How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Kansas? – Career Series 1 of 4

(**) Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning our company, JCHQ Publishing will get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through the links, but at no additional cost to you.

To become a real estate agent in Kansas, an applicant must be at least 18 years old, complete 60 hours of pre-licensing education, pass the salesperson exam, submit an application, fingerprint card and fees to the Kansas Real Estate Commission (KREC).

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 Kansas 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 Kansas

7 Steps to Become a Real Estate Agent in Kansas

Step 1: Meet the eligibility requirement

• At least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Have a social security number

Step 2: Complete the pre-licensing education

You are required to take 60 hours of pre-licensing course from an approved education provider. The curriculum must include the following:

• Principles of Real Estate (30-hour)
• Kansas Practice Course (30-hour)

The courses can be taken either in a live classroom or online. I just checked with an education provider and the course fee is around $117 to $216.

If you hold a real estate license in another state, then you just need to complete the 30-hour Kansas Practice Course.

Also, keep in mind that the you must pass the Salesperson Exam within 12 months of courses completion.

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 Kansas Real Estate Salesperson Exam

The Kansas Real Estate Salesperson Exam consists of the National Portion (80 questions) and the State Portion (30 questions) with 4 hours of writing time. The required passing score is 70 or higher on both portions. It is administered by Pearson Vue and the exam fee is $82.

Here’s an Kansas Real Estate Salesperson Exam Guide covering a lot more in-depth about this test. Be sure to check it out.

Step 4: Join a real estate brokerage

To activate your salesperson license In Kansas, you must be affiliate with a real estate 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.

Here’s a page with a job search engine. You may check whether there is any opening position in your area.

Step 5: Submit an application to Kansas Real Estate Commission

After you pass the exam, Pearson Vue will provide you with the License Application. Review it carefully and provide them with the necessary information. Also, there is a section where the sponsoring broker needs to complete and sign.

Once all sections are completed, you may send it to Kansas Real Estate Commission along with the required documents.

Step 6: Go through a criminal background check

Since Kansas Real Estate Commission has the responsibility to protect the public interest, all real estate licensees must go through submit a completed fingerprint card and a Background Waiver form REL-150. There is a $15 salesperson application fee and $60 background fee.

Here is a list of agencies offering print service.

Step 7: Maintain the real estate license

All Kansas real estate licensee must renew their license every two year. And you need to complete 12 hours of real estate continuing education during each license term, which consists at least a 3-hour course on “Kansas Required Code.”

The Commission may conduct random audits to verify the CE credit. Therefore, it’s better to maintain the CE records and proof of completion documents.

You may renew the license through the KREC MyLicense E-Gov. The renewal fee is $125 which can be paid by a credit card. (i.e., Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express)

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.

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

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 Kansas

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

It costs approximately $373 to get a real estate license in Kansas. Here’s the breakdown:

• Pre-licensing courses – $117 to $216 (approximately)
• Salesperson application fee and background check fee – $75
• Exam fee- $82

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 E&O, MLS subscription, phone, internet, and office supplies, CE, 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 Kansas?

It takes approximately 3 months to become a real estate agent in Kansas. 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 Kansas real estate license?

If you are a real estate license holder in another state, then for the pre-licensing course requirement, you just need to complete the 30-hour Kansas Practice Course. Also, you may apply to waive from writing the national portion of the exam. To do so, you would submit a Client Exam Waiver to Pearson Vue. Once the waiver is approved, you may schedule your exam writing.

If you are a non-resident, in addition to the License Application, you should also submit the Non-Resident form.

Can a felon be a real estate salesperson in Kansas?

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

the commission may refuse to grant or renew a license and the license of any licensee may be revoked, suspended, conditioned or restricted or a licensee may be censured, if:

…

(2) the licensee or applicant has entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, or has been convicted of any misdemeanor which reflects on the licensee’s or applicant’s honesty, trustworthiness, integrity or competence to transact the business of real estate;

Quote from Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes 58-3050

If applicable, you may need to provide

• a copy of the disciplinary order and explanation
• an explanation and a copy of the settlement agreement
• a letter explaining the offense

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 there is any disciplinary action, charges or convictions, it would help to submit along

• Completion certificates for any treatment, therapy, victim panel, or group program
• Character references or letters of recommendation
• Resume (i.e., scholastic, community, volunteer, and work experience)
• A statement on the applicant’s character, any rehabilitation efforts, or mitigating circumstances relating to illegal activities or misconduct.

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 Kansas?

To become a commercial real estate agent in Kansas, an applicant must be at least 18 years old, complete 60 hours of pre-licensing education, pass the salesperson exam, submit an application, fingerprint criminal history and fees to the Kansas Real Estate Commission (KREC).

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 Kansas real estate license, whom should I contact?

You may contact the Kansas Real Estate Commission at krec@ks.gov for more details about the real estate license.

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

• How to Pass the Kansas Real Estate Exam?
• How Much do Real Estate Agents Make in Kansas?
• Practical Career Tips for Real Estate Agents in Kansas

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(**) 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:

• Kansas Real Estate Commission (source)
  • Salesperson Pre-Licensing Checklist (source)
• Pearson Kansas Real Estate (source)
  • Kansas Real Estate Candidate Handbook (source)
  • National Content Outlines (source)
• Bureau of Labor Statistics – Real Estate Agents (source)
• Kansas Association of REALTORS – KREC Requirements for a Kansas Real Estate Salesperson License (source)