How I Became a REALTOR® in Oklahoma

The Path I Personally Took

If you’re considering a path into real estate, that’s so exciting! There are many routes to becoming a licensed agent, and the beauty of this profession is that you get to shape your own journey, everything from how you get licensed to which brokerage you choose to work with is up to you. You will be self employed!

Here’s a breakdown of the path I personally took.

1. Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course

I completed my coursework online through Kevo University, which was affordable and super flexible. It’s $40/month, and I moved at my own pace. I started in late June and had my license by August.

There are a few online and in-person universities you can attend, but this is the route I personally chose.

👉 Kevo University

Approximate cost for my route:

• Around $80 total for two months of coursework

  The first month I completed the schooling, the second month I signed back up to take my post courses.

2. Background Check through IdentoGO

I needed to schedule a live-scan fingerprint appointment using service code 2B7NR3 when booking. The cost I paid was $60.

👉 IdentoGO Appointment Scheduling

3. Apply for a Provisional Sales Associate License

Once my background check was done, I applied for my provisional license through the Oklahoma Real Estate Commission (OREC). This step cost me $135.

👉 OREC Application Portal

4. Take the Licensing Exam

Once approved by OREC, they sent my information to Pearson VUE, where I scheduled my exam.

I took both the state and national exams and passed each with at least 70%. I paid $75 and took them both on the same day.

👉 Pearson VUE – Oklahoma Real Estate

5. Choose a Brokerage

After passing the exam and receiving my license, I needed to choose a brokerage to “hang” my license with.

I personally joined Lime Realty, which was my plan from the start, so I didn’t explore other brokerages, but there are many great options out there depending on your goals and preferences.

Take the time to interview as many as you can find! Each one has a different approach, and one may be a better fit for what you are looking for.

Some brokerages have monthly fees, transaction fees, desk fees, training fees, marketing costs, or commission splits, so make sure you ask detailed questions when interviewing brokerages.

Approximate Cost to Become a REALTOR® in Oklahoma

Here’s an approximate cost, I personally paid to get started:

Around $2,351+

This total does not include:

• Brokerage fees

• Marketing expenses

• Signs/business cards

• Lockboxes

• Continuing education

• Photography/video

• Mileage/fuel

• Insurance

• Technology subscriptions

• Clothes

• Office Supplies

• Technology

• Member Fees

Every agent’s costs will look a little different depending on the brokerage they choose and how they decide to run their business. Remember you are self employed, so you have to keep your own records for taxes.

6. Become a Member of OREC

As a licensed agent, I need to maintain my membership with OREC. The annual fee for OREC membership is $20.

👉 OREC Membership Information

7. Join the National Association of REALTORS®

To use the REALTOR® title and access MLS listings, I needed to join National Association of REALTORS® through our local association.

The annual dues for NAR membership I paid $156, plus a $45 special assessment, totaling $201 per year.

👉 NAR Membership Information

8. Sign Up for MLS Access through OKCMAR

To list properties and access comprehensive market data in the Oklahoma City area, I needed MLS membership through the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® (OKCMAR).

I payed the annual MLS subscription fee with quarterly dues of $182.50. Additionally, new members are assessed a one-time application fee I paid $150.

👉 OKCMAR MLS Membership Information

Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

To stay licensed in Oklahoma, REALTORS® are also required to complete continuing education (CE) classes.

The Oklahoma Real Estate Commission requires licensees to complete CE hours before renewal. These classes help agents stay current on contracts, laws, fair housing, ethics, broker relationships, code updates, and industry changes.

Some of the commonly required CE topics include:

• Broker Relationships

• Professional Conduct & Code of Ethics

• Contracts and Forms

• Fair Housing

• Hot Topic / Current Issues

• Oklahoma Code and Rules Updates

• Risk Management

• Agency Relationships

There are also elective CE classes agents can choose based on their interests and specialties.

Examples include:

• First-time home buyers

• Luxury homes

• Commercial real estate

• Marketing and social media

• Investment properties

• Property management

• AI and technology

• Negotiation skills

• Rural properties

• Native American home loan programs

The cost of CE classes varies depending on where you take them. Some brokerages provide classes, while others may charge per course.

Approximate Yearly Cost to Stay a REALTOR®

Here’s an approximate breakdown of yearly costs to maintain a REALTOR® career:

Approximate Annual Cost Around $2,321+ per year a bit more the first year with application fees.

Real estate can be an amazing career, but it is important to understand that you are running a business. There are ongoing expenses, education requirements, and investments involved in growing your career.

Final Thoughts

Let me know if you have any questions, I’m more than happy to help.

I hope sharing the path I took helps point you in the general direction that works for you. Wishing you the best as you explore this exciting new career path! Remember this was my path, you can make your own as there are many ways to start your new career!!

With a Sprinkle of Lime, thoughtfully guiding you home.
Susan at Lime

Disclosure:

The information shared in this blog is based on my personal experience and the path I personally chose to take when becoming licensed in Oklahoma. Costs, fees, requirements, dues, timelines, and continuing education requirements may change over time and can vary depending on brokerage, association memberships, licensing status, and individual business choices.

I am not representing this as the only path to becoming a real estate agent or REALTOR®. There are multiple schools, brokerages, associations, training programs, and business models available.

The pricing, fees, billing schedules, and membership information included in this blog were accurate to the best of my knowledge at the time of writing but should always be verified directly with the appropriate organizations.

For the most current information, please contact:

• Oklahoma Real Estate Commission (OREC)

• OKCMAR

• MLSOK

• National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)

• Your preferred brokerage or licensing school

This blog is intended for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, brokerage, licensing, tax, or career advice.

Always do your own research and verify current requirements before making business or licensing decisions.