What You Need to Know About Getting a Real Estate License in Maryland:
Requirements:
  1. Complete an approved 60 hour Principles & Practices of Real Estate Course.  The Southern Maryland Association of REALTORS® offers 2 classes per year (see other tab) or you may check out the list of approved education providers on the Maryland Real Estate Commission's website.
  2. Within 1 (one) year of the Principles & Practices of Real Estate Course completion date, complete two exams through PSI Exams (a testing agency) - one focusing on national real estate laws and the other on state real estate laws.
  3. Within 1 (one) year of the PSI exam completion date, a candidate must affiliate with a real estate brokerage.
Additional Info:

Real estate remains one of the best career opportunities available.  The potential earnings in relation to the startup costs is hard to beat, yet those considering a career in real estate must not underestimate the challenges they will face in getting started.  A significant learning curve and the need for a high degree of self-motivation are just two of the many hurdles new agents face.  New agents should expect a significant period of spending before seeing any serious income - this means there may be more overhead costs associated with real estate than many realize. If you do not have a real estate partner or spouse to help support you, you may need to have money saved.

For example, most agents are self-employed and are responsible for their expenses.  A challenge comes from not receiving any income from your real estate business until your first settlement.  Until then, you have your basic business start-up fees - yes your real estate career is YOUR business.  While commission checks are exciting, you must remember what expenses you had or will have such as: 

  • Marketing materials such as business cards, yard signs, etc
  • Taxes
  • Gas and car maintenance
  • MLS (multiple listing service to list and search for properties)
  • Education - 60 hours is just the beginning
  • Membership with a REALTOR® Association. While this is voluntary, membership provides many benefits.