How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Nebraska? – 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 Nebraska, an applicant must be at least 19 years old, complete 66 hours of pre-licensing education, pass the salesperson exam, submit an application, fingerprint card and fees to the Nebraska Real Estate Commission.

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 Nebraska 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.

Infographic on Obtaining a Real Estate License in Nebraska

8 Steps to Become a Real Estate Agent in Nebraska

Step 1: Meet the eligibility requirement

• At least 19 years old
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Have a social security number

Step 2: Complete the pre-licensing education

The pre-license education requirement includes:

• Nebraska Real Estate Principles and Practices Course (30 hours)
• Nebraska License Law Course (30 hours)
• Professional Practice and Standards (6 hours)

I just checked with an education provider and the course fee is around $180 to $315.

Step 3: Submit an application to Nebraska Real Estate Commission

You may submit the License Application through the NREC online portal. In there, you are required to provide:

• The list of prior residences and employment history in the past 3 years
• The list of any real estate or other licenses that you have or applied for
• The list of all criminal offense or lawsuit information

You also need to upload the necessary document (i.e., pre-licensing course completion certificates, a copy of high school diploma/ transcript from a U.S college and a 2″ x 2″ ID photo. They must be in Word, JPEG or PDF format.

There will be an application fee of $135, license fee of $80 and $150 exam fee.

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 4: Pass the Nebraska Real Estate Salesperson Exam

The Nebraska Real Estate Salesperson Exam consists of the National Portion (80 questions) and the State Portion (50 questions) with 4 hours of writing time. The required passing score is 60/80 for the National Portion and 38/50 for the State Portion. It is administered by PSI and the exam fee is $150.

Here’s a guide covering a lot more in-depth about the real estate exam. Be sure to check it out.

Step 5: Join a real estate brokerage

To activate your salesperson license In Nebraska, 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 6: Go through a criminal background check

Since Nebraska Real Estate Commission has the responsibility to protect the public interest, all real estate licensees must go through submit a completed fingerprint card. This will be sent to you after you complete the online application.

Note that it takes an average 4-6 weeks for the Commission office to receive the criminal reports.

Step 7: Obtain a Errors & Omissions Insurance

The E&O policy is to protect your clients should they submit a claim against your wrongdoing. This is mandatory for all real estate licensees in Nebraska. 

You must obtain the coverage from a qualified insurance carrier. I believe the Commission Office has a group plan available. You may find more details and enroll to it during the application submission.

Step 8: Maintain the real estate license

All Nebraska real estate licensee must renew their license every two year.

Within 180 days after the Commission issue your license, you need to complete 12 hours of post-license education. This typically covers the required knowledge and skills for real estate practice such as completing contracts, listing agreements and handling of client funds. 

Furthermore, active licensees must take 18 hours of education during each license renewal cycle, of which 12 hours must be in CE activities approved by the Commission, then of which 6 hours of them must be in designated subjects.

At the time I’m writing this post, the DESIGNATED SUBJECT MATTER includes:

1. NE License Law (or partial studies of it)
2. NE Landlord/Tenant Act
3. NE Trust Account Maintenance (specific to our manual)
4. Agency/Brokerage Relationships
5. Fair Housing/ADA
6. Ethical Decision Making (not any specific code of ethic for a professional organization)
7. Preparing a Certified Market Analysis (CMA) and/or a Broker
8. Price Opinion (BPO)
9. Environmental Concerns
10. Contracts
11. Finance

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.

Once again, you may renew the license through the NREC online portal. The renewal fee is $140 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.

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 Nebraska

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. (**)

Is being a real estate agent in Nebraska really a good career choice? Let’s hear from Tyler Bundy!

“I have been a real estate agent in Nebraska for 11 years, helping buyers and sellers with their real estate needs, whether it be personal or for investments.

I like this profession because real estate gives you the vehicle to wealth and success, and every Realtor has access to it. However, most overlook it and treat it like a job.

My advice to those interested in being a real estate agent in Nebraska is that you must surround yourself with a community of agents that can support you with training, be there for you when $#!* Hits the Fan in a transaction and provide accountability when you’d rather sleep in…

Everyone gets into real estate because of the “flexibility” it provides, but if you want to be successful, you have to give up that flexibility to work hard to establish yourself… Then in time, flexibility will come.”

– Tyler Bundy, Realtor at eXp Realty (Website)

FAQ about Real Estate License in Nebraska

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

It costs approximately $680 to get a real estate license in Nebraska. Here’s the breakdown:

• Pre-licensing courses – $180 to $315 (approximately)
• Application fee $135
• License fee $80
• Exam fee $150

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 Nebraska?

It takes approximately 3 to 4 months to become a real estate agent in Nebraska. 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.

Can you apply the real estate license through reciprocity?

Under the Nebraska Real Estate License Act, persons holding a real estate license, in good standing, in another real estate regulatory jurisdiction may be issued an equivalent real estate license in Nebraska either while remaining a non-resident of Nebraska or upon moving to Nebraska directly from the jurisdiction in which the real estate license was held.

Quote from NREC – Licensure Recognition in Nebraska

If you are a real estate license holder in another state, then for the pre-licensing course requirement, you just need to complete the 3-hour course specific to the Nebraska Real Estate License Act and Nebraska Revised Statutes sections 76-2401 to 76-2430. The rest of the requirements are similar to the steps mentioned above.

Though, non-residents may also obtain a Nebraska, they must be employed and supervised in the manner which complies with Nebraska License Law.

Can a felon be a real estate salesperson in Nebraska?

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

” The Nebraska Real Estate Commission reviews license applicants on a case-by-case basis. Generally speaking one or two misdemeanors in the past (with all sentences served and fines and restitution paid) will not be an impediment to getting a license, felony offenses, ongoing patterns of multiple convictions, or applicants under law enforcement supervision (prison, probation, parole) will generally be given closer scrutiny, and may be denied the privilege of obtaining a real estate license under Nebraska law. “

Quote from Nebraska Real Estate Commission -FAQ

It’s possible that the Commission would require further documentations such as

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

In some instances, they may require the applicant to go through a hearing before making a decision.

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 Nebraska?

To become a commercial real estate agent in Nebraska, an applicant must be at least 19 years old, complete 66 hours of pre-licensing education, pass the salesperson exam, submit an application, fingerprint card and fees to the Nebraska Real Estate Commission.

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 Nebraska real estate license, whom should I contact?

You may contact the Nebraska Real Estate Commission at realestate.commission@nebraska.gov for more details about the real estate license.

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

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

(**) 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:

• Nebraska Real Estate Commission (source)
  • License Law Minute (source)
  • Education Information (source)
  • Salesperson Application Information and Checklist (source)
  • E&O Insurance Information (source)
  • FAQ for Real Estate Applicants (source)
• Nebraska Real Estate Commission License Examinations Candidate Information Bulletin (source)
• Bureau of Labor Statistics – Real Estate Agents (source)
• Kansas Association of REALTORS – KREC Requirements for a Kansas Real Estate Salesperson License (source)