reputation as a professional, approachable, and reliable real estate agent.
If you aren’t inclined toward social media and other digital marketing strategies, there are people who can help! Consider employing the help of digital marketing experts who can help you build your online presence. Websites like Upwork or Freelancer can help you connect with experienced marketers, designers, and writers.
Step 7: Set up business operations.
Establishing your business operations is essential for staying organized and professional as a new real estate agent. Start by setting up an office space—whether at home or in a brokerage—equipped with the tools you need to stay productive. Implement financial systems to track income, expenses, and commissions efficiently. Use accounting software or work with a professional to ensure accurate record-keeping and compliance.
Additionally, familiarize yourself with taxes and potential deductions available to real estate agents, such as home office expenses, marketing costs, and vehicle mileage. Proper organization and financial management from the start will help you avoid stress and focus on growing your career.
Step 8: Budget for future plans.
As you see the trajectory of your career goals unfold, it’s a good idea to budget accordingly. Based on your niche, consider what your projected annual revenue will be. After establishing an ideal salary, consider the work environment that would make you most comfortable. Are you planning to work from home? Is a luxe office space in your vision of your future? Do you plan to have an assistant eventually? These are all factors that influence how you should structure your budget.
Now that you have some tips for getting started in the real estate sphere be confident in your abilities to become successful. You’ve already completed the most significant step, passing your real estate exam, and are on your way to a fruitful career.
