I
was 19, burnt out from working long hours at Beau Jo's Pizza, and eager to invest in my future. That's when I stumbled upon a real estate investment series on VHS by Carlton Sheets. Little did I know this class would change the trajectory of my life. It inspired me to get my real estate license and pursue a career in real estate. Just a few years later, I was breaking sales records, and at 27, I was featured on Realtor Magazine's 30 Under 30.

    Fast forward to today, getting your Colorado real estate license is a streamlined process with all the necessary tools and resources at your fingertips. If you're interested in changing your life by becoming a licensed agent, here are the seven simple steps to follow:

    To be eligible for a Colorado real estate license, you must:

    * Be at least 18 years old

    * Be a U.S. citizen

    The Colorado Division of Real Estate requires all students to complete an approved course of study totaling 168 class hours. This can be broken down into six key topics: Practical Applications (32 hours), Real Estate Law and Practice (48 hours), Colorado Contracts and Regulations (48 hours), Trust Accounts and Recordkeeping (8 hours), Current Legal Issues (8 hours), and Real Estate Closings (24 hours).

    Here are the seven steps to get your Colorado real estate license:

    1. Know what to expect: Completing 168 hours of coursework can be a daunting task, but it's essential to understand the requirements and create a plan to stay on track.

    2. Complete a 168-hour real estate course at an approved school: Choose a school that aligns with your goals and lifestyle, whether it's online or in-person. Some popular options include The CE Shop, Colibri Real Estate Education, Kaplan Real Estate Education, VanEd, Colorado Real Estate School, Armbrust Real Estate Institute.

    3. Pass the Colorado real estate exam: This is a crucial step that requires a minimum passing score of 75%. You'll have three chances to pass the exam, which can be taken in-person or online at PSI Testing Centers.

    4. Complete your background check: A fingerprint-based background check is required as part of the licensing process. This ensures you meet the state's ethical standards for practicing real estate.

    5. Get errors & omissions (E&O) insurance: This type of insurance protects you from potential legal claims and gives clients peace of mind knowing you've planned for any incidents.

    6. Interview and choose a vision-aligned brokerage: Finding a supportive brokerage means more than finding a place that shares your vision; it also means finding somewhere that fosters the growth you desire, at the pace you desire.

    7. Apply for your Colorado real estate license: Once you've completed all the previous steps, it's time to make your licensure official by applying through the Colorado Division of Real Estate (DRE).