Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be challenging for many veterans. One significant hurdle is finding a career that fits. Veterans are often natural problem solvers, highly goal-oriented, possess a strong work ethic, and thrive when their work provides a clear sense of purpose. This is why you’ll see many veterans becoming real estate agents.
Let’s discuss why becoming a real estate professional is a good fit for many veterans. We’ll tell you how to become a veteran real estate agent in Florida and if there’s a special real estate license for veterans. Finally, we’ll share information about a veterans-to-agents program in Florida that will help you complete the licensing process for free.
Key Takeaways
- Real estate offers veterans the freedom to set their own schedules and balance work and personal life. It also offers significant financial growth potential and the personal fulfillment of helping others achieve homeownership.
- The real estate industry leverages skills veterans often excel in, such as leadership, discipline, communication, and networking. It provides the opportunity to build a business, assist others, and thrive in a goal-oriented environment.
- Veterans can complete the licensing process by taking pre-licensing courses, passing a background check, submitting an application, passing the licensing exam, and joining a brokerage. Special benefits, including fee waivers and exam reimbursements, are available for veterans and their families.
- Gold Coast Schools provides a military scholarship covering the total cost of real estate pre-licensing courses and textbooks for veterans. This program is an excellent opportunity for veterans to transition into a new career without out-of-pocket expenses.
Why Real Estate Can Be a Rewarding New Career for Veterans
The real estate industry offers veterans a distinctive opportunity to build their own businesses, excel in a field that rewards dedication and exceptional service, and assist others in achieving their dreams. Veterans accustomed to working with structured plans and accomplishing missions can thrive in this dynamic, goal-driven environment. Moreover, a real estate agent career enables veterans to continue making a positive impact while also earning a significant income.
Keith Turney served 21.5 years on active duty in the Air Force and another 16 years as a MacDill Air Force Base civilian employee before becoming a REALTOR®.
Transferable skills from military service to real estate
Veterans who become real estate agents can use many skills and traits they developed in the military to succeed in their new careers.
- Knowledge of VA Benefits: Veterans’ in-depth understanding of military benefits, such as VA home loans, makes them better able to assist their clients.
- Discipline: The discipline cultivated in the military is a critical factor in achieving success in real estate. Veterans excel at staying motivated, managing their time well, and staying organized to build their careers.
- Leadership: Veterans are natural leaders, whether they led a team in the field or coordinated large operations. In real estate, leadership skills are essential when guiding clients through complex transactions and negotiations.
- Communication: Both military service and real estate require clear and effective communication. Veterans can relay important information with precision, which is vital for helping clients navigate the buying or selling process.
- Networking: Frequent moves during military life often require veterans and their families to form new connections quickly. This natural skill is invaluable for real estate agents in growing their client networks.
- Built-In Niche: Many veteran real estate agents focus on military relocation services and VA loans. The relationships built during military service provide a strong advantage in serving this specialized market.
FAQ: Can you be a real estate agent while in the military?
Yes, you can work as a part-time real estate agent while serving in the military. Real estate is a great part-time job for military members or their spouses.
Job flexibility and independence
One of the most appealing aspects of a career in real estate is the freedom and independence it provides. Unlike typical 9-to-5 roles, real estate agents can create their own schedules, allowing for a better balance between work, family, and personal commitments. This level of flexibility is especially attractive to veterans, who appreciate the autonomy to make their own decisions and steer their careers in the direction they choose.
Potential for financial growth
Real estate agents in Florida can make an excellent income. As a real estate agent, your earnings are often directly tied to effort, meaning veterans who apply their military work ethic may reap financial rewards.
While the average starting salary in this field is much higher than in other career fields, income depends on various factors, including location, expertise, brokerage, and more.
Few careers can match the sense of purpose that comes with military service. However, helping clients—particularly fellow servicemembers—achieve their goals by finding their dream homes or selling properties at the best price can also be deeply rewarding.
Steps to Become a Licensed Real Estate Agent in Florida
Are you intrigued by the idea of becoming a real estate agent? Here’s how to get your license in Florida.
Step 1: Complete pre-licensing courses.
Complete the 63-hour Florida real estate classes through a state-approved real estate school. Consider the school’s reputation, course format (online, livestream, or classroom), and exam prep tools. Some schools offer military discounts or scholarship programs to reduce the cost of a real estate license.
Step 2: Pass a background check.
You must undergo fingerprinting as a part of your background check. As a military member, your fingerprinting fee may be waived. Complete this step before submitting your license application.
Step 3: Submit your license application.
Submit your application to the Department of Business & Professional Regulation. Make sure you select the correct application, as there are special ones for military members.
Step 4: Pass the licensing exam
Schedule the Florida real estate exam through Pearson Vue. Veterans may be eligible to be reimbursed for the cost of the exam.
The test may be offered at Florida military sites. Active duty personnel and their spouses, federal contractors, and civilians working on base may be able to schedule exams at these locations.
Bring the required IDs and documents to the test center. Achieve a score of 75/100 or higher to pass.
Step 5: Join a real estate brokerage.
Real estate agents in Florida must operate under a brokerage. Many find opportunities by networking at career fairs hosted by real estate schools.
Real Estate Licensure Assistance for Active Servicemembers and Veterans in Florida
Is there a special real estate license for veterans in Florida? Florida offers many benefits for active-duty military members and veterans.
Your initial licensing fee is discounted if you are currently serving or formerly served as an active-duty member of the Armed Forces of the U.S. This benefit also extends to a spouse or surviving spouse. Currently, the discounted rate for a real estate license is $19.75. To receive this benefit, complete the Military Member/Veteran/Spouse Fee Waiver and Military Service Verification Form and submit the form along with your license application.
If you or your spouse (or a military member’s surviving spouse) currently hold a real estate license in another state besides Florida, you may not be required to pass the Florida license examination. Fingerprinting fees may also be waived for those who qualify.
Military service members and their spouses or surviving spouses may receive exemptions from fulfilling renewal requirements.
Visit this page to learn more about the benefits the Department of Business & Professional Regulation offers military servicemembers, veterans, and their families in Florida.
Veterans to Agents Program: Gold Coast School’s Military Scholarship
Gold Coast Schools offers the Real Estate Sales Associate Pre-License Course free of charge to veterans of the United States Armed Forces. This scholarship opportunity is available to individuals who were honorably discharged within three years of the start of class. Students must provide Gold Coast with their DD214 form to verify eligibility.
The scholarship will cover the full cost of the course and required textbooks. The school also offers the Community Association Manager (CAM) Pre-license Course for free and a discount on the Construction Exam Prep Course.
Gold Coast Schools has supported over a million students in launching new careers, and this scholarship offers recent veterans a fantastic opportunity to achieve similar success without any out-of-pocket costs for their education.
Real estate is an excellent career choice for veterans looking for a fresh challenge. Enroll today and take the first step toward your new career!