With less than a month until the start of the New Year, everyone is busy making plans for 2015. The New Year is a great time to set goals and make resolutions that will give you the best possible chance of success. As the economy continues to strengthen, many are considering making a career transition.

Have you been thinking about getting into real estate? Many real estate professionals choose this career path because of the unlimited earning potential and flexible schedule. How much you make is determined by how much you put in. If you have been considering a career change and want to become a real estate agent in 2015, these steps will help you get started.

Step 1- Know the Requirements of Your State

Obtaining a real estate license in your state is not difficult if you know what to expect and can fulfill the requirements. How you get a real estate license varies from state to state, but will usually involve minimum age requirements, certain education or experience requirements, applications and fees, and other state-specific regulations. You can find your state real estate commission here.

Once you know what the requirements are, chart them out so you can keep track of your accomplishments. Many community colleges offer real estate licensing courses at night or online allowing you to keep your current job while you prepare for the switch.

Step 2 – Select Your Brokerage

All states require that agents work with a broker to practice as a real estate agent. You should find and contact a broker before graduating from your training course so you can learn of any additional requirements they may have to join their company.

Real estate brokerages vary greatly in size, focus and culture. Keller Williams, for example, is the largest real estate franchise by agent count in North America and is known for its focus on training and building financial security.

Step 3 – Get Licensed

After you have completed the required courses and selected your brokerage, it is time to take your licensing exam. By this time, you have worked hard and have partnered with a broker who will help guide you. You got this! You can pass the exam and build the career of your dreams.

Take Control of Your Career in 2015!

Keller Williams was recently named a Top Workplace in Austin. Check out this video, which captures a few of the reasons that more than 2,300 associates in the Greater Austin area and more than 110,000 around the world call Keller Williams home!