Earning a real estate license is a fantastic way to embark on a new career path with unlimited income potential. Attending real estate courses can be more convenient than any other college course or job certification program. Many real estate schools offer classes online, and now one can take advantage of app for the iPhone or Smartphone that will allow you to complete the training from anywhere. For people who are looking for a new start with a new career, real estate is an excellent option; but what about those who need a new start from a less than perfect past? For someone that has had a felony conviction or other questionable action in their background, the answer is that you can get a new start if you want to make the change.
No matter what state you want to start your new career in, one of the most important traits looked for in a potential real estate licensee will be good character. You will be asked to disclose any actions that may have been deemed unprofessional or illegal, with or without conviction. Disclosing this information does not necessarily disqualify you for licensure. On the other hand, a failure to disclose information about any such behavior, with or without any conviction, will most likely lead to a denial of license.
Integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness are all crucial in the real estate industry. Those individuals that earn a real estate license are certified by the state that they are licensed in to meet certain obligations and responsibilities to their clients and customers. Among these responsibilities are honesty and full disclosure. These are traits that one must exhibit before they will be permitted to take the licensing exam in any state.
How an individual applicant’s character is determined varies from state to state. All states will ask for the information to be disclosed on the application to sit for the real estate exam. Some states will require fingerprinting or other background check and the information will be compared to what you disclosed on your application. Regardless of how the state that you are in requests the information, you must completely and honestly disclose any conviction, felony or misdemeanor, to ever be considered for a real estate license.
A felony conviction is a very serious offense, but it is possible to have a new start. The first step is integrity. You must display the necessary characteristics of honesty and full disclosure that are required to be a real estate agent in order to be considered to take the real estate licensing exam. If a person exhibits these qualities, has paid their debt to society, and is completely honest about any felony convictions on their record, they could get the opportunity to start over with a prosperous new career in real estate.
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About David Goldstein — David Goldstein is an Owner and Founding Partner of Colibri Real Estate, LLC. which operates online education providers Colibri Real Estate, Insurance License Express and License Tutor. Follow him on Twitter.
