(**) 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.
If you are interested in knowing about a real estate career in Missouri, then this is a complete career guide for you.
To become a real estate agent in Missouri, an applicant must complete 48 hours of pre-license courses, pass the salesperson exam, complete the 24-hour of Missouri Real Estate Practice Course (MREP), submit an application and fee to the Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC).
It is part of the Missouri Division of Professional Registration, which responsible for issuing licenses to real estate salesperson and brokers.
Before you decide to pursue further in this profession, it’s important to know what the role of a 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 Missouri, income figures, career updates and FAQ on this profession.
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 Quick Table Summary of Becoming a Real Estate Salesperson in Missouri
| Eligibility | Education | Exam | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| At least 18 years of age Have a valid Social Security Number Hold a high school diploma or equivalent | 48 hours of pre-license courses 24 hours of MREP course 12 hours of continuing education every 2 year | 4 hours 140 questions Required passing score: 70/100 for the National Portion and 30/40 for the State Portion | Pre-licensing courses fees – $150 to $300 (approximately) Exam fee – $65 Application fee- $50 License fee – $40 |
7 Steps to Become a Real Estate Agent in Missouri
Step 1: Meet the eligibility requirement
- Citizen of the United States or lawfully admitted alien
- At least 18 years of age
- Have a valid Social Security Number
Step 2: Complete the Pre-Licensing Education
You are required to take 48 hours of course which covers different real estate concept. It can be taken in a classroom setting or online, but it must from an approved education provider. The course contents would include:
- Missouri License Law
- National Math
- License Law and Math Practice Exam
- National Ownership
- National Brokerage
- National Finance
- National Valuation
- National Practice Exam
- Course Final Exam
In addition, you are required to take 24-hours of Missouri Real Estate Practice Course (MREP). But you may take this before or after the exam.
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 Missouri Real Estate Salesperson Exam
The Missouri Real Estate Salesperson Exam consists of two portions, the National portion and State portion. There are 140 questions and you’ll be given 4 hours in writing it. The test is administered by the PSI Services.
To register, you have to complete their online exam registration and provide them with the required documents. You may also call them at 1-800-345-6559. Also, there is a $65 examination fee which could be paid by credit card.
On the day of the exam, you must bring two pieces of valid ID to the test center. The primary one must be a government issued ID with your name, signature and photo on it. (i.e., driver’s license, state ID card, passport.). The second piece needs to display your name and signature. (i.e.: SSN card, employment/student ID.)
You can also bring an allowable calculator. You may click here to check what type is allowable and what’s not.
The exam is to test your knowledge on the real estate topics that are covered in the pre-license education. When you are studying for the exam, it is wise to spend more time on sections that are more heavily weighted. You can find more details about the exam later in this post.
Step 4: Register with the Missouri Real Estate Commission
Once you pass the exam, you must submit the license application within six months. There is a $40 license fee.
I have searched through their website, but cannot locate the real estate salesperson application. The best would be to contact the Missouri Real Estate Commission directly and request it. I’ll include their contact details later in this post.
Step 5: Go through a background check
The Missouri Real Estate Commission is part of the Missouri Division of Professional Registration, which responsible for issuing licenses to real estate salesperson and brokers. To protect the public interest, they will conduct a criminal background check on you.
You’ll also need to submit the fingerprint for a criminal history background check. It must be done with an approved vendor before sending an application. Currently, the approved vendor is IDEMIA (IDENTOGO). There is a fee of $41.75. The MREC’s four-digit registration number is 0004.
You need to register with the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS) first or call them directly at 1-844-543-9712 for.
Generally speaking, the fingerprinting process takes less than 10 minutes and MREC will receive the fingerprint results within 3 to 5 days.
Step 6: Join a real estate brokerage firm
You are one step closer in becoming a real estate agent. After you pass the exam, you must work with a real estate broker who would sponsor your license.
But don’t rush into working for just any broker. 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 another post which covers why do agents leave their brokerage firm. Perhaps, this could give you a clear idea on what to look for when searching for a brokerage company.
Below are the top real estate brokerage in Missouri based on their sales volume in 2018. The figures are obtained from RealTrends.com.
| Missouri Real Estate Brokerages | Cities | 2018 Sales Volume |
|---|---|---|
| >Keller Williams Kansas City - Northland | Gladstone | $1,430,647,311 |
| >Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Alliance Real Estate | St. Louis | $1,066,661,643 |
| >Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Properties | St. Louis | $1,065,246,213 |
| >Murney Associates, Realtors | Springfield | $936,213,463 |
| >Keller Williams Realty | Springfield | $676,875,215 |
| RE/MAX Boone Realty | Columbia | $671,049,866 |
| >Keller Williams Realty Chesterfield | Chesterfield | $633,795,166 |
| >Keller Williams Realty - St. Louis Kirkwood | St. Louis | $610,882,771 |
Step 7: Maintain the real estate license
All real estate licensee must renew their license before Sept 30 of every even numbered years. (Fee $40). You may submit the application by mail or online.
