Becoming a real estate agent can be a lucrative and stable career in Wisconsin, but the first step to such a successful career is obtaining a real estate license in your desired location. Having a felony record can serve as a roadblock on this journey, but may not be a complete bar to the profession in certain jurisdictions.
This blog is not legal advice, but instead outlines general state requirements for people with felonies to better understand how to receive a real estate broker license. The question this blog aims to answer is whether persons with felonies can obtain a real estate license in Wisconsin.
- Role of real estate agent
- Average salary
- General requirements to be a real estate agent in America
- State specific requirements
- Recommended action
Contents
Role of a estate agent:
Real estate agents facilitate the buying and selling of commercial and personal properties. When working with a seller, a real estate agent may be referred to a listing agent. As a listing agent, the typical duties can include:
- Conducting market research to determine an ideal asking price;
- Identifying assets that are the property’s attractive magnets and pinpointing improvement locations;
- Staging the property;
- Photographing the property;
- Listing the property on the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS);
- Advertising real estate properties to prospective buyers;
- Hosting property showings and open house events;
- Drafting and preparing documents, such as offers, contracts and closing statements;
- Communicating with appraisers, escrow companies, lenders and home inspectors.
A real estate agent may also represent buyers. When representing buyers, real estate agents may be responsible for the following:
- Coordinating open houses;
- Arranging meetings with prospective buyers;
- Interviewing buyers to understand their needs and wants;
- Scheduling property showings;
- Coordinating appraisals and inspections;
- Negotiating property repair requests and offers;
- Drafting and reviewing documents and contracts;
- Guiding buyers through the closing process.
Average salary:
The average base salary of a real estate agent in the United States is estimated to be $105,100. In Wisconsin, the estimated annual salary of a real estate agent is $104,242.
General Requirements:
The requirements to obtain a real estate license varies state by state, however, the general requirements are the person be of good moral character, have some specified level of experience and specified education in real estate. The applicant must submit personal and professional information in their application, pass the state real estate license exam, undergo a background check, and pay a fee. The real estate license must be renewed pursuant to the state’s criteria.
Wisconsin’s licensing requirement for real estate agents:
In Wisconsin, the state requires the following for a person to be eligible to obtain a real estate broker license:
- “Submit to the board evidence satisfactory to the board of successful completion of educational programs in business management approved for this purpose under s. 452.05(1)(c) . . .
- In determining competency, the board shall require proof that the applicant for a broker’s or salesperson’s license has a fair knowledge of the English language; a fair understanding of the general purposes and general legal effect of deeds, mortgages, land contracts of sale, leases, bills of sale, and conditional sales contracts; and a general and fair understanding of the obligations between principal and agent, as well as of this chapter. The board shall deny a license to an applicant receiving a failing grade, as established by rules of the board, on any examination given under this section, but any applicant may review his or her examination results in a manner established by rules of the board . . .
- An applicant for a broker’s license who is an individual shall submit to the board evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant has practiced as a licensed salesperson under the direct supervision of a licensed broker for at least 2 years within the last 4 years preceding the date of the applicant’s application for a broker’s license . . .” ( Wis. Stat. Ann. § 452.09 (West))
Recommended Action:
If you are interested in obtaining a real estate license, it is best to consult with the state’s guidelines. If you do have a felony conviction, always remember to be open and transparent on the application, as lying can reduce your chances of obtaining the license.
Other Helpful Resources for Felons in Wisconsin
So what do you think about this blog post about whether a felon can become a real estate agent in Wisconsin and the requirements for the license? Have you or someone you know been in that situation? What was that experience like and how did they deal with it? Please tell us in the comments below.