5 answers
1
Question
Asked
4146 views
is there anything I can do at the age of 17 to become a real estate agent at 18
I am a 17-year-old taking business classes to become a real estate agent in the future, but I want to get my license at 18 and start working afterward. What can I do as of right now get my dream job.
Login to comment
5 answers
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Dayana!
You're already on fire with that business mindset at 17 — I see future top agent energy all over you! The advice you've received from Doc and Fred is spot on — they've laid out the blueprint for how to officially become a licensed real estate agent in Texas step by step. But let's take that and build it out even further with the juicy little insider moves that can set you apart from the crowd before you even hit 18. Since you're already taking business classes, you're off to a brilliant start — because real estate isn't just about showing pretty houses, it's about running your own business from day one.
1. Start Your Pre-Licensing Courses ASAP
Like Doc said, Texas lets you start those 180 hours of coursework before turning 18. The faster you knock those out, the faster you'll be ready to take the exam the second your birthday candles blow out. Online platforms like AceableAgent, Kaplan, or The CE Shop are super flexible — you can literally study in your pajamas or between classes.
If you're someone who learns better with visuals and quizzes rather than just reading long paragraphs, AceableAgent's app-based courses will feel like a game instead of school.
2. Build Your Real Estate Brain 💪🏽
You're still a student, but that doesn't mean you can't start thinking like an agent already. Start soaking up real estate knowledge like a sponge — podcasts, YouTube channels, TikTok agents, even books like "Your First Year in Real Estate" by Dirk Zeller or "The Millionaire Real Estate Agent" by Gary Keller.
Some real estate YouTubers literally share behind-the-scenes of their careers every day — names like Loida Velasquez, Graham Stephan, or Chastin J. Miles could be your secret mentors from afar.
3. Get Inside the Game (Without a License Yet)
Okay, here's the little cheat code: You can start working in the real estate world before you even get your license.
Apply to be a real estate assistant with local agents
Offer to help agents with social media or organizing open houses
Join real estate Facebook groups in your area
Volunteer to intern at brokerages
Even if you're just helping with paperwork or taking Instagram stories at open houses, you'll be getting that behind-the-scenes knowledge + building connections.
4. Real estate is all about personality + trust. Clients are going to choose you not just because you're smart, but because they feel like they know you already.
So why not start building your personal brand early? You could literally start an Instagram page right now sharing your journey to becoming an agent — document what you're learning, post real estate tips, or even react to crazy Zillow listings.
By the time you're licensed, people in your area might already be thinking, "Oh yeah, that's Dayana — she's that young real estate girl on Instagram!"
5. If you're feeling like going FULL-ON MODE, here's what I can say to really lock in that future top agent life:
Take a few basic marketing courses online (even free ones from Google or HubSpot)
Learn how to make simple graphics with Canva
Start practicing writing cute little Instagram captions like "Another Dream Home, SOLD!"
Play around with making video tours — short TikToks or Instagram Reels could literally make your whole career blow up faster than most agents twice your age
😎Your Path would Look Like:
Now to 18: Pre-licensing courses + small gigs with local agents
Age 18: Pass your exam + officially get licensed
18-19: Start working under a broker, build your social media, and slowly build your client list
By 20? Dayana, the youngest top real estate agent in Houston with her own mini empire
The most exciting part is that real estate has so many different paths — you could specialize in luxury homes, vacation rentals, first-time buyers, or even investment properties. If you're someone who loves social media, you could even become a real estate influencer while closing deals at the same time.
Final Advice, remember, Real estate is one of those careers where you get out what you put in. The earlier you treat it like your own business, the faster you're going to see success. Even if you're still in high school right now, you're already laying the foundation for a future that could literally change your whole life.
Whatever path you choose — go in with the mindset that you're not just trying to be an agent...
You're trying to be the go-to name in your city.
If you ever feel like you're moving too slow or it's taking too long — just remember:
Most people don't even START their dream careers until their mid-20s... but you're already out here plotting your future at 17.
You're not behind — you're way ahead.
Let's go, Dayana! All the best! 🤗🙌
You're already on fire with that business mindset at 17 — I see future top agent energy all over you! The advice you've received from Doc and Fred is spot on — they've laid out the blueprint for how to officially become a licensed real estate agent in Texas step by step. But let's take that and build it out even further with the juicy little insider moves that can set you apart from the crowd before you even hit 18. Since you're already taking business classes, you're off to a brilliant start — because real estate isn't just about showing pretty houses, it's about running your own business from day one.
