Meeting the Nebraska Realty Commission’s requirements for real estate agents puts you on track for a rewarding career in Nebraska’s thriving real estate market.
This article outlines the Nebraska Realty Commission guidelines and conditions that you need to adhere to before you qualify for a Nebraska real estate license, the steps to becoming a real estate agent, and available real estate opportunities in Nebraska.
Professional Real Estate License in Nebraska
With a professional real estate license in Nebraska, you are permitted to engage in any matters involving the real estate business as long as you’re working under a licensed real estate broker.1
Before you start the application process for a professional real estate license, ensure that you:
- Meet the state’s legal prerequisites for qualification
- Submit your fingerprints for criminal background checking
- Complete the pre-licensing courses and pass the exam
- Pay all the required fees on time
Key Prerequisites For Becoming a Licensed Real Estate Agent in Nebraska
The State of Nebraska is keen on the quality and competency of the real estate agents approved for business. Consequently, any qualifying candidate for real estate licensing must meet the minimum requirements.2
For instance, the legal age requirement is at least 19 years. So, anyone applying for a real estate license must be 19 years old and above to make the cut.
Secondly, all applicants must present a high school diploma, GED, or any proof of homeschooling approved by the Department of Education.
Besides that, an applicant should be legally permitted to live in the US and have a clean moral record. If you already have a criminal record, you can still get approved for a real estate license.
The Nebraska Realty Commission reviews all the applications, considering whether the case is a misdemeanor or a felony. So, ensure that you write an email or letter to the commission as you submit your application and indicate the nature of your conviction.
Your letter should include a detailed report of the nature of the charge, date of charge, city and state of charge, and the outcome, including the time served, probation length, and fines. The commission will consider your application and let you know your eligibility.
Prerequisite Age and Foundational Education Needs
The State of Nebraska only permits you to qualify for a real estate license once you are 19. Besides the age, you must have had a foundational education in high school.3
Your application must show proof of a high school diploma, GED, or homeschooling as approved by the Department of Education.
Essential Pre-Licensing Learning Time
Once you’ve satisfied all the basic requirements, you need to start the pre-licensing education before you do the exam. The course takes up to 66 hours and consists of the following.
- 30 hours of classes on Nebraska License Law
- 30 hours of classes on real estate good practices and principles in Nebraska
- 6 hours to develop professional conduct as a real estate agent and learn ethical practices
You can find out whether there are schools near you that offer these classes in person. If not, find an accredited online education provider to offer the courses virtually.
Online courses come as self-paced packages that allow you to learn at your preferred pace without strict deadlines. They are also equipped with interactive tools to help you understand the content and prepare adequately for the exam.
Cost of Pre-Licensing Training in Real Estate
The training fee in Nebraska may vary from $300 to $500 depending on the school and the mode of delivery. However, the Nebraska Realty Commission states the fee schedule as follows:4
- License Application Fee: $135
- License Examination Fee: $150
- Examination Retake Fee within one year of application: $150
Other fees may apply depending on other services offered during the application process.
Key Real Estate Background Evaluation (Fingerprint Venue Details)
The NREC requires that all applicants for the real estate license present their fingerprints at designated locations for a background check.5 Before you submit your application, you need to visit any of the fingerprint venues where a fingerprint technician can help you fill out the fingerprint cards.
The designated fingerprint locations include:
- Lincoln
The Upland Business Center, 3800 NW 12 St Ste A
Monday to Friday, 8:00 am-4:00 pm
Call for Appointment: (402)479-4971
- Grand Island
3431 Potash St.
Monday, 10:00 am-12:00 pm and 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
Call for Appointment: (308)385-6000
- Norfolk
1401 Eisenhower Avenue
1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 9:30 am-11:30 am
Call for Appointment: (402)370-3456
- North Platte
300 W South River Rd
Monday to Friday, 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Call for Appointment: (308)535-8047
- Scottsbluff
4500 Avenue I
Wednesday: 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Call for Appointment: (308)632-1211
After the fingerprinting exercise, confirm that you have all the details as indicated on the fingerprint card. Also, ensure that the fingerprinting technician has signed in the designated space before you leave.
