It’s a great time to get a real estate license. For some people, it’s a nice part time gig that provides extra income. For others, it’s an opportunity to begin a new career in real estate. As a real estate agent, you can set your own hours, work from wherever you want, and you get to be your own boss! It can be an ideal career choice.
If you have a felony conviction, securing a job can sometimes be difficult. Real estate may seem like a good option. And in a lot of cases, as long as you are able to demonstrate good character and be forthcoming about your past, you will be able to start that new career in real estate.
The nice thing about becoming a real estate agent in Texas is that you aren’t even required to have a high school diploma. You will, however, need to get an education in real estate.
The first step to get your license is to take real estate courses. A great way to take courses is online. That way, you can complete them at your own pace, from the comfort of your home. The best online real estate schools will provide easy to follow videos and even allow you to take the final exam online.
Some real estate schools will also refund your money if you don’t pass the test! That kind of confidence from a real estate school really shows that they have faith in their ability to teach you the materials and that you will be able to understand the material easily.
Once licensed, many agents also decide to set up an LLC. As an independent contractor, operating as an LLC can help protect you if a client decides to sue you. The nice thing is that setting up an LLC is super simple and affordable to do. You can even do it online through ZenBusiness.
Can a felon become a real estate agent in Texas?
Not everyone is perfect. Sometimes you might make a mistake in life. That mistake may lead to a criminal record. The good news is that if you want to pursue a real estate license, having a felony on your record does not necessarily mean you can’t have a Texas real estate license.
The most important thing to do if you have a felony conviction, is to disclose it. In fact, you could be denied your real estate license in Texas if you don’t disclose it.
The state of Texas doesn’t have a list of particular crimes that will disqualify you from becoming a real estate agent. However, they require applicants to show that they are honest, trustworthy, and have integrity.
To be able to demonstrate these characteristics, even if you have a felony conviction, you must be truthful and disclose your criminal record. If you are able to show that you have a felony conviction, but that you have done what was required to make it right and contribute in a productive way to society, then you could certainly be eligible to begin a career in real estate.
What disqualifies you from being a real estate agent in Texas?
The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) reviews your criminal background when you apply for a real estate license. Their goal is to see that even though you may have committed a crime in the past, you are ready to move forward and can be an honest real estate agent.
Some of the factors the TREC may consider include:
- Your age when the crime was committed
- The extent and nature of any criminal activity
- Job history
- Compliance with parole or probation officer, or community service
- Evidence of any efforts to be rehabilitated
- Letters of recommendation from prosecution, law enforcement, or correctional officers
Before you apply to become a real estate agent in Texas, if you do have a criminal offense on your record, you will need to submit a Moral Character Determination Form, Background History Form, and applicable fees to the TREC. The TREC will use these documents to make a determination as to whether or not you are eligible to get a real estate license.
Above all else, if you do have a criminal record and you choose not to disclose it, that can definitely disqualify you from getting a license in the state of Texas. That’s why it’s so important to fill out the correct forms and be honest.
What states allow felons to have real estate license?
Being a felon doesn’t always exclude you from getting a real estate license. If you do have a felony conviction, a lot of states will actually conduct a felony review, where they look at things like your recent job history, including any jobs you held before and after your conviction, as well as your character to see if you demonstrate trustworthiness and integrity.
Rather than list out which states allow felons to have a real estate license, since it is so many states, we’ve put together a list of the states that it can be more difficult to get a real estate license with a felony. These states include Arizona, Alabama, California, Georgia, Michigan, and North Carolina.
We think it’s important to point out that across the nation, the rate of felons who successfully become a real estate agent is 50%. So, the good news is that it is certainly possible to become a real estate agent even if you have a felony conviction. Some states may just make it a bit harder than other states, including additional requirements for people with criminal bacckgrounds.
What disqualifies you from being a real estate agent?
One of the most important character traits in a real estate agent is trustworthiness. This is because real estate agents have personal information on clients, not to mention they have access to people’s homes when they show that home to a client to purchase.
For this reason, something like a felony drug conviction could disqualify you from being a real estate agent. However, it’s really a state by state case. While many states may allow this type of serious conviction, others will not.