What are the steps in becoming a real estate agent ?

Hi,
Good question...the requirements for real estate agent and licensing vary depending on the state you live in. I would check online with your state real estate agency to find out more.
In general, you typically need a few college courses in real estate and to pass a state licensing exam...then find what is called a broker to sponsor you while you are in training.
Here is a link to a national organization, realtor.org, that gives you more information about real estate careers.
http://www.realtor.org/realtororg.nsf/pages/careers
Good luck!

Gary nailed it. In my case, I knew some people from a major local real estate brokerage in Boulder, Colorado, and they offered low-cost training in exchange for a promise to work at their firm. This was a fantastic way to get started because I was able to pass my test on the first try.

Better, I quickly found a mentor who took me under his wing and honed my skills. So much of Real Estate is salesmanship, that any learning you can do in that area is vital. You need to know how to qualify candidates (or you waste time on Lookie-loos). You should also read as much as you can about phone sales. More than half of your interaction with your clients will be via the phone, yet most of the new Realtors I worked with neglected those skills. Learn them, love them, live them.

Once you get licensed, if you are part of a larger firm, volunteer constantly for open houses (where you represent a fellow broker's listing by hosting the open house to gather client candidates), mall kiosks (if available 40% of my revenue came from malls), and any other opportunities to be the face of a large firm. The firm gives you credibility, which lends confidence. That builds to actual sales, which translates to self-granted confidence. It is a strong cycle to get into.

Finally, my mentor told me that he had 4 rules for every transaction:
1) Show Up On Time
2) Tell the truth
3) Work as hard as you can for your client
4) Don't connect your self worth with the outcome.

Good luck!

First, I think it's important to prepare yourself to work on straight commission. That can mean no income for several months until you start earning commissions.

You might also want to decide which side of real estate you want to focus on. Some agents like to list properties for sale whereas others prefer just selling properties that other agents have listed. Ideally you'll be successful at doing both, but it's okay if you prefer doing one over the other.

Find out which real estate firms offer the best training and support, including assistance in getting your license. Once you're licensed, be prepared to join lots of community organizations and hand out lots of business cards and flyers.

In my opinion, there are some important keys to success. You must be a "people person." That means simply enjoying being around people. You must be honest even if it costs you a sale. Don't go for the quick buck if it means compromising your ethics and values. Your long term reputation is at stake. Know your product and focus on the benefits when you talk to prospects. Be prepared to handle rejection and do not take it personally.

Good luck!

Jeremy, you're getting some good advice here. I suggest that you look at many of real estate career options not just residential home sales/listing. There are many types of real estate and many ways to be involved that are not as competitive and can provide you with a higher probability of success. As I'm sure Ted and Harold will agree, you need to understand that only a very small percentage of residential real estate agents make a good living.