All real estate licensees are not the same.
Only real estate licensees who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® are properly called REALTORS®. They proudly display the REALTOR “®” logo on their business card or other marketing and sales literature. REALTORS® are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. REALTORS® subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate. And independent survey reports that 84% of home buyers would use the same REALTOR® again.
The real estate profession has expanded and offers one of the widest selections in the business world today. In South Dakota a career in real estate begins with the proper license obtained through the South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation. Here are some options you may want to consider.
Real Estate Agent or REALTOR®
Are you interested in becoming a REALTOR®? The following is what you need to know for your journey.
Cover the Basics: Become a Licensed Agent
Before your can be a REALTOR®, you will need to become a licensed South Dakota real estate agent. Visit the South Dakota Real Estate Commission to discover licensing requirements and approved schools.
Set Yourself Apart: Become a REALTOR®
When you become a REALTOR® you join a community of 1.3 million real estate professionals who abide by the Code of Ethics. This ensures we are creating the future of home ownership with honor and integrity. To become a REALTOR® you must first find an active broker in the state of South Dakota. After you find a broker, they will direct you to join your local REALTOR® association, REALTOR® Association of the Sioux Empire, that’s us!
Appraiser
A real estate appraiser’s responsibility is to establish the value of a property. Appraisers need to know acceptable principles of appraisal and related information. They need to have practical experience, technical education, good judgment and some knowledge of mathematics, accounting and economics. Do you have strong problem-solving skills? Do you enjoy new challenges? This may be the career for you! Appraiser Certification information can be found here.
Home Inspector
A home inspector is a qualified professional who visually inspects the structure and components of a home. A written report is provided and may contain descriptions of problem areas and recommendations for further evaluation. Inspections help everyone understand the condition of a property and thus the risks that should be considered before proceeding in a real estate transaction. If a career in Home Inspection appeals to you, you can learn more here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What schools are approved for pre-licensing?
Please visit this page on the South Dakota Real Estate Commission website to see a list of approved schools.
I passed my real estate exams, now what?
You have 60 days from the date you pass your third/final exam to file your license application with the South Dakota Real Estate Commission (SDREC). Your license will begin in an inactive status or may be made active by having a Qualifying Broker complete their section of the application, associating you with their firm.
Once your license is received by a real estate firm that is a member of the REALTOR® Association of the Sioux Empire (RASE), the firm has 3 days to notify RASE of a new licensee’s active status. Visit the membership page of our website for your application.
What costs should I be aware of as I start my journey of becoming a REALTOR®?
The following is a list of expenses you will want to research to get an idea of the costs associated with starting a career as a licensed real estate agent. Please keep in mind this list may not be a full list of expenses. We also recommend you consult with your chosen real estate firm for a list of requirements, fees, commission splits and benefits.
- Pre-Licensing Education
- South Dakota Real Estate Commission Application Fee
- Finger Printing
- Background Check
- RASE New Member Costs
- New Member Application Fee (Due at your initial meeting with RASE)
- New Member Successful Start Education Classes (Required of all New Members)
- Local, MLS, State, & National Dues (Due at your initial meeting with RASE)
- Post-Licensing Education
- Errors & Omissions Insurance
- Lockbox (Purchased at the RASE office)
- SUPRA E-key Lockbox Software (Setup at the RASE office)
- Signage
- Business Cards
- Professional Photos
- Computer with Professional Version of an Operating System