How To Become a Real Estate Agent in Arizona in 7 Steps

If you're interested in real estate and helping community members, you might consider becoming a real estate agent. Real estate agents are essential in the process of clients buying, renting or purchasing properties or facilities. Learning more about how to become a real estate agent in Arizona can help you determine if this profession is right for you.

In this article, we explore what real estate agents do, list how to become one, review common skills to develop and include salary and job outlook information.

What does a real estate agent do?

Real estate agent duties might vary daily based on the number of clients and listings they manage. Here are some common duties you might perform as a real estate agent in Arizona:

• Reviewing property listings

• Interviewing clients

• Communicating with peers

• Researching market trends

• Drafting written correspondence

Related: 12 Reasons To Become a Real Estate Agent (With Career Tips)

How to become a real estate agent in Arizona

Here are some steps you can follow to become a real estate agent in Arizona:

1. Complete pre-licensing coursework

Arizona requires that all aspiring real estate professionals complete 90 hours of approved pre-licensing coursework. This remains true for professionals who have real estate licenses in other states. You might also consider finding courses that offer a contract writing portion because this is also a requirement for professionals to complete before applying for a real estate license. Common subjects discussed during the 90-hour course include:

• Real estate license law

• Contracts

• Property and real estate taxes

• Water law

• Land development

• Real estate financing

2. Pass the final exam

Once you've completed the 90-hour pre-licensing course, you can take the final exam. You don't have to complete the contract writing course before taking this exam. Researching different exam locations can help you discover the nearest Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE) approved exam location near you. Completing and passing this exam can help you better prepare for the Arizona real estate exam because it reviews common subjects discussed during the real estate exam.

3. Obtain background check documents

There are also several important background check documents to complete before applying for your real estate license. It's important to complete these forms or obtain these cards well before you schedule your real estate exam, because certain cards or forms can take several weeks to receive. There are three background check documents to complete, which include:

1. Fingerprint clearance card

2. Disciplinary actions disclosure form

3. Disclosure document checklist

Related: A Comprehensive Guide to Background Checks

4. Take a contract writing class

Arizona also requires that aspiring real estate professionals complete a 6-hour contract writing course before applying for their real estate license. You can elect to take this course before or after your Arizona real estate exam. This can help you become familiar with legal terminology and help you draft high-quality and comprehensive documents for real estate transactions. Core concepts taught during this 6-hour course include:

• Purchase contracts

• Lease agreements

• Risk management

• Financing options

• Title and escrow

• Due diligence

5. Complete Arizona real estate exam

The Arizona real estate exam has two parts that review general real estate knowledge and state-specific regulations. Reviewing fee requirements beforehand can also help you pay real estate license fees in a timely manner. Fully understanding real estate terminology and concepts can help you better prepare for the exam.

6. Work with a real estate broker

Working under the supervision of a real estate broker can help you practice your skills as a real estate agent. There are many things to consider when searching for a broker to work with, such as:

• Broker reputation

• Technology solutions used

• Commission structure

• Benefits offered

Related: Real Estate Salesperson vs. Broker: What's the Difference?

7. Submit your real estate application

Within one year of passing the real estate exam, you can apply for your real estate license. After a one-year period, you might have to retake the real estate exam. Some important documents to submit with your application include:

• Real estate application and fee

• State exam reports

• Pre-licensure education certification

• Proof of legal presence

• Background check forms

• Contract writing course certification

• Two forms of identification

Real estate agent skills

Here are some skills to consider developing when becoming a real estate agent:

Knowledge of legal terminology

Real estate agents often write and interpret legal real estate documents for clients. Understanding different legal and real estate terminology can help you create comprehensive legal documents and can help you interpret these documents for your clients. Consider taking refresher courses or asking for input from other trusted professionals if you want to further develop your understanding of different legal terms.

Time management

Real estate agents have a variety of tasks that can involve driving around the local area or meeting clients in different locations. Having time management skills can help agents meet their client's expectations and maintain a high level of productivity. You might consider improving your time management skills by creating schedules, planning your daily activities and communicating with your clients and peers.

Written communication

Real estate agents often communicate with their clients through emails, secure communication portals, text or other communication methods. These professionals also develop memorandums and reports to help relay details to peers, clients and other professionals. Having written communication skills can help you develop written correspondence in a concise and accurate manner. Classes, practice and feedback can help you expand your written communication capabilities.

Related: Real Estate Agent Skills: Definition, Examples and How To Improve

Active listening

Active listening can help you better understand more about your clients. This skill can help you gain an understanding of what your clients want in a property or sale. Active listening skills can also help you better understand your peers. Intentionally developing this skill can also help you have more successful conversations and improve customer satisfaction.

Real estate agent salary in Arizona

The average base salary for real estate agents in Arizona is $126,748 per year. This can vary between employers, cities, experience and individual qualifications. For example, real estate agents can earn an average base salary of $131,857 per year in Surprise and $120,518 per year in Phoenix. Real estate agents can also enroll in several employment benefits, such as:

• 401(k) retirement plan

• Medical insurance

• Flexible schedules

• Mileage reimbursement

• Professional development

• Profit-sharing plan

• Tuition reimbursement

For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the links provided.

Related: How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make?

Job outlook for real estate agents

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports expected job growth of 4% for real estate brokers and sales agents. This expected growth between 2020 and 2030 is likely due to the need to replace real estate agents exiting the workforce or transitioning to other career fields. This outlook might vary between cities and states where customers wanting to buy or sell property fluctuate.