1. Start Your Pre-Licensing Courses ASAP
Like Doc said, Texas lets you start those 180 hours of coursework before turning 18. The faster you knock those out, the faster you'll be ready to take the exam the second your birthday candles blow out. Online platforms like AceableAgent, Kaplan, or The CE Shop are super flexible — you can literally study in your pajamas or between classes.
If you're someone who learns better with visuals and quizzes rather than just reading long paragraphs, AceableAgent's app-based courses will feel like a game instead of school.
2. Build Your Real Estate Brain 💪🏽
You're still a student, but that doesn't mean you can't start thinking like an agent already. Start soaking up real estate knowledge like a sponge — podcasts, YouTube channels, TikTok agents, even books like "Your First Year in Real Estate" by Dirk Zeller or "The Millionaire Real Estate Agent" by Gary Keller.
Some real estate YouTubers literally share behind-the-scenes of their careers every day — names like Loida Velasquez, Graham Stephan, or Chastin J. Miles could be your secret mentors from afar.
3. Get Inside the Game (Without a License Yet)
Okay, here's the little cheat code: You can start working in the real estate world before you even get your license.
Apply to be a real estate assistant with local agents
Offer to help agents with social media or organizing open houses
Join real estate Facebook groups in your area
Volunteer to intern at brokerages
Even if you're just helping with paperwork or taking Instagram stories at open houses, you'll be getting that behind-the-scenes knowledge + building connections.
4. Real estate is all about personality + trust. Clients are going to choose you not just because you're smart, but because they feel like they know you already.
So why not start building your personal brand early? You could literally start an Instagram page right now sharing your journey to becoming an agent — document what you're learning, post real estate tips, or even react to crazy Zillow listings.
By the time you're licensed, people in your area might already be thinking, "Oh yeah, that's Dayana — she's that young real estate girl on Instagram!"
5. If you're feeling like going FULL-ON MODE, here's what I can say to really lock in that future top agent life:
Take a few basic marketing courses online (even free ones from Google or HubSpot)
Learn how to make simple graphics with Canva
Start practicing writing cute little Instagram captions like "Another Dream Home, SOLD!"
Play around with making video tours — short TikToks or Instagram Reels could literally make your whole career blow up faster than most agents twice your age
😎Your Path would Look Like:
Now to 18: Pre-licensing courses + small gigs with local agents
Age 18: Pass your exam + officially get licensed
18-19: Start working under a broker, build your social media, and slowly build your client list
By 20? Dayana, the youngest top real estate agent in Houston with her own mini empire
The most exciting part is that real estate has so many different paths — you could specialize in luxury homes, vacation rentals, first-time buyers, or even investment properties. If you're someone who loves social media, you could even become a real estate influencer while closing deals at the same time.
Final Advice, remember, Real estate is one of those careers where you get out what you put in. The earlier you treat it like your own business, the faster you're going to see success. Even if you're still in high school right now, you're already laying the foundation for a future that could literally change your whole life.
Whatever path you choose — go in with the mindset that you're not just trying to be an agent...
You're trying to be the go-to name in your city.
If you ever feel like you're moving too slow or it's taking too long — just remember:
Most people don't even START their dream careers until their mid-20s... but you're already out here plotting your future at 17.
You're not behind — you're way ahead.
Let's go, Dayana! All the best! 🤗🙌
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Dayana the minimum requirements to get your real estate license in Texas are the following:
• AGE: 18 years old
• CITIZENSHIP: US Citizen
• BACKGROUND CHECK: Fingerprints
• DIPLOMA: High School Graduate*
• EDUCATION: Complete 180 hr Coursework*
• EXAM: Pass Texas Real Estate Exam**
• SPONSORSHIP: Real Estate Broker Sponsor
• APPLICATION: Apply for your license with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC)
* KEY POINT AT AGE 17 *
You can begin taking the 180 hours of pre-licensing real estate courses before you graduate high school and before you turn 18.
The six required courses to get a real estate license in Texas are:
• Principles of Real Estate I
• Principles of Real Estate II
• Law of Agency
• Law of Contracts
• Promulgated Contract Forms
• Real Estate Finance
These courses are also known as Real Estate Qualifying Education (QE) courses. Each course is 30 hours long. You must successfully pass each real estate course before you can take the pre-license exam. If you’re doing the math on that, you’ll notice there’s a total of 180 classroom hours to meet the real estate education requirement. But you don’t have to rework your life to fit the courses into your busy schedule. AceableAgent's Texas Pre-license course can be taken anytime and anywhere on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. It’s a fast and convenient way to get a real estate license in Texas. With AceableAgent, real estate school is in session whenever and wherever you choose.