Once you confirm that all the information is there and it’s well-written, sign the cards and put them in a large envelope addressed to the Nebraska State Patrol.6
The address is as follows:
Nebraska State Patrol
Attn: CID
3800 NW 12th Street, Suite A
Lincoln, NE 68521
A background check at the Nebraska State Patrol attracts a charge of $38.7 Hence, ensure that you write a check or money order payable to the Nebraska State Patrol and include it in your envelope before mailing it.
The exercise takes about 4-6 weeks to complete. Once done, the Nebraska State Patrol sends the report directly to the NREC for consideration.
Can You Get a Real Estate License With a Misdemeanor?
The Nebraska Realty Commission reviews and considers all the applications with criminal records.7 Generally, an applicant with one or two misdemeanors in the past who has served their time or paid all the required fees may not have an issue with their application.
With that in mind, it’s possible to get a real estate license with a misdemeanor as long as the applicant has paid their dues as ordered by the court. More than two misdemeanors or pending fines can cause an issue for the applicant.
Can You Be a Real Estate Agent With a Felony?
If you have a felony offense on your record, multiple convictions that seem to have a pattern, or if you are under law enforcement supervision, like prison or probation, your application may not go through without proper scrutiny.
The NREC may deny you the privilege to hold a real estate license and practice in Nebraska. If you have a criminal record for a felony, especially one that may limit your chances of getting approved, you may need to attach a letter to your application explaining the details of the case and how it happened.
The NREC reviews your explanation and considers it in your favor, allowing you to qualify for a real estate agent license.
If you are unsure how a crime may affect your application status, the DRE has created a list of the most common disqualifying convictions. Such crimes include sexually related crimes or convictions that require registration pursuant to the provisions of Section 290 of the Penal Code.
How Hard Is It To Get a Real Estate License in Nebraska?
The process of getting a real estate license in Nebraska is easy and straightforward as long as you have a clean record and have met all the requirements as per the state. On the other hand, you may have a hard time if you have a criminal record that requires some scrutiny from the commission.
Are There Real Estate Agents That Work With Felons?
Yes. If you have been convicted of a felony, you can still get approved for a real estate license and start practicing as a real estate agent. If you have one or two misdemeanors, you can get approved right away without so much scrutiny.
What Is the Cost of a Nebraska Real Estate License Renewal?
A real estate agent license in Nebraska is renewable after two years. You’ll need to pay $140 for the renewal to be processed.
Why Do I Need a Real Estate Agent?
Whether you are buying or selling a property, a real estate agent can help you get a good deal from your prospective clients.
References
1Nebraska.gov. (2023). Licensing and Forms. Nebraska Real Estate Commission. Retrieved October 30, 2023, from <https://nrec.nebraska.gov/licensing-forms/index.html>
2Baker, G. (2022). How to get your Nebraska Real Estate License 2023. Fitsmallbusiness. Retrieved October 26, 2023, from <https://fitsmallbusiness.com/real-estate-license-nebraska/>
3Indeed editorial Team. (2022). How to become real estate agent in Nebraska in 5 steps. Indeed. Retrieved October 26, 2023 from <https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-real-estate-agent-in-nebraska>
4Nebraska.gov. (2023). Nebraska Real Estate Commission Fee Schedule. Nebraska Real Estate Commission. Retrieved October 30, 2023, from <https://nrec.nebraska.gov/licensing-forms/fees.html>
5Nebraska.gov. (2023). Procedures Related To Required Criminal Background Checks. Nebraska Real Estate Commission. Retrieved October 30, 2023, from <https://nrec.nebraska.gov/licensing-forms/backgroundcheckinfo.html>
6Rodriguez. (2023). How to get Your Nebraska Real Estate License. State Requirement. Retrieved October 26, 2023. from <https://staterequirement.com/real-estate/nebraska-real-estate-license/>
7Nebraska.gov. (2023). Real Estate Licensing Information. Nebraska Real Estate Commission. Retrieved October 30, 2023, from <https://nrec.nebraska.gov/licensing-forms/licenseinformation.html>