Furthermore, you are required to complete 12 hours of CE courses during each two year license period. Of which, a 3-hour core course in Real Estate Ethnics is required.
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!
Here’s a Snippet of What a Real Estate Agent Think about The Profession
“You can make your own hours, but you have to plan out your week in advance, so you have a work life balance”
– Lori James, Real Estate Agent at Real Living Real Estate
If you want to know what Lori and other real estate agents think about this career, here’s an article you must not miss: “Is Real Estate a Good Career?”
Let’s Take a Closer Look at the Missouri Real Estate Salesperson Exam!
Here’s the content of the National Portion:
| Topic | # of Questions |
|---|---|
| Agency Relationships and Contracts | 28 |
| Real Property Ownership/Interest | 13 |
| Finance | 14 |
| Real Property | 14 |
| Marketing Regulations (purchase and rental) | 10 |
| Property Management | 8 |
| Real Estate Calculations | 13 |
There are 100 questions in the national portion and the required passing score for the 70.
Now, here’s the content of the State Portion:
| Topic | # of Questions |
|---|---|
| General | 2 |
| Licenses | 7 |
| Educational Requirements | 2 |
| Business Conduct and Practices | 13 |
| Disciplinary Proceedings | 6 |
| Computations and Closing | 10 |
There are 40 questions in the state portion and the required passing score for the state portion is 30.
Let’s check out some sample questions
SALESPERSON EXAMINATION SAMPLE QUESTIONS
1. Baird bought two rectangular lots, each of which measures 244′ x 250′. Approximately how many total acres will be in the two lots combined?
A. 2.8
B. 3.2
C. 5.6
D. 7.0
2. A person has been using a property for a long time. That person’s rights have been determined to supersede those of the fee simple owner. This is called which of the following?
A. escheat
B. homestead
C. eminent domain
D. adverse possession
Quote from Missouri Real Estate Examination Program Candidate Handbook
The Colibri is the online school that I like. Their Exam Prep have helped thousands of students pass their exam on the first try. They even have a “Pass or Don’t Pay” Guarantee. That’s why confident they are with their program. You may click here to view their exam prep. (**)
FAQ about the Missouri Real Estate License
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Missouri?
It takes approximately four months to become a licensed real estate agent in Missouri. But it also depends on the time it takes you to complete the pre-license course, exam, application, and get sponsorship by a licensed real estate brokerage.
You may speed up in getting the real estate license by taking online courses. This way, you’ll have the flexibility to finish the pre-license education at a quicker pace.
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Missouri?
It costs around $455 to get a real estate salesperson license in Missouri. Here’s the breakdown:
- Pre-licensing courses fees – $150 to $300 (approximately)
- Exam fee – $65
- Application fee- $50
- License fee – $40
The above are just the costs of getting the license. But to start a real estate business, there will be other expenses involved such as MLS subscription, E&O premium, phone, internet, and office supplies.
I have a real estate license in another state. Can I become licensed in Missouri by applying through reciprocity?
Yes, if you are holding an active real estate salesperson license in another jurisdiction, you just need to pass the State portion of the exam and take the 24 hours Missouri Real Estate Practice Course. (MREP).
As for the broker license, as long as you have an active one (can be salesperson or broker) in another state for the last 24 of the 30 months, then you just need to pass the State portion of the broker exam.
Can the Missouri pre-licensing education requirement be waived?
Yes, if you are a licensed attorney. You’ll need to submit a copy of the Bar card with the application. But keep in mind, you’ll still need to pass both portions of the real estate exam.
Can a felon be a real estate agent in Missouri?
The Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC) would put into consideration of the applicant’s honesty, trustworthiness, character and integrity. They will conduct a criminal background check for all licensees.
Whether a felon can be a real estate agent is subjected to how the licensing commission evaluates the case. However, the MREC will denial an application if the offense is one outlined in 339.100.5 and 556.061. Here is more information about criminal convictions.
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.
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 Missouri?
To become a commercial real estate agent, an applicant must complete 48 hours of pre-license courses, pass the salesperson exam, complete the 24-hour of Missouri Real Estate Practice Course (MREP), submit an application and fee to the Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC).
Basically, it is the same requirement as we just went through because MREC does not issue separate licenses for residential and commercial agents. However, 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.
I have more questions about the Missouri real estate license, whom should I contact?
You can contact the Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC):
- Address: 3605 Missouri Boulevard, P.O. Box 1339, Jefferson City, MO 65102-1339
- Phone: 573.751.2628
- Fax: 573.751.2777
- Email: realestate@pr.mo.gov
Here’s a Snippet of what Amie Lenhart thinks about being a Commercial Real Estate Agent!
“… I work as my clients biggest advocate and work on behalf of their best interest. My job is an agent is to research, match needs, know the market, tour, draft LOI’s and Lease Proposals and successfully negotiate for my client meeting their goals and objectives...
… I think being a real estate agent is a great career. I love the hustle and relationship building aspect of this job and working for myself...”
