Becoming a real estate agent can be a lucrative and stable career in Wyoming, 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 Wyoming. 

• Role of real estate agent 
• Average salary 
• General requirements to be a real estate agent in America 
• State specific requirements  
• Recommended action 

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 Wyoming, the estimated annual salary of a real estate agent is $101,372. 

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.  

State Specific Requirements: 

In Wyoming, the state requires the following for a person to be eligible to obtain a real estate broker license: 

1. “The application shall be in the form and detail as the commission shall prescribe and the individual applicant shall provide to the commission fingerprints and other information necessary for a criminal history record background check . . .
2. Licenses shall be granted only to persons who bear a good reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, integrity and competence to transact the business of a licensee in a manner which will safeguard the interests of the public, and only after satisfactory proof of the individual applicant’s qualifications has been presented to the commission . . .
3. The commission may consider prior revocation, conduct or conviction in its determination of whether to grant an applicant a license if the applicant:
   1. Has been fined or disciplined or had his real estate license revoked, suspended, censured or placed on probation in any jurisdiction;
   2. Is found to have committed any of the practices enumerated in W.S. 33-28-111 during the term of his prior licensure; or
   3. Has been convicted of any felony that relates to the practice of real estate activity or to the ability to practice the duties of a responsible real estate licensee or any felony sexual offense or violent crime.
4. The commission shall take into account the nature of the offense, any aggravating or extenuating circumstances, the time elapsed since the revocation, conduct or conviction, the rehabilitation or restitution performed by the applicant and other factors as the commission deems relevant.
5. The commission may deny a license to any person who has been determined by the commission after hearing to have engaged in a licensed real estate activity without a license.
6. The commission shall issue licenses in a form and size as the commission shall prescribe.
7. A false statement of material fact made in an application shall in itself be sufficient grounds for the refusal of a license . . .
8. Have reached the age of majority;
9. Have first served actively for two (2) of the four (4) years immediately preceding the application as a salesperson or shall furnish to the commission proof indicating that the applicant holds a degree in real estate from an accredited university or college; and
10. Submit other evidence through the application or otherwise, as the commission deems desirable with due regard to the paramount interests of the public as to the honesty, truthfulness, integrity and competency of the individual applicant.” (Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 33-28-106 (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. 

So what do you think about this blog post about whether a felon can become a real estate agent in Wyoming 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.