** REAL ESTATE AGENT EXAM **
After completing your qualifying education courses, you can prepare for your real estate agent exam. You may view videos online or review study guides for assistance. Once you feel ready, you can schedule your real estate agent exam to earn your license. You may schedule your exam through Pearson VUE, which is the testing provider that administers the licensing exams. REMEMBER for this exam you must be 18.
Hope this was helpful Dayana
• AGE: 18 years old
• CITIZENSHIP: US Citizen
• BACKGROUND CHECK: Fingerprints
• DIPLOMA: High School Graduate*
• EDUCATION: Complete 180 hr Coursework*
• EXAM: Pass Texas Real Estate Exam**
• SPONSORSHIP: Real Estate Broker Sponsor
• APPLICATION: Apply for your license with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC)
* KEY POINT AT AGE 17 *
You can begin taking the 180 hours of pre-licensing real estate courses before you graduate high school and before you turn 18.
The six required courses to get a real estate license in Texas are:
• Principles of Real Estate I
• Principles of Real Estate II
• Law of Agency
• Law of Contracts
• Promulgated Contract Forms
• Real Estate Finance
These courses are also known as Real Estate Qualifying Education (QE) courses. Each course is 30 hours long. You must successfully pass each real estate course before you can take the pre-license exam. If you’re doing the math on that, you’ll notice there’s a total of 180 classroom hours to meet the real estate education requirement. But you don’t have to rework your life to fit the courses into your busy schedule. AceableAgent's Texas Pre-license course can be taken anytime and anywhere on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. It’s a fast and convenient way to get a real estate license in Texas. With AceableAgent, real estate school is in session whenever and wherever you choose.
** REAL ESTATE AGENT EXAM **
After completing your qualifying education courses, you can prepare for your real estate agent exam. You may view videos online or review study guides for assistance. Once you feel ready, you can schedule your real estate agent exam to earn your license. You may schedule your exam through Pearson VUE, which is the testing provider that administers the licensing exams. REMEMBER for this exam you must be 18.
Hope this was helpful Dayana
Updated
Charlie’s Answer
Dayana once you receive your real estate license you will need to market yourself either on social media or traditional media such as print, billboards, direct mail, television and so forth. you would also need to participate in event marketing such as local community events like fund raisers, distance runs, etc.. . As a result, a marketing class would be beneficial for you. I've never been a realtor but I'm assuming you will either strike out on your own as an independent or you will become affiliated with a real estate firm who will likely provide limited marketing for you and their other agents. Also you would benefit from a basic sales course that teaches you all about prospecting, relationship building, product features and benefits along with asking for the sale.
When my wife and I moved to Lexington, Kentucky we new nothing about the area, so I researched online for a realtor that demonstrated they knew the area and who were a resource for local information. So a "responsive design" website that is fully optimized would be beneficial. A website is your online brochure about you and why someone from out of the area should choose you to assist in finding them a home.
So, make a plan then work the plan you make. You can do this!
Good luck!
Charlie
When my wife and I moved to Lexington, Kentucky we new nothing about the area, so I researched online for a realtor that demonstrated they knew the area and who were a resource for local information. So a "responsive design" website that is fully optimized would be beneficial. A website is your online brochure about you and why someone from out of the area should choose you to assist in finding them a home.
So, make a plan then work the plan you make. You can do this!
Good luck!
Charlie
Thanks for the advice.
Uti
Updated
George’s Answer
Start by learning about real estate laws in your area, networking with agents, and improving your communication skills. Also, take online courses and try to get a part-time job or internship in real estate to gain experience.
Updated
Fred’s Answer
Check out a few sites like this:
https://www.trec.texas.gov/become-licensed/sales-agent
https://www.vaned.com/index.cfm/fa/PRE/fa2/licinfo/state/TX
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-real-estate-agent-in-texas
i have not vetted any of these sites, but i have at least heard of Indeed. I would look at several, and make sure they agree, rather than looking at one and deciding it is gospel.
https://www.trec.texas.gov/become-licensed/sales-agent
https://www.vaned.com/index.cfm/fa/PRE/fa2/licinfo/state/TX
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-real-estate-agent-in-texas
i have not vetted any of these sites, but i have at least heard of Indeed. I would look at several, and make sure they agree, rather than looking at one and deciding it is gospel.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Uti