Selling real estate is a career where people can make a lot of money. Most people realize this, so it is an enticing career field. It is also a good field for those who know about houses, construction, and the area they live in, so they can help people find a community to match their preferences. Some people may wonder if an ex-felon can get a real estate license if they are interested in pursuing the profession. The answer is not a simple yes or no.
Having a felony conviction on your record does not automatically mean you cannot get a real estate license. Some people who have been convicted of a felony are able to still get a real estate license. However, there are others who are not allowed to apply for or get issued a real estate license due to their felony conviction. There are some important factors that the felony conviction comes down to that will make the difference in the two scenarios.
The State Where You Apply Makes a Difference :::: There are two important factors when it comes to determining if an ex-felon can get a real estate license. The first one is the state where you are applying for the real estate license. Each state has different laws, and they vary on this topic. Some states will allow anyone with a felony conviction to become a real estate agent, while other states will allow some people to become real estate agents despite being an ex-felon.
To find out if you can become a real estate agent in your state, you need to determine what the law is in your state. Do a search for how to apply for a real estate license in your state. Once you find that information, read over the application and rules to see if those who have been convicted of a felony are allowed to apply. The list of rules regarding applying for the license should be public information, so it should not be difficult t find.
Every state has an agency where a real estate agent applies for their license to sell properties. That is the agency that you will want to contact to inquire about whether or not you are eligible to apply for a real estate license as an ex-felon. They will either have the information posted publicly where you will have easy access to it, or you can send them an email or call them to inquire about it.
The Type of Felony Matters, Too
The type of felony conviction that someone has makes a difference. Some states bar ex-felons who have committed certain types of properties, but allow people to apply if they have committed other types of felonies. The type of felony record you have will play a big role in whether or not you can have a real estate license.
This is another question you will have to ask the government body in your state if you do not see the information on their website or on the real estate license application. If their website or the application says that ex-felons are allowed to apply for a real estate license or they are not allowed to, it is important to get clarification. Some states ban certain felony convictions, while allowing others.
For example, there are some states that ban ex-felons from applying for a real estate license if the crime they were convicted of involved money or property. Other states ban ex-felons who have been convicted of sex crimes from having a real estate license.
Appealing the Decision
If you are an ex-felon and have your heart set on getting a real estate license, you first have to see what the rules are in your state. Determine if you are eligible to apply for a real estate license in that state and then go from there to move forward. If you are able to apply, then you can complete the necessary paperwork to get the real estate license and start working in the field.
If the information you read or that you are told leads you to believe that you cannot apply for a real estate license due to your felony conviction, you have options. You can give up immediately and go do something else to earn a living, or you can try to still pursue real estate.
There are options you can consider if the information you have been given states that you cannot apply for a real estate license with the felony conviction you have. Start by writing to the governing body that oversees the real estate licensing. Explain to them your situation and that you would like to see if you can have the decision reviewed. Perhaps they will allow you to explain your situation and then they will appeal to allow you to be able to apply for a real estate license. They may review and consider the cases individually.
You can also hire an attorney who can review your record and the state law to see if you have options. The attorney may be able to help you with your record or in working with the governing body to be able to get the license. They can tell you what, if any, options you may have to take legal action to get the license.
Another option that you have, that may be a little more difficult for some people, is to consider moving to another state. If the state where you live does not allow ex-felons to get a real estate license you could move to a state that does and work in the field there. Be sure to research the state laws before making a move to another state. You want to make sure that you are able to get the license if you make the move, rather than move and then find out there is something prohibiting you from obtaining it in that state as well. Moving may not be a simple solution, but it is an option.