– Amie Lenhart ,Commercial Real Estate Agent with Donald R. Kenney and Company Realty (DRK)
Here’s the article where you can read more on Amie’s thoughts about the real estate sales profession. In there, you can also find valuable feedback from multiple professional real estate agents. Don’t miss out!
Real Estate Career Updates in Missouri
How much do real estate agent make in Missouri?
Real estate agents in Missouri earn an average yearly income of $50,220, typically range between $31,850 and $75,430. High-earning real estate sales agents are making over $89,850 per year(*)
At the beginning phase in your real estate career, you probably would not make a lot, because you built up the client base and established trust with the prospects. But as you continue to gain experience and sharpen your business skills, you should be able to notice a significant improvement to your earning.
Your earning potential as a real estate agent would depend on the price range of the properties that you work with, the number of transactions you could complete, the commission splitting schedule with the real estate brokerage and other factors.
Here’s an article that goes through important variables that could significantly affect your annual salary.
(*) Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2020)
[Read: Real Estate Agent Salary Guide – What Makes a 6 Figures Earner?]
Is real estate a good career in Missouri?
Real estate can be a good career in Missouri if you enjoy running a self-employed business, interacting with different people and have flexible work hours.
According to the RedFin, as of May 2021, there were 6,221 homes sold, and the median sales prices was $234,000. All these figures went up when comparing to the year-over-year period. As I’m reviewing the data now, it seems that the demand far exceeded the housing supply. In fact, 56% of homes were sold above the list price.
These transaction volume shows a significant demand for real estate agents. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2020), there were 2,680 real estate sales agents in Missouri.
However, there are always people succeeding and failing in each industry. The utmost importance is how you can remain competitive in the real estate market. I will go over some career tips later in the next section.
Practical Strategies to Be a Successful Real Estate Agent in Missouri
Define your business niche
At the beginning phase of the business, it’s likely that you don’t have many clients, so you would have the urge to take up whoever comes along. However, this might not be a good strategy to grow your real estate business in the long run. After all, you cannot be everything to everyone.
It’s better to clearly define your ideal client segment so you can focus your marketing budget, time, and resources on them. You may define your niche based on the property’s locations, type of real estate, the client’s family condition, occupation, or income range.
This helps you to stand out from the crowd in such a competitive space.
Effective ways to generate leads
The importance of generating online leads can’t be overstated for real estate agents. With the rise in popularity and accessibility of homebuyers through the internet, it is imperative that you are promoting your listing to potential buyers on sites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and more.
According to the 2020 NAR Home Buyer and Seller Generational Trends Report, 93% of all buyers used online websites as information sources in their home search.
Here’s a guide that explains how having a professional website can benefit your real estate business, the features you should include, and affordable ways to build it.
Differentiate your practice with expert knowledge
Real estate agents are constantly tasked with new responsibilities and challenges. With the rise of technology, real estate laws and compliance requirements, it’s important for sales agents to be up-to-date on the best practices.
Rather than being just another sales agent, you may consider getting a Professional Designation or Certification. National Association of REALTORS® is one of the largest trade associations in the real estate industry. They offers designations such as Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), and many more.
I personally like the Green Designation. It can equip you with the knowledge to help clients make informed choices about the resource efficiency and performance of the homes.
Even though the Designation Courses are not part of the pre-license education requirement, your enhanced knowledge will help set you apart from others in such a competitive market.
You may click here to check out the NAR Designation and Certification courses. (**)
Network with other real estate professionals
You may consider joining the Missouri REALTORS ®. This allows you to connect with other real estate salespeople and brokers, thus learn from their valuable experience and share ideas with one another. They also have great resources such as the classes, events, housing reports and industry updates.
Also, you should build a referral network with other real estate professionals. such as mortgage agents, lenders, notary loan signing agents, and appraisers.
Select areas with strong housing demand
When you are deciding the regions to conduct your real estate business, you should target areas that have a high housing demand. After all, transactions can only occur when there are potential buyers.
Here are the top ten competitive cities in Missouri ranked by RedFin. These are the homes that receive multiple offers, and sometimes with even waived contingencies!
- Glendale
- St. Peters
- Crestwood
- Gladstone
- O’Fallon
- Shrewsbury
- Ballwin
- Concord
- Overland
- St. Charles
[Read: 30 Practical Tips to Become a Successful Real Estate Agent]
A Video on Getting a Real Estate License in Missouri
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. (**)
So that’s all I have to share for now. Do you like this guide? If so, please share it.
(**) 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. For full and exact details, please contact the Missouri Real Estate Commission.
Reference:
- Missouri Real Estate Commission (Source)
- Missouri Real Estate Examination Program Candidate Handbook (Source)
- PSI – Missouri Real Estate Examination Program (source)
- AMP Assessment Center Guidelines for Acceptable Calculators (source)
- A National Job Analysis of Real Estate Licensees Summary Report (source)
- Missouri REALTORS ® (source)
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – Real Estate Agents (May 2020) (Source)
- Real Trends: 2018 Real Trends 500 by Volume (Source)
- Zillow.com – Missouri Home Prices & Values (Source)
- World Population Review- Population of Cities in Missouri (Source)
