Real estate is undoubtedly a lucrative career in Oregon. With an average base salary of around $93,786 a year, it is easy to see why many people want to follow this career path.
Unlike most other states in the US, Oregon does not have a clear distinction between real estate agents and brokers.4 Real estate agents in Oregon also act as real estate brokers.
This means that becoming a real estate agent qualifies you as a real estate broker automatically.
Would you want to discover how to become a real estate agent in Oregon? This guide outlines all the necessary requirements and procedures.
Read on to discover what separates you from your dream career.
How To Get a Real Estate License in Oregon
Getting your hands on a real estate license is the first step to becoming a real estate agent or broker. However, like in any other state, Oregon has its specific requirements and procedures for acquiring the license.
Before the State of Oregon can certify you as a real estate agent, you must meet the following requisites:
- Ensure you have attained the required legal age
- Meet the pre-licensing education requirements
- Pass a pre-licensing exam
- Pay all the necessary fees
- Pass the fingerprints, background criminal check
After this, you can start your application process to become a real estate agent.
Oregon Professional Real Estate Agent Requirements
Oregon has its unique requirements for licensing a real estate broker or agent.
Usually, getting into real estate in Oregon starts by attaining a broker license. This is the most basic (entry-level) real estate agent’s license in Oregon.
Once you have this license, you can operate as a professional real estate agent.
The terms of a professional real estate agent are defined in the ORS 696.010.1 Also, a new broker must work under the supervision of a principal broker.
The operations of a real estate agent in Oregon differ from those in many other states.
For example, you cannot hold more than one real estate license at a time. You can only be a broker (entry-level), a principal broker, or a property manager at any given time.
Necessary Age and Elementary Education Standards
How old do you have to be to be a real estate agent in Oregon?
To start this journey as a real estate broker in Oregon, you must be at least 18 years old.2
Also, you need to prove that you have attained a high school diploma or a GED. An international equivalent of these education qualifications is acceptable.
People aspiring for a real estate broker position in Oregon often have this question: Do you have to go to college to be a real estate agent?
A simple answer here is no. The necessary education for real estate agent licenses is a high school diploma.
Prerequisite Learning Hours for Licensure
If you meet the above requirements, the next step is to start a real estate broker pre-licensing course. By completing this, you now get a chance to apply for the real estate broker license.
In Oregon, the pre-licensing education course usually spans up to 150 hours. These are class work hours, which you can attend either in-person or online.
Many students prefer the Oregon real estate license online classes as they are more flexible than the in-person ones.
Completion of this course is one of the main qualifications to be a real estate agent. It kickstarts your application process towards real estate certification.
Expenses for Pre-Licensing Education in Real Estate School
The real estate certification program in Oregon is not free. For example, you need approximately $300 to $600 to complete the pre-licensing course.
This cost is not inclusive of the license application fee, which costs $300. There is also an exam application fee, which is $75.
These are part of the main costs you must incur before starting your real estate agent career.
Necessary Background Assessment for Real Estate License (Fingerprint Station Information)
A background criminal check is necessary for any aspiring real estate broker in Oregon.
The state requires any applicant to submit their fingerprints for a background check. You must include the report during your license application.
Generally, the law is not clear on specific crimes that may hinder your real estate broker approval. However, some applications still do not go through.
If you want to know your fate before attending the classes, you can undergo the background check first.
The fingerprinting is usually done at the PSI exam centers.3 It is conducted by the state’s police department and takes between 3 and 4 weeks to come back.
Some of the main PSI centers where fingerprinting takes place include:
| Location | Schedule |
| Baker City 2101 Main Street, OR 97814 |
Mondays to Wednesdays: 11 AM to 1 PM |
| Eugene 1955 Empire Park Drive, Suite #1 Eugene, OR 97402 |
Monday and Wednesday: 10 AM to 11:30 AM and 2 PM to 4 PMFriday: 10 AM to 11:30 AM |
| Bend 325 NW Vermont Place |
Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays: 9 AM to 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM.to 4 PM. |
| Medford 1236 A North Riverside Ave Medford |
Wednesday to Saturday: 10 AM to 11:30 AM
Thursday to Friday: 2 PM to 4 PM |
The Oregon State Police, together with the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigations), conduct these activities. The fingerprints are digitally submitted through PSI.
Realtor® vs Real Estate Agent
While some people use these two terms interchangeably, they have some differences. The main difference is in their licenses or certifications and roles.
For example, a real estate agent is a licensed professional who helps people in their property purchase or selling process. In other words, people hire real estate agents to help them sell or buy real estate properties.
A Realtor® is also a licensed professional helping people to buy or dispose of their properties. However, on top of that, Realtors® are members of the NAR (National Association of REALTORS®).
Generally, a Realtor® is a real estate agent or broker who is an active member of the NAR.
What Disqualifies You From Being a Real Estate Agent?
If you are convicted of a felony or any violent misdemeanor, you might not get your license approval.
For example, if you are convicted of theft, fraud, embezzlement, or drug-related crimes, your application might be denied. All these crimes and more reflect adversely on your behavior, which is not ideal for a real estate broker.
Should I Become a Real Estate Agent?
If your desire is to become a real estate agent in Oregon, you should. A real estate agent career in Oregon can turn out to be quite lucrative.
Going by the current average salaries for real estate agents or brokers, it is not a bad career choice at all. Also, the career is flexible and offers incredible growth opportunities.
What Is the Value of a Real Estate Agent?
The value of a real estate agent is seen in their ability to help their clients as real estate agents help investors identify the best ways to invest in real estate. Whether you want to discover how to invest in real estate with little money or just find the best assets, real estate agents have this information.
Can an Introvert Real Estate Agent Make It in the Industry?
Yes. Most introverts have impeccable listening skills.
They are also attentive, observant, and motivated, which are some of the top qualities that a real estate agent needs.
What Professional License Can a Convicted Felon Get?
Some states are pretty strict on offering professional licenses to convicted felons. However, even a convicted felon can get a professional license as a contractor, bartender, real estate broker, car dealer, or electrician.
Confirm with your state about the licenses they can offer to a convicted felon.
References
1Oregon State Legislature. (2023). Chapter 696 — Real Estate and Escrow Activities. Oregon State Legislature. Retrieved October 31, 2023, from <https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors696.html>
2360training. (2023). HOW TO BECOME A REAL ESTATE AGENT IN OREGON. 360 Training. Retrieved October 31, 2023, from <https://www.360training.com/agent-campus/how-to-become-a-real-estate-agent/oregon>
3Oregon Real Estate Agency. (2023). Background Check and Fingerprinting. Oregon.gov. Retrieved October 31, 2023, from <https://www.oregon.gov/rea/licensing/get-license/Pages/background-check.aspx>
4Indeed Editorial Team. (2023, March 3). How To Become a Real Estate Agent in Oregon in 5 Steps. Indeed. Retrieved October 31, 2023, from <https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-real-estate-agent-in-oregon>