There are a few steps to becoming an apartment locator. Every state has its own set of rules and regulations.
Please consult with your local commissioner to ensure that you are following proper protocol.
In any case, regardless of which state you live in, the procedure is essentially the same.
Enroll In A Real Estate Course
There is no right or wrong here, it solely depends on how fast you can work. However, you should think about enrolling first in an approved and qualifying real estate course. Especially if you know you can pass a background and fingerprint check, as I’ll explain in a few sentences.
So you’re confident you’ll pass both the fingerprinting and the background check? You’ll want, to go to your Real Estate Commissioners’ website. There you should be able to find some of the approved courses that your state accepts.
Simply go to Google. And type in Approved Qualifying Real Estate Courses (then your state name).
If you’re in the state of Texas, you should visit this website.
As I previously stated, I recommend that you enroll in the real estate course first, especially if you’re confident in your fingerprinting and background check.
In the state of Texas, if you apply first, you’ll have exactly one year to complete everything.
This includes your real estate course, as well as passing the background check and fingerprinting. Then there’s the final State and National exam. It may not appear to be much, but having a time limit can put a lot of pressure on your process.
With that said, I’ve seen agents do this process both ways. I’d like to add that if you decide to complete the course first, I would encourage you to complete your course at your earliest convenience. You don’t want any certifications to expire.
Either way, the decision is yours. You can enroll and complete the course first. Or apply first and then complete the course. There is no required order to do this step.
I applied first because, then enrolled in the course. If I could redo the order, I would have applied first and then completed the application.
Another thought occurred to me: if you do not pass the background check and finger printing process, you may be required to submit additional documents, which may cause a delay; however, keep in mind that the clock has already begun, so you will not be given any additional time to complete all other requirements.
Therefore, if you are not confident that you will be able to pass the background check or fingerprinting I would suggest that you think over how you would like to proceed.
Do You Need A License To Be An Apartment Locator?
Because, you will be working with real clients, yes, a license is required in the majority of states. By the way, yes, you do need a license in the state of Texas, especially if you want to work as an apartment locator and be paid for it.
Another step would be to obtain your license in your home state. You must decide whether to take the course first or apply first. In either particular instance, you will almost definitely be required to obtain a license. You obtain a license by filing an application. In Texas, you have two options:
- #1. Send in a paper application.
- #2. File online, it’s a faster process.
Pass The Final Exam
Here is why you’ll want to know your states procedures. I can only speak for Texas because, that is where I’m licensed at.
In Texas you will have two exams. A State and National exam. You’ll complete those two exams within one day. If you pass both exams on the same day, then you will never have to take that portion of the Test again.
On the other hand, if you do not pass the test. Whatever portion you do not pass you’ll have to reschedule and retest. I believe Texas gives you three tries before you have to pay the application fee again. 
What Are The Cost The Cost To Become An Apartment Locator?
Obviously, there are costs associated with becoming an apartment locator. Again, these are Texas state fees; for more information, please contact your local commissioner’s office.
You must pay for your course, which can range from $214 to slightly more than $1,000. Of course, online school is less expensive, but it is not for everyone. As a result, it will be determined by your learning style.
I used Aceable Agent for my course, but I didn’t feel as prepared as I should have. However, I may have panicked due to my time constraint. So I ended up scheduling a practice test with this company that basically guaranteed that you would pass or your money would be reimbursed.
I guess it worked because, I did pass on the first try.
In either case, the state application fee can be another $200. There is also a fee to apply for testing, which was around $50.00 the last time I checked.
Last but not least, you will be obligated to pay for a background check and fingerprinting check. As you’ll see, the fees can quickly add up.
And we haven’t even gotten started on getting signed up with a brokerage. As a result, it is essential that you do not waste time once the clock has begun to tick.
You’ve Got The Green Light Find A Brokerage
Okay, so after you’ve completed all of the preceding steps. Meaning you have passed the all the courses within your real estate course. You’ve passed the background check and finger printing.
And you’ve paid all dues. Plus, passed your state exam. Now you will be considered a licensed real estate agent but, you will not go active until you choose a broker.
So, now you’re at the step to decide on a brokerage that allows you to hang your license.
From my experience, I would suggest researching the brokerages at which you feel compelled to hang your license because not all brokers work the same manner.
Some, for instance –, offer continuous training, whereas others do not. Besides that, some provide leads but others do not. So everything depends on what kind of guidance you believe you require.
I would also recommend starting with a brokerage that deals exclusively in apartment locating. Surprisingly, many traditional brokers simply cannot get their heads around it. And if you do decide to go with a brokerage that doesn’t really know how apartment locating works, then I you’ll need to do a trial and error.
Or take a course that teaches you how to properly learn apartment locating. I’ve taken a course that does teach you how to locate apartments, but, it will set you back financially. At the time the course cost roughly $1400 but last I knew it would increase to roughly $5000. So, if you’re on a budget, I would recommend an alternative.
Recently, I was asked if there was a more affordable course. At that time I did not know of one but, today I can say there is an affordable apartment locating course.
I’ve also taken the affordable course and it will teach you the basics of how you can get started within this career using attraction marketing. It’s definitely a course that will have you on the right track without breaking the bank.
Another way to drive traffic to your newly found business is to build a blog. It really does help having your own stage where your clients can visit you every single day.
Final Conclusion: How To Become An Apartment Locator?
Hopefully, I’ve fully answered your questions about how you can become an apartment locator? And if not please leave your question below and I’ll be glad to further assist you.
Becoming an apartment locator is not overly hard but, passing the test and retaining all the information within a short period of time can be stressful.
You’re career as an apartment locator will be an everyday learning event but, I know with hard work and dedication you can do this.