How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Iowa? – (Iowa Real Estate Career Series Part 1 of 4)

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To become a real estate agent in Iowa, an applicant must be at least 18 years old, complete 60 hours of pre-licensing education, pass the salesperson exam, 36 hours of real estate courses, go through a background check, submit an application and license fee to the Iowa Real Estate Commission (IREC).

Before you decide to pursue further in this profession, it’s important to know what the role of a real estate salesperson is. To put it simply, an agent acts as an intermediary between buyer and seller in order to facilitate the sale or purchase of property. They help clients find homes that meet their needs and negotiate contracts with sellers for those homes. Some agents also help clients in searching for a rental property or lease out their units.

In this guide, you’ll learn about the step-by-step process to become a real estate salesperson in Iowa and FAQ on getting the license.

But before we start, I want to give a brief disclaimer. This post is not intended as legal advice or state/federal real estate training. It is for general information only. Please always follow your State laws and best practices.

A Table Summary of Becoming a Real Estate Salesperson in Iowa

9 Steps to Become a Real Estate Agent in Iowa

Step 1: Meet the eligibility requirement

• At least 18 years old
• Have a social security number

Step 2: Complete the pre-licensing education

You are required to take 60 class hours of pre-licensing course from an approved education provider. The course should cover topics such as real estate law, types of interest and ownership in real estate, home ownership, legal descriptions, titles, liens, taxes, encumbrances, listing advertising, appraisal, finance, closings, and professional code of ethics.

I just checked with an approved education provider. The course fee is around $250 to $400. After you complete the pre-licensing courses, you must write the real estate exam within 12 months.

When choosing a real estate school, I prefer one where you could take the courses online. This way, you could study at your own pace whenever and wherever. The CE Shop is a trustworthy real estate education provider. You may click here to see whether they offer pre-licensing course in your state. (**)

Step 3: Pass the Iowa Real Estate Salesperson Exam

The Iowa Real Estate Salesperson Exam has 120 questions with 180 minutes of writing time. It consists of the National Portion and the State Portion. The required passing score is 70% for both sections. It is administered by PSI and the exam fee is $95.

You may schedule an exam by calling 1-800-733-9267 or visit their PSI website.

Here’s an Iowa Real Estate Salesperson Exam Guide, where I cover a lot more in-depth about this test. Be sure to check it out.

Step 4: Complete the remaining licensing education

Within 12 months prior to sending the license application, you must complete the remaining 36 hours of real estate courses:

• Developing Professionalism and Ethical Practices (12 hours) ($150)
• Buy Practices (12 hours) ($150)
• Listing Practices (12 hours) ($140)

I checked with the Iowa Association of REALTORS’s website, and it costs $440 for the courses.

Step 5: Obtain Error & Omissions insurance

The real estate profession indeed has its own set of business risks, and many things can go wrong. These wrongdoings may result in lawsuits that could cost you your career and livelihood if you’re not properly insured. Error and omission insurance protects against those risks so you can focus on what matters most – helping people buy and sell homes!

In Iowa, all licensees must obtain E&O insurance coverage. You will need to provide proof of coverage when submitting an application. The group coverage selected by the Commission is with Rice Insurance Services Company, LLC. 

I just checked their website. Their annual premium is $144, with Limits of Liability: $100,000 per claim / $100,000 aggregate with no deductible. If you apply after January, the premium will be calculated on a prorated basis. 

Step 6: Submit an application to Iowa Division of Real Estate

To register with the Iowa Real Estate Commission, you need to submit a Salesperson Application. You must do so within 6 months of passing the real estate exam. Since IREC no longer accepts paper application, you need to create a login (“My Iowa PLB”) at the Professional Licensing Bureau’s website.

In there, it will ask for your personal details, the pre-licensing course completion certificate, and some background questions. Once all the required fields are completed, a green checkmark will appear. Then you can upload the required documents. (PDF format preferred)

There is a $125 license fee. Generally speaking, the review period takes about 7-10 business days.

Step 7: Go through a background check

The Iowa Real Estate Commission is responsible for issuing real estate licenses and regulate the industry. According to the Iowa Code 543B.15(9), to protect the public interest, all real estate licensees must go through a criminal history background check.

As part of the application process, you will submit a fingerprint packet through the application named “RE – Background Request”. The background check fee is $51 and the average turnaround time is 3 to 6 weeks.

Keep in mind that the results are only valid for 210 calendar days. Also, the Licensing Bureau suggests to use the Chrome browser, and they do not support Internet Explorer v11 and Edge at this time.

If you have any further questions about the background check process, you may contact the IREC Background Manager, Ashley Thompson (ashley.thompson@iowa.gov or 515-725-9035).

Step 8: Join a real estate brokerage

To activate your salesperson license In Iowa, you must be affiliate with a principal broker. This is the firm who would sponsor your real estate license.

Finding a good trainer is crucial at the initial stage of your real estate career. It’s important to learn a repeatable and systematic process in running your business profitably. When choosing a real estate brokerage, many people only focus on the commission split, but there are many other factors you also need to consider.

For example, what type of training will they provide? Will they equip you with the skills in finding qualify prospects and closing a sale? Is there a shared office space you could use? Can the brokerage provide you with adequate administrative and marketing support? Will they provide you with leads to work on? Do they utilize up-to-date technology (i.e.: CRM, software subscription) to streamline the daily workflow.

Step 9: Maintain the real estate license

All Iowa real estate licensees must renew the salesperson license every 3 year. You may renew it through the same online registration portal.

Furthermore, you need to complete 36 hours of real estate continuing education during each license term. The curriculum must include:

• Law Update (8 hours)
• Ethics (4 hours)
• Commission approved Electives (24 hours)

According to the 193E Iowa Administrative Code § 16.5(1), the IREC will conduct random audits to verify the CE credit. Therefore, it’s better to maintain the CE records and proof of completion documents. You should keep them for at least three years even after the license is renewed.

So know your deadlines and don’t wait until the last minute to complete CE and renew your license. Failure to renew on time not only result in late renewal fee, but it can cause interruption to your business.

Looking to succeed in the real estate industry? Subscribe to our exclusive email list today and gain access to expertly curated real estate guides from industry leaders, as well as discounted CE courses and the latest industry updates. From marketing strategies to virtual staging techniques, our handpicked resources cover everything you need to know to stay ahead of the game. Click here for more details!

A Video on How to Get a Real Estate License in Iowa

If you are reading up to this point, I bet you must be interested in getting a real estate license. Your first step is to complete the pre-licensing courses. You should select one that has an excellent reputation and long-term track record of satisfying students. The Colibri is exactly that! You may click here to check it out yourself. (**)

FAQ about Real Estate License in Iowa

How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Iowa?

It costs approximately $1,255 to get a real estate license in Iowa. Here’s the breakdown:

• Pre-licensing courses – $250 to $400 (approximately)
• 36 hours of real estate courses- $440
• License fee: $125
• Background check – $51
• E&O premium: $144
• Exam fee- $95

The above are just the costs of getting the salesperson license. In addition, to start a real estate business, there will be other expenses involved such as MLS subscription, phone, internet, and office supplies, CE courses, and renewal fees.

Also, you may want to invest into exam prep. This can increase your chance in passing the exam on the first try, so that you don’t need to waste time and money in retaking it.

How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Iowa?

It takes approximately four months to become a real estate agent in Iowa. But it also depends on the time it takes you to complete the pre-licensing course, exam, application, and get sponsorship by a licensed real estate brokerage.

What states have reciprocity with Iowa real estate license?

Iowa has reciprocity agreements with Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Dakota, and West Virginia. You may apply for Iowa real estate license with states that has a reciprocity agreement, but the license history has to be less than 6 months old.

By applying through reciprocity, you need to:

• Submit to a criminal history background check through the Iowa Real Estate Commission.
• Provide a certificate of license history and a letter of good standing. You may contact the reciprocity state licensing agency for it. This document need to include the method of licensure (i.e., exam, reciprocity) and which real estate company holds your license.

Then you can submit the online application through your “My Iowa PLB” portal.

Can I apply for an Iowa real estate salesperson license if I’m licensed in a state that does not have a reciprocal agreement?

Yes, a nonresident applicant licensed as a real estate salesperson in another state without a reciprocal agreement may apply for an Iowa license by passing the real estate exam. However, this is given your other state license has not been inactive or expired for more than six months.

Depending on which state you are in, some may require you to write the only Iowa portion of the exam, while some require you to pass both portions.

Here’s the “REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION LETTER (WAIVER) TO TAKE THE EXAMINATIONS(S) BASED ON LICENSURE IN ANOTHER JURISDICTION.”

Can a felon be a real estate salesperson in Iowa?

The Iowa Real Estate Commission will consider the applicant’s honesty, trustworthiness, character and integrity. But whether a felon can obtain a real estate license is subjected to case-by-case evaluation.

The IREC has a “List of Criminal Offenses Directly Relating to the Real Estate Profession.” It focuses on crimes of dishonesty, drug offenses, damage and trespass to property, sex offenses, violent offenses, weapons offenses, obstruction charges, animal and waste offenses.

But don’t get discouraged as everyone has a past. The most important is that you can demonstrate that you will serve the public in a fair, honest, and open manner. If your application is declined, you may also request a hearing as according to section 543B.19.

Here’s another post that covers how to apply for a real estate license with a felony record. In there, you’ll find practical ideas which could help your application.

How to become a commercial real estate agent in Iowa?

To become a commercial real estate agent in Iowa, an applicant must be at least 18 years old, complete 60 hours of pre-licensing education, pass the salesperson exam, 36 hours of real estate courses, go through a background check, submit an application and license fee to the Iowa Real Estate Commission (IREC).

Basically, it is the same requirement as we just went through because most states do not issue separate licenses for residential and commercial agents.

Furthermore, if you are going to pursue a career as a CRE agent, you should look for a brokerage that could give you the right support and resources.

Here’s the “Complete Guide to a Commercial Real Estate Agent Career“, where I cover the career outlook, earning potential, and valuable feedback from CRE agents. Be sure to check it out.

I have more questions about the Iowa real estate license, whom should I contact?

You may contact the IREC Licensing Specialist at 515-725-9027 or by e-mail to realestatecommission@iowa.gov

This article is part of the “Iowa Real Estate Career Series.” If you want to know more about being a real estate agent in Iowa, I invite you to check out the following articles: 

• How to Pass the Iowa Real Estate Exam?
• How Much do Real Estate Agents Make in Iowa?
• Strategies to Be a Successful Real Estate Agent in Iowa

(**) Affiliate Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you. Our company, JCHQ Publishing will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking on the link. Please understand that we include them based on our experience or the research on these companies or products, and we recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions we make if you decide to buy something through the links. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your goals.

Disclaimer: The information in this post is for general information only, and not intend to provide any advice. They are subjected to change without any notice, and not guaranteed to be error-free. Some of the posts on this site may contain views and opinions from individual not related to JCHQ Publishing. They do not necessarily reflect our view or position.

Reference:

• Iowa Professional Licensing Bureau – Real Estate Commission (source)
  • Criminal History Background (source)
  • Checklist for requirements to obtain Iowa salesperson or broker license (source)
  • E&O Insurance (source)
  • Renewal Instructions & Tips (source)
  • Reciprocity Licensing (source)
• Iowa Real Estate Commission’s Group Policy (source)
• Iowa Real Estate Commission Licensing Information Bulletin (source)
• Iowa Code
  • 543B.15(9) – Qualifications (source)
  • 193E-5.3 License by examination (source)
• Iowa Association of REALTORS (source)
• Bureau of Labor Statistics – Real Estate Agents (